'65 GB Powertrain Decoding

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Decoding information for '65 Greenbrier engines, transmissions, and differentials

The source for the information on this page is Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin DR #690 (reissue), dated April 2, 1965. The information has been reproduced in other locations, including Bob Helt's The Classic Corvair and The Corvair Junkyard Primer.

Engine code information

This code is located on the top of the engine block, immediately forward of the alternator / oil filter adapter.

The format of the code is $####@@, where:

bullet$ = the plant identifier, which is always T, for Tonawanda, NY
bullet#### = the month and day of manufacture (year is assumed)
bullet@@ = type identifier:
bulletRS = 95 HP, manual transmission
bulletRU = 110 HP, manual transmission
bulletRV = 95 HP, automatic transmission
bulletRX = 110 HP, automatic transmission

Notes:

bulletThe four type identifiers listed above were used in forward control engines only, probably to denote differences such as the oil filler tube location.
bulletA capital "I" was used instead of a "1".

Transmission code information

This code is located different depending on the transmission type:

bulletManual transmissions:
bullet3-speed: Left front mounting boss
bullet4-speed: Lower left side of case just forward of side cover
bulletAutomatic transmissions: Forward right side of transmission oil pan

The format of the code is $####%, where:

bullet$ = the plant and type identifier:
bulletR = Saginaw, MI 4-speed manual
bulletS = Saginaw, MI 3-speed manual
bulletT = Toledo, OH PowerGlide automatic
bullet#### = the month and day of manufacture (year is assumed)
bullet% = shift (D for day and N for night; Saginaw did not run a night shift so this is not included on manual transmissions)

Note: A capital "I" was used instead of a "1".

Differential code information

This code is located on the lower-left side of the differential carrier housing.

The format of the code is $$####, where:

bullet$$ = the type identifier:
bulletAV = Corvair FC, 3.55:1 ratio, manual transmission
bulletAW = Corvair FC, 3.55:1 ratio, manual transmission, limited slip
bulletAX= Corvair FC, 3.55:1 ratio, automatic transmission
bulletAY = Corvair FC, 3.55:1 ratio, automatic transmission, limited slip
bullet#### = the month and day of manufacture (year is assumed)

Notes:

bulletCorvair differentials were built at the Buffalo, NY plant only.
bulletA capital "I" was used instead of a "1".

 

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Last updated: March 20, 2006.