Why were engines called this?

[Bill I.]

Engines have an L before them. Why? What does the L stand for? Thanks, Bill.

[Joe L.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

Engines have an L before them. Why? What does the L stand for? Thanks, Bill.

Bill-----


If you mean the "L" prefix for the RPO (e.g. L-36, L-48, etc.) it does not really have any, particular, meaning. It's just that when someone at GM set up the RPO coding system first used for the 1963 model year, they decided that "L" would be the alpha character prefix for engine options. All engine options since then right up to the present day have used the "L" prefix.

By the way, the codes are specific to model years and are often "re-used". For example, the L-68 was first used for the high performance, hydraulic lifter 427 with 3X2 for model years 1967 through 1969. However, for model years 1985-91 it denoted an "Iron Duke" 2.5L I-4 engine.

Also, some might question that the "L" prefix was always used for engine options. If so, what about things like ZL-1 and Z-28? Well, in the GM RPO nomencalture system, RPO's with a "Z" prefix denote an option PACKAGE. Often, it's just a trim package. However, ZL-1 and Z-28 were examples of performance packages which included an engine unique to the package as well as other performance pieces, mostly suspension and brakes in the case of these two.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

the Z-11 was the drag race option for the impala in the 60s. special 427 cu in 409 based engine as lots of aluminum sheet metal

[Duke W.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

Z-prefix options were used for "special performance equipment packages", and included equipment for several groups that may or may not have been separately available.

Duke

[Chuck G.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

Joe L. nailed it as usual.

Here's a link to RPO codes.

Another example: "M" is always used for transmissions.

http://www.nastyz28.com/gm-rpo-codes/

Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

Z-prefix options were used for "special performance equipment packages", and included equipment for several groups that may or may not have been separately available.

Duke

Duke------



"Z" prefixed RPO's are not necessarily performance-related. In fact, more often than not they are simply a package of trim pieces. For example, for 1988 "Z06" denoted an interior luxury package for GM "G" body cars.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

Duke------



"Z" prefixed RPO's are not necessarily performance-related. In fact, more often than not they are simply a package of trim pieces. For example, for 1988 "Z06" denoted an interior luxury package for GM "G" body cars.

yep it depends on the year it was issued. the Z-28 camaro may have been the only "Z" package that showed up as a badge on the car

[Donald O.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

yep it depends on the year it was issued. the Z-28 camaro may have been the only "Z" package that showed up as a badge on the car

Z-24 Cavalier

[Clem Z.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

Z-24 Cavalier

i should have remembered that as #1 son's first car was a Z-24 cavalier. i am used to a"Z" series car being a performance model.

[Michael G.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

I believe they also badged a pick-up truck with a Z-?? package.

[Jaime G.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

ZL1 for the trucks and tahoes

[John H.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

Z-16 for the '65 Chevelle 396.

[Duke W.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

Z09 Cosworth Vega Package for 1HV77

Duke

[Terry M.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

I believe they also badged a pick-up truck with a Z-?? package.

You are right. One of the four-wheel drive pick-ups had a Z-something decal on its flanks.

[Loren L.]

Re: Why were engines called this?

As a semi-interesting aside, persons wanting to buy the initial Z11 offering had to process their orders through Joe Pike for approval; not sure what kind of semi-official Review Board JP sent the applications through, but if you wanted one......