Chevy small block suffix code on a 283 63 Impala

Posted by Carl King - 21/03/08 at 07:03 am

Here’s an email from a lady who understands the value of knowing what the cowl trim tag and suffix codes on her 63 Impala are going to mean for the value of her car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Hi Carl
I have a 1963 impala and we just got the motor pulled out.  This is the info I have, of course I have done the basic vin decodes. It’s not an SS but is a 283 V8.  I guess I’m really trying to figure out if it is the true number matching motor and tranny?  Or is that possible to tell?
I found your posts on the Impala Project and I’m hoping you can help me.  This car is in really great shape and supposedly the original motor and tranny. The Tranny does say power glide on the side of it.  Again any help would be great.
Thanks so much,
Lisa
 

1963 Impala

Vin #31847S314xxx
Cowl Tag

Style 63-1847  Body SL 82789

Trim 874    ACC  EK     Paint 900

 

In the casting of the back of the Engine Block # 3834812
Back of the Motor Casting on Top #3840905
Side of the Block # W 53      812

Left Side Tab of the bell housing”2F”
Back of the Tranny Tail Serial #3789080

Hi Lisa,

GM did not match engine serial numbers to vehicle VINs til 65. The block
casting number 3834812 was used for a few years in the early 60’s. The
intake casting number 3840905 was used in 64 and 65, really not unusual
to see previous or later year casting numbers on another year though. Parts
were interchangeable to GM. If they had them in stock, they would use
them.

The most important number to start with is called the suffix code. It’s
not really a number but a letter suffix at the end of a series of
numbers stamped on the block.

You’ll find the suffix code stamped on the block deck, in front of the
passenger side cylinder head near the water pump.

Send me the suffix code. It should end in a “D” for 63 with a 195HP 283
w/PG. There are others for that year but they are all for 3 speed manual
versions.

Carl

Thank you so much for your help!!!

The Suffix Code is F072DK,  I hope it’s not bad it ends with a K instead of the D. I Also figured out on the Tranny the number I gave I think is just the P/N.   I found a date of 1/64 and so I’m assuming it was manufactured in Jan of 64.  Again you help is so greatly appreciated.
Lisa

 

Carl King said:
> It appears dual character suffix codes were used as well. DK was used for
> several years, but the 63 Impala 283 with air conditioning is designated
> by this code as well.
>
> I’d say it’s safe to assume your motor is original. Make sure they retain
> all the clips and special screws and bolts that need to be removed to get
> the engine out. A lot of mechanics will overlook what they perceive to be
> trivial things like that. The end result is devaluing the car if they are
> not put back in place.
>
> Every little piece matters.
>
> Carl

Lisa,

Do you mind if I use this email thread on my blog? I always like to ask
first.

Carl
Hi Carl
Not at all, that would be great.  This was so helpful, and if it could help someone else.
Fantastic…  hey thanks again.
Lisa

This entry was posted on Friday, March 21st, 2008 at 7:30 am and is filed under Suffix Codes. The entry is tagged under chevy small block suffix code, cowl trim tag, decode cowl tag. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.