Topic: HW versus HX engine prefix
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Maricopa, AZ - USA
Joined: 3/27/2006
Posts: 8
Vette(s): 1969 Vette, Daytona Yellow original paint and black leather interior. Only 54,589 original miles and full documentation and original window sticker. This vette comes with 350/350 4 speed, factory AC, ps,pb, AM/FM stereo and luggage rack.
I have a 69 vette 350/350 4 speed with AC. The prefix is HW and I was told to have AC it should be HX. It sure has factory AC so I am confused by the prefix. Anyone have an explanation. Thanks
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John,
The blocks that were stamped HX were for A/C cars. For '68 (my year) there were a lot less engine suffixes. They were basically 2 for each HP rating, 1 for Manual, 1 for Automatic.
Aside for brackets, I'm sure that there is no difference between the HW & HX. Based on the amount of documentation that you have on the car, maybe it is possible that an HW block was used by the plant if no HX's were available, or maybe it was stamped wrong.
You may need to reach out to your local NCRS chapter for a better answer.
Joel...........Are you out there?
Anthony
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
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
With the '69 model year running long due to the strike, it is entirely possible that an HX engine was used in place of an HW. Also, remember that '69 was the first year for the 350, so anything is possible. It is/was not uncommon for the engine stamps to have been done erroneously. Most were caught, and then re-stamped after grinding the wrong letter/number off with a "pencil" grinder. This applies more to the VIN derivative than the suffix codes, however. The suffix codes would have been stamped at the engine assembly plant, not on the Corvette assembly line.
If the VIN on the stamp pad matches the VIN of the car, I wouldn't concern myself with it. The issue then would be determining if the vehicle did come with fact. A/C, or if someone added it later. With the orig. window sticker, this shouldn't be a problem. The build sheet(tank sticker) would be the absolute final answer, if it is available.
It might be tempted to do a little more research to see if more anomalies such as this are common. Check with the
NCRS Tech discussion board archives...
If the VIN on the stamp pad matches the VIN of the car, I wouldn't concern myself with it. The issue then would be determining if the vehicle did come with fact. A/C, or if someone added it later. With the orig. window sticker, this shouldn't be a problem. The build sheet(tank sticker) would be the absolute final answer, if it is available.
It might be tempted to do a little more research to see if more anomalies such as this are common. Check with the
NCRS Tech discussion board archives...
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"
c'mon joel, you're making all of this up as you go along aren't you? 
i mean, who in the world know's all of this stuff?? 
your knowledge is stunning.
thanks for being here. 
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
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
sshhhhhh... 
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"
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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