C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

[William M.]

73-74 Judging Guide states "The rear of the passenger side valve cover has a one piece 1 1/8 by 2 1/4 inch yellow label with the engine suffix code, and sometimes the part number in black letters". For my 73 LS4 Auto, it should be "CWR". I haven't been able to find a vendor that reproduces this code. I could have it made of vinyl, but I'm not sure what shade of yellow and what type of font. Anyone have pictures of original or any ideas?

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

Why would you have it made of vinyl, when you can make it yourself on a computer using paper -- like the factory did? Or maybe you know the factory used vinyl labels in 1973?

[William M.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

Why would you have it made of vinyl, when you can make it yourself on a computer using paper -- like the factory did? Or maybe you know the factory used vinyl labels in 1973?

No, I don't know anything about the label. I've never seen one on a 73-74. Just looking for some guidance. Does anyone have a picture? Thanks.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

A while back I posted a picture of a 1975. Once posted, one cannot post a picture again. That not only saves server space, but forces use of the "search" function.

My collection of suffix code labels generally ends with 1972. In fact I have no idea how I wound up with a photo of a 1975 label. I must have been out of my mind.

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

There's an occassional picture of factory original, 3-digit, suffix code labels in the various MF Dobbins books. The key here is these labels were applied with water soluable glue and tended to 'disappear' pretty quickly after initial delivery.

That's why it's so hard to find bona fide factory originals to observe. Folks like Paragon suggest you buy two of their 2-digit labels (vinyl stock not factory original paper stock), cut and manually line them up to mimic the factory originals.

Most judges know these for what they are (a 'best efforts' attempt) and cut a reasonable degree of slack. Some, have gone to goodly lengths to find a bona fide original car from their era with the label still intact, take a digital picture, massage it with a picture processor like Photoshop, and dump the output to paper.

These efforts almost always draw praise on the judging field! But, remember, we're talking about a low point item here, so you have to ask yourself how much time/effort you want to devote to this restoration challenge...

[Dave S.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

No, I don't know anything about the label. I've never seen one on a 73-74. Just looking for some guidance. Does anyone have a picture? Thanks.

If you search the archives you will see enough discussion on this subject to make you a near expert.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

While it is a low point item (relatively 3 to 5 points I think), the lack of a label will result in a full deduct. It is one of the most common reasons judging teams seek the "full deduct" sign-off from the team leader. ANY effort at replicating the label, even the combination of single letters (even though I find that personally detestable, since it is so easy to come so much closer with a computer and color printer), will save one from a full deduct.

This item should go in the same category as AC Delco battery and filters as a means of getting a few points with a minimal effort.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

If you search the archives you will see enough discussion on this subject to make you a near expert.

That would be true.

[Kenneth H.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

William, click on the search button in this forum and type "Engine Suffix Code Label". You'll find a thread from December, 2008 that discusses this label in detail, contains a number of pictures of original labels and discusses how to make one for yourself. Also, recently I saw someone offering these labels in vinyl on Ebay.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

No, I don't know anything about the label. I've never seen one on a 73-74. Just looking for some guidance. Does anyone have a picture? Thanks.

Bill,

See the picture of my '71 LS5, CPH suffix label.

You have a top flight on that pretty blue car, are you trying to be a hog?

Ken

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

Also, recently I saw someone offering these labels in vinyl on Ebay.

Those labels are not entirely correct in a few ways.
Not bad, but not not excellent either.

[William M.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

Bill,

See the picture of my '71 LS5, CPH suffix label.

You have a top flight on that pretty blue car, are you trying to be a hog?

Ken

Thank you. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Yes, I know I'm not going to "top" my Top Flight, but I'm trying to correct the little details like this. After recently hunting down and finally speaking to the original owner, I have a new found interest in getting the car as close to the way it was when he took delivery. That's part of the fun, right?

[Kenneth H.]

Re: C3 Engine Suffix Code Label

Those labels are not entirely correct in a few ways.
Not bad, but not not excellent either.

Patrick, yes, I know and agree that they aren't completely correct. The originals weren't vinyl as far as I know. I chose to make my own, but if you're not computer savy, or you don't have an original example for your year and engine, the ebay labels will suffice. They're a little pricey for my taste.