engine code on my 87 ?

[scabby9]

Pretty new to the group but i was wondering if anyone can help me with an engine code. I can't find any info on the FBC at the end. The guy i bought it off said it was a crate engine he bought off another guy. any ideas?

[Ski-me]

Found a little help......

http://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engine-code-stampings.php

K - St. Catherines, Ontario Plant
07 - July
08 - July 8th
FBC - ????
EBC - ????

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Ski-me

Found a little help......

http://www.nastyz28.com/chevy-engine-code-stampings.php

K - St. Catherines, Ontario Plant
07 - July
08 - July 8th
FBC - ????
EBC - ????

Thanks for posting that.

I can't help on the specific code (FBC) but recognize it as the three letter broadcast code in the assembly plant (sometimes known as the "pick code"). This code allows the assembly operator to choose the correct engine configuration without having to remember the specific part number.

As such, though, since it has an assembly plant code on the block I highly doubt it is a "crate" motor - unless the builder used a production block as a core for their build.

K

[scabby9]

i'll have to get the block number as soon as the snow melts i guess. The local dealership told me they can get all the info with that number it's just that the truck is snowed in at the moment.

Is it possible that there could be a code for engines sold from the dealer as crate engines? the last 3 letters are to determine the type of vehicle it belongs in i believe.

I have googled it and there are a few other forums with the same question but no answers. Thanks again for your help.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by scabby9

Is it possible that there could be a code for engines sold from the dealer as crate engines? the last 3 letters are to determine the type of vehicle it belongs in i believe.

No. The codes are to help the assembly line operator. If the engine is a crate or service replacement put in at the dealership there is no need for the code.

Further detail: let's say you order a 350 cu in engine. There is one base part for a 350, but it proliferates on Auto vs manual trans, a/c vs no a/c and California emissions vs Federal.

So there would be eight part numbers within that one engine family (there would probably be this many variations for v6, for 305 cu in, for 454 cu in and diesel as well):

12345678 350 cu in manual no a/c Fed
12345679 350 cu in manual w a/c Fed
12345680 350 cu in auto no a/c Fed
12345681 350 cu in auto a/c Fed
12345682 350 cu in manual no a/c Calif
12345683 350 cu in manual a/c Calif
12345684 350 cu in auto no a/c Calif
12345685 350 cu in auto a/c Calif

An assembly plant broadcast code would be assigned to each part number:

TAA 12345678 350 cu in manual no a/c Fed
TAB 12345679 350 cu in manual w a/c Fed
TAC 12345680 350 cu in auto no a/c Fed
TAD 12345681 350 cu in auto a/c Fed
TAE 12345682 350 cu in manual no a/c Calif
TAF 12345683 350 cu in manual a/c Calif
TAG 12345684 350 cu in auto no a/c Calif
TAH 12345685 350 cu in auto a/c Calif

So the operator goes over to a bay that is full of racks and racks of engines (probably more than you've ever seen in one place in your entire life). You can tell him which one to choose, via the build manifest, and he can remember that he needs an "AF", instead of trying to remember 123455683, or manual/AC/California emissions, since he will do this nearly 500 times in one day.

K

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

So the operator goes over to a bay that is full of racks and racks of engines (probably more than you've ever seen in one place in your entire life). You can tell him which one to choose, via the build manifest, and he can remember that he needs an "AF", instead of trying to remember 123455683, or manual/AC/California emissions, since he will do this nearly 500 times in one day.

K

Pick the right engine: This happens to be a passenger car plant (Tarrytown) but will give you a visual of what I mean:



K

[rfmaster]

Keith

What a wonderful, historic photograph!!! Thank you for sharing! Due to rampant disappearance of manufacturing jobs in USA very few of us (still) know what a production line should look like!

//RF