I have a '68 with a 300 hp, 4 speed, with power steering and what looks to be a non-factory A/C. (I have enough proof that the A/C looks added on by a previous owner) My engine suffix code is "HE". Does this ID make it unlikely that the power steering was non factory?
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Re: Engine Sufix Code on '68
Chris:
This is in response to your question about the "HE" engine suffix code for the 1968 build and its relationship to air conditioning. The short answer to your question is that in this build year "HE" has no bearing as to A/C. 1968 "HE" engines may or may not have had A/C. However, if a 300 HP engine had a COMBINATION of A/C and P/S, then a suffix change to "HP" would have been necessary because of certain significant physical manufacturing differences. These differences might have been the taping of certain boses or the addition of particular A/C brackets etc. Any way, as far as the Flint engine assembly plant was concerned A/C-P/S engines were identified by a different code. The only 1968 engine suffix code the absolutely confirms 327 C.I. and A/C is the "HP" designation.
The use of combinations of engine related options for one suffix becomes really apparent beginning in ' 66. From 1966 to 1968 there were only eight different 327 C.I. engine assemblies manufactured by Flint for Corvette each year. However, from 1963 to 1965 the number of 327 suffix identification codes grew from six to eighteen. It was obvious that suffix codes would need broader application in terms of engine accessory combinations or the number of codes would grow out of hand. That's why in 1966 and 67 mid-year applications A/C is found with all small block engine suffix codes. In these two years, only suffix codes "HP" and "KH" specifically confirm A/C with 327. However, that did not PRECLUDE the use of A/C in all other small block combinations. Similarly, in 1968, "HP" is the only small block code confirming "A/C".
All this can be confusing but at the same time its a fascinating part of the Corvette manufacturing process.
Al Grenning -
Re: Engine Sufix Code on '68
Chris:
This is in response to your question about the "HE" engine suffix code for the 1968 build and its relationship to air conditioning. The short answer to your question is that in this build year "HE" has no bearing as to A/C. 1968 "HE" engines may or may not have had A/C. However, if a 300 HP engine had a COMBINATION of A/C and P/S, then a suffix change to "HP" would have been necessary because of certain significant physical manufacturing differences. These differences might have been the taping of certain boses or the addition of particular A/C brackets etc. Any way, as far as the Flint engine assembly plant was concerned A/C-P/S engines were identified by a different code. The only 1968 engine suffix code the absolutely confirms 327 C.I. and A/C is the "HP" designation.
The use of combinations of engine related options for one suffix becomes really apparent beginning in ' 66. From 1966 to 1968 there were only eight different 327 C.I. engine assemblies manufactured by Flint for Corvette each year. However, from 1963 to 1965 the number of 327 suffix identification codes grew from six to eighteen. It was obvious that suffix codes would need broader application in terms of engine accessory combinations or the number of codes would grow out of hand. That's why in 1966 and 67 mid-year applications A/C is found with all small block engine suffix codes. In these two years, only suffix codes "HP" and "KH" specifically confirm A/C with 327. However, that did not PRECLUDE the use of A/C in all other small block combinations. Similarly, in 1968, "HP" is the only small block code confirming "A/C".
All this can be confusing but at the same time its a fascinating part of the Corvette manufacturing process.
Al GrenningComment
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Re: Engine Sufix Code on '68
Chris:
My response to your question regarding the 1968 "HE" suffix code should have also mentioned that power steering was dealt with exactly as A/C. In other words, P/S was used with all 327 engine codes that year including "HE". But,"HP" is the only suffix code that specifically identified the COMBINATION of P/S with any other option. (in this case A/C) In fact, it is the only code that mentions P/S at all! Therefore, "HP" becomes the only code that can specifically CONFIRM P/S useage in spite of the fact P/S was entirely appropriate for all 68 327 applications.
Al GrenningComment
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Re: Engine Sufix Code on '68
Chris:
My response to your question regarding the 1968 "HE" suffix code should have also mentioned that power steering was dealt with exactly as A/C. In other words, P/S was used with all 327 engine codes that year including "HE". But,"HP" is the only suffix code that specifically identified the COMBINATION of P/S with any other option. (in this case A/C) In fact, it is the only code that mentions P/S at all! Therefore, "HP" becomes the only code that can specifically CONFIRM P/S useage in spite of the fact P/S was entirely appropriate for all 68 327 applications.
Al GrenningComment
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Re: Engine Sufix Code on '68
Al, thank-you very much for your responses. From the "NCRS Spec. Guide" I would have never known it was so complex. Looks like I need to dig deeper into the car for physical evidence of the options. I've already looked for the tank sticker with no luck. Someone got there before me.
Take care.
ChrisComment
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Re: Engine Sufix Code on '68
Al, thank-you very much for your responses. From the "NCRS Spec. Guide" I would have never known it was so complex. Looks like I need to dig deeper into the car for physical evidence of the options. I've already looked for the tank sticker with no luck. Someone got there before me.
Take care.
ChrisComment
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