Broadcast Codes. Are they important in Judging"?

[George H.]

[Tom R.]

Re: Broadcast Codes. Are they important in Judging"?

George, an interesting question but in general and for selected mechanical items, the answer is yes. Broadcast codes confirm that a particular device that was configured for a particular power team, along with its date codes verify the device was engineered for that particular vehicle. There are line items in the judging score sheets that target broadcast codes, though the language may differ...engine is the engine suffix code: Engine suffix code - 25 points. The most prominent items would be your engine suffix code and the carb code. The carb code tells us the power team and emission control system the carb was engineered to accommodate. Atypical codes warrant a deduction, say 20%.Carb date in 73-82 is 5 points...outside the range, full deduct, according to the out-of-date 11/2002 judging sheets. Alternator and distributor also carry codes that are looked and expected to reconcile with guidance in the TIMJG.

Hope this helps.

[Tom R.]

Re: Broadcast Codes. Are they important in Judging"?

Here are the engine broadcast codes for an LS4 four-speed taken from the TIMJG

CWM - LS4 4-speed
CWR - LS$ THM 400
CWT - LS4 4-speed CA emissions
CWS - LS4 THM 400 CA emissions

[George H.]

Re: Broadcast Codes. Are they important in Judging"?

Thanks Tom, good update. As a follow on question. Are broadcast codes put on the parts at the St. Louis factory? I would think paper labels (i,e, master -cylinder) and ink stamping (radiators, hoses, alternators) are, but, what about parts having a BC stamping like the EGA valve and QJet carb, etc.?

[Tom R.]

Re: Broadcast Codes. Are they important in Judging"?

Of course the engine stamp pad VIN derivative was stamped at St Louis. Otherwise, the manufacturer stamped and applied the code, including date code at their assembly facility. For example, take a look at the QuadraJet whether at Carter or Rochester and we see some variation in the code format.

The VIN derivative is the only code stamped at St Louis, where it was stamped on the engine pad, transmission and frame.

[George H.]

Re: Broadcast Codes. Are they important in Judging"?

Excellant informatom. I just lerned a lot.

[James G.]

Re: Broadcast Codes. Are they important in Judging"?

For 1973 L82 4 spd Corvette and 1973 Camaro Z28 4 spd, the carb and the EGR are the same part number and same broadcast code.

[George H.]

Re: Broadcast Codes. Are they important in Judging"?

James, good follow up. That is the only point I was trying to make with my thread. Same part number, same broadcast code, the part "may" fall within the date code 6 month windown, but, it was not on the same vehicle when leaving the factory! i.e., Corvette, El Camino, Cheville, and maybe even Camaros if they had a 454.