Classic/Antique Car Repair/Car Engine Type

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Expert: Vern Bullock - 11/9/2009


Question
We bought a 1981 Camaro and there are so many problems with it, a week after we bought it, the car was out of commission. In an attempt to fix some problems we are trying to determine what kind of engine we have and we got this off the engine block, do you have any idea what kind of engine it is or how we can find out?

10066036
m090?

4UP


Thank You so much
Shawna

Answer
Hi Shawna:
You will need the VIN number to determine the engine type. Here is how
to decipher the VIN...See 8th digit in you VIN and see possible engines below.

1981 Camaro Production: 52,004 V6, 74,135 V8, 126,139 total.
Dealer Introduction: 9/25/80
Vehicle Identification Example: 1GlAP87K6BN100001

First digit is Country of Origin: 1 = USA, 2 = Canada.
Second digit: G for General Motors.
Third digit is Division, 1 = Chevrolet.
Fourth digit is restraint system: A = non-passive, B = automatic belts, C = inflatable restraint.
Fifth digit is series: P = Sport Coupe, Z28 Coupe, S = Berlinetta
Sixth and Seventh digits are for body style: 87 = sport coupe.
Eighth digit is engine code: A = 231ci V6, H = 305ci V8, J = 267ci V8, K = 229ci V6, L = 350ci V8
Ninth digit is a check digit.
Tenth digit is model year: B = 1981
Eleventh digit is N for Norwood assembly, L for Van Nuys.
Last six digits increased one with each car built at each plant

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Vern Bullock

Expertise

Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

Experience

I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

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Classy Transportation, LLC Limousine Service. A Touch Of Class Limousine Service. Blue Diamond Limousine Service. Capital City Sedan Limousine Service.

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All around the Internet

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I hold a BS degree in computer science and a MS degree in mechanical engineering.

Awards and Honors
I regularly compete at car shows and average around a dozen awards annually.

Past/Present Clients
See Web site at: http://www.classytransportation.com/

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