Topic: production date of car
in Forum: C3 Engines
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I'm new to the forum but really like it. I need to know the production date (month) of my 1972 C3, VIN: 1Z37W2S516422. I know it's an '72 LS5 coupe, but I need a engine and want to get the block casting numbers as close as possible to the original. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Look on the trim plate, just ahead of the drivers door when opened. It will have the build date coded on it in the upper left corner. I don't have the specs here with me, but if you'll post all the numbers/letters on that tag, we'll get it decoded for you. 
Welcome to the forum, btw!
Welcome to the forum, btw!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberLawrenceville, GA - USA
Joined: 10/25/2002
Posts: 100
Vette(s): 1968 427 coupe and 96 LT4 six speed Gran Sport clone
Go up the tol tab on this page click the link, and vin decoder showa uo, double click that and follow the procedures, should help you out. My 68's B-Day is May 2. Good luck and welcome-Phil
Thanks for the quick response. The trim tag is as follows:
CHEVROLET H16
TRIM 400 973 PAINT
Once again thank you for any help you can offer.
By the way the birthday calculator does not work for the years 69 - 73?
CHEVROLET H16
TRIM 400 973 PAINT
Once again thank you for any help you can offer.
By the way the birthday calculator does not work for the years 69 - 73?
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
400= Black Vinyl Trim
973= Mille Miglia Red paint
H16 =Feb. 16, 1972 build date
973= Mille Miglia Red paint
H16 =Feb. 16, 1972 build date
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Joel thanks for the reply. I came across something yesterday that had the H of H16 from the trim tag as MARCH? However, FEB. or MARCH, should my engine be date coded for the year 71 or 72? Man, I really appreciate your time and knowledge. Thanks again
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Dam my old eyeballs!!
"H" is indeed March...sorry! 
The "normal" time allowed for engine casting dates is 6 months, however, most engines were built within 3 weeks(avg) prior to the body build date. The casting date for the engine in your car would have most likely been Feb/Mar '72, possibly Jan '72.
"H" is indeed March...sorry!
The "normal" time allowed for engine casting dates is 6 months, however, most engines were built within 3 weeks(avg) prior to the body build date. The casting date for the engine in your car would have most likely been Feb/Mar '72, possibly Jan '72.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Joel I want to thank you very very much, This has been a question of mine for a long time.
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Leavenworth, KS - USA
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Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
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Joel -- Would you mind decoding the build date for my '71 coupe when you get a moment? The code on the data plate is K25, which I assumed to be "Nov 25th 1971." Thanx! Mike
in Forum: C3 Engines
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