1980 C10 Engine Identification

[jenjac]

I inherited a 1980 C10 from my Dad and I don't know very much about it. I have found some engine specs for this model truck and I am hoping to get some help identifying the specifics.

Here are the possible specs that I have found:

LE3 250ci L6 2bbl 130hp
305ci V8 2bbl 145hp
LS9 350ci V8 4bbl 170hp

How can I tell which one it is?

[geezer#99]

It's not a 250 L6, that's obvious.
There's a pad behind the altenator right in front of the head. Get the numbers off there and post them.
There's a casting number behind the drivers side head on the bell housing flange too.

[Keith Seymore]

Here is a generic information packet from the GM Heritage Center archives. It will tell you everything there is to know (...almost...) about 1980 model year Chevy pickups.

http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs...olet-Truck.pdf

Depending on how interested you are in learning more about your specific truck, you can also send them $50 and your VIN and they will send you the original invoice for your specific truck (which includes all RPO content and pricing information).

Link is here: http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/?page=3

K

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by jenjac

I inherited a 1980 C10 from my Dad and I don't know very much about it. I have found some engine specs for this model truck and I am hoping to get some help identifying the specifics.

Here are the possible specs that I have found:

LE3 250ci L6 2bbl 130hp
305ci V8 2bbl 145hp
LS9 350ci V8 4bbl 170hp

How can I tell which one it is?

Couple more things you can do immediately and for free: take the air cleaner off and see if it has a two barrel carb or a 4 barrel carb.

We already know it's not the L6, so if it's a two barrel then you know it's the 305 (which is my guess).

Lastly - the engine code is represented by the third character in the VIN. Post the VIN (except for the last six sequential digits) and we can tell what engine it came with.

VIN card for 1980 GM vehicles (pickup shown on page 2): http://service.gm.com/dealerworld/vi.../vincard80.pdf

K

[jenjac]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Lastly - the engine code is represented by the third character in the VIN. Post the VIN (except for the last six sequential digits) and we can tell what engine it came with.

VIN card for 1980 GM vehicles (pickup shown on page 2): http://service.gm.com/dealerworld/vi.../vincard80.pdf

K

The VIN Card helped!

C - Chevy
C - Conventional Cab* 106"
G - 5.0L 2BBL C,T C+
4 - 1/2 Ton
4 - Cab & Pick-Up Box
A - 1980

So it must be the "305ci V8 2bbl 145hp". You were right Keith. Thank you!

[Keith Seymore]

You are welcome.

Take a look at that info packet when you get the chance; that will get you up to speed in a hurry.

K

[Recian]

I learned mine the easy way. It has an emissions label on the radiator support that says 5.0L but yours is long gone. Your engine is identical to my 81. I'm still trying to figure out how my engine code is a T0311UDB which is supposedly an 83 305. But my truck is an 81 and the VIN is stamped next to the engine code. I'm thinking the code decipher on z28 is wrong.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Recian

I learned mine the easy way. It has an emissions label on the radiator support that says 5.0L but yours is long gone. Your engine is identical to my 81. I'm still trying to figure out how my engine code is a T0311UDB which is supposedly an 83 305. But my truck is an 81 and the VIN is stamped next to the engine code. I'm thinking the code decipher on z28 is wrong.

The "UDB" is the engine part number "broadcast code", and those can span across multiple model years.

By way of further explanation, the RPO LG9 denotes the 2 bbl 5.0L engine - but within that family there has to be different part numbers to support the various available option content;

For example (I'm making this up for discussion purposes):

Part Number, B/C Code, Description

12345678 = UDA = 5.0L, 2bbl, manual trans, no A/C, federal emission
12345679 = UDB = 5.0L, 2 bbl, auto trans, no A/C, federal emission
12345680 = UDC = 5.0L, 2 bbl, manual trans, A/C, federal emission
12345681 = UDD = 5.0L, 2 bbl, auto trans, A/C, federal emission
12345682 = UDE = 5.0L, 2 bbl, manual trans, no A/C, California emission
12345683 = UDF = 5.0L, 2bbl, auto trans, no A/C, California emission
12345684 = UDG = 5.0L, 2 bbl, manual trans, A/C, California emission
12345685 = UDH = 5.0L, 2 bbl, auto trans, A/C, California emission

There would be a similar roll out of part number/codes for all the L6 engines, all the 350 cu in engines, all the 454s and all the diesels.

As you can see it's easier for the assembly line operator to read the manifest and go after a "UDB" than to try to remember to get a 12345679.

These codes are re-used as long as possible until some significant product change makes it necessary to roll the part number and therefore the b/c code along with it.

K