Shark with a Major Bite

[Charlie '64]

Hello there! I've got a mid year but always have my ear open to a good buy from any year. A co-worker has told me he has an '80 he wants to sell. PS, PB, AC, Auto, 73k, T-Tops, and he's asking $7k. Now the kicker, he says the motor is a 350/ 335HP. Says he's the 2nd owner and he knew the original owner, and the guy ordered the car with motor. I haven't seen the car yet (he lives about 100 mi from me), but was considering a road trip if anyone could confirm whether or not the factory did special orders. I can't find anywhere that lists a 335hp eng in'80. Sounds fishy to me, but Ive been wrong before. I may see if I can get numbers, but I don't have them now, just wanted to know if anyone knew if there were any "special" orders in '80. The guy knows cars, but maybe he thinks more of his salesmanship. Thanks

 

[smurfvet]

Chevy didn't get to a 300 hp motor until the early 90's. You've got a non-original engine if it's "330 hp" or so...

Check the engine stamping code by the front of the right cylinder head. There's lots of sources for "understanding" that code, and if it is correct for the car.

The VIN number has the horsepower detailed in one of the digits (7,8,or 9, I forget) of the number. That's how the insurance companies surcharge the higher hp cars.

 

[smurfvet]

Stop looking, I found the info

80 corvette engine codes (on that pad by the right front head)

ZAM- 190 hp manual
ZAK- 190 hp auto
ZBC- 230 hp auto
ZBD- possibly???

the next 5 numbers after these three letters should be the last 5 numbers of the VIN, basically the production run number.

Someone is blowing a lot of smoke.

Don't breathe any.

for 7 grand, if it works, buy it and drive it like you stole it........

 

[Charlie '64]

Thanks

Thanks for your reply! That's what I suspected and I appreciate your confirming my suspicions. This is a great forum for getting info like this and thanks again.