Northwest Nova

1962 - 67 Chevy II - Nova - Acadian
Parts & Accessories
(541) 788-2191

Nova Restoration Resources

→ Nova Engine Suffix Code Reference

GM used suffix codes to identify key aspects of an engine's application such as destination vehicle, transmission and engine mounted options.  The codes are often, but not always, vehicle line dependent. Codes were occasionally recycled between different engines, such as the 230 & 250 inline six and low performance V8s.

Casting numbers (basically a part number) provide more general information such as, "this is an engine block for a 283 CID V8". Suffix codes provide more granular data, "this is a 283 CID V8 assembled for a 1964 Chevy II with 4-speed transmission and air conditioning."  Casting numbers were "cast" when the engine was poured at the foundry. Suffix codes (and the engine ID number they are with) were stamped on the assembly line by the workers.  The suffix would have been stamped prior to the stamping of the partial VIN, thus positioning, stamp "font" and strike depth can vary between the two. 

→ Stamp Location

  • L4 — passenger side of engine pad next to distributor.
  • L6 — passenger side of engine pad next to distributor.
  • V8 — passenger side front of engine on pad in front of cylinder head.

→ Chevy II Engines By Model Year

  • 1962 — 153 L4 • 194 L6 (Debut of the Chevy II)
  • 1963 — 153 L4 • 194 L6
  • 1964 — 153 L4 • 194 L6 • 230 L6 • 283 V8 (Debut of the small block V8 & 4-speed)
  • 1965 — 153 L4 • 194 L6 • 230 L6 • 283 V8 • 327 V8 (Debut of the small block 327 V8)
  • 1966 — 153 L4 • 194 L6 • 230 L6 • 283 V8 • 327 V8 (Debut of RPO L79 327)
  • 1967 — 153 L4 • 194 L6 • 250 L6 • 283 V8 • 327 V8
  • 1968 — 153 L4 • 230 L6 • 250 L6 • 307 V8 • 327 V8 • 350 V8 • 396 V8 (Debut of the big block V8 – RPO L78)
  • 1969 — 153 L4 • 230 L6 • 250 L6 • 307 V8 • 350 V8 • 396 V8
  • 1970 — 153 L4 • 230 L6 • 250 L6 • 307 V8 • 350 V8 • 396 V8
  • 1971 — 250 L6 • 307 V8 • 350 V8 (Inline 4 & big block V8 discontinued)
  • 1972 — 250 L6 • 307 V8 • 350 V8
  • 1973 — 250 L6 • 307 V8 • 350 V8
  • 1974 — 250 L6 • 307 V8 • 350 V8

KEY ITEMS

  • THERE WERE NO FACTORY INSTALLED V8 engines in the 1962 - 63 model years.
  • Suffix codes are two letters (occasionally one) through 1969. Three letters from 1970 on. Numbers were normally not used, but I believe there are exceptions to this.
  • Suffix code will identify the engine's displacement, destination vehicle, transmission option, smog setup, air conditioning and performance level (High Performance Only).  It will also identify if the engine was destined for a police vehicle or taxi cab.
  • 1964 – 67 Chevy II V8 engines do not share suffix codes with other Chevy passenger cars due to their unique engine blocks.  There may be overlap with trucks.
  • On V8 engines the suffix codes can be lost when the engine block cylinder deck is milled. Beware of scammers re-stamping engines to create a valuable engine application.
  • There were no special "SS only" engines in the 1962 - 67 period. All engines, except the 153 inline 4, could be ordered in any American made Chevy II model or body style.  The L4 was not available in hardtops, convertibles or 400 Series vehicles. There is solid evidence of 4 cyl engines in Canadian hardtops and convertibles (we have one).
  • The 230 & 250 L6 can share the same suffix codes and block casting number. The block date code is then used to identify displacement.
  • 1962 - 67 L4 & L6 manual trans cars used the 3-speed transmission. The 4-speed was only available in V8 applications.

–NOTE– These listings are compiled directly from original GM source materials. We do not use online resources for our data.  If you have a correction or addendum to the information presented, feel free to contact us.  We will not consider information that is not backed by verifiable GM references.

Four Cylinder Engines 

Suffix Year Engine Application
E 1962 – 64 153 CID – L4 3-speed Manual Transmission
EB 1962 – 64 153 CID – L4 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ Heavy Duty Clutch
EG 1962 – 64 153 CID – L4 Powerglide Transmission
EK 1962 – 64 153 CID – L4 3-speed Manual Transmission – Taxi
EL 1962 – 64 153 CID – L4 Powerglide Transmission – Taxi
EP 1962 – 64 153 CID – L4 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ Positive Ventilation (PCV)
EQ 1962 – 64 153 CID – L4 Powerglide Transmission w/ Positive Ventilation (PCV)
ER 1962 – 64 153 CID – L4 3-speed Manual Transmission, Heavy Duty Clutch w/ Positive Ventilation (PCV)
ES 1962 – 64 153 CID – L4 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ Positive Ventilation (PCV) – Taxi
ET 1962 – 64 153 CID – L4 Powerglide Transmission w/ Positive Ventilation (PCV) – Taxi
OA 1965 – 68 153 CID – L4 3-speed Manual Transmission
OC 1965 – 68 153 CID – L4 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ Heavy Duty Clutch
OG 1965 153 CID – L4 3-speed Manual Transmission – Taxi
OH 1965 – 68 153 CID – L4 Powerglide Transmission
OJ 1965 153 CID – L4 Powerglide Transmission – Taxi

Six Cylinder Engines 

Suffix Year Engine Application
BA 1968 – XX 230 CID – L6 Manual Transmission
BB 1968 – XX 230 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ Heavy Duty Clutch & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
BC 1968 – XX 230 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ Heavy Duty Clutch
BD 1968 – XX 230 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
BF 1968 – XX 230 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission
BH 1968 – XX 230 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
BT 1962 – 64 230 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission
BU 1962 – 64 230 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission w/ Positive Ventilation (PCV)
CM 1968 – XX 250 CID – L6 Manual Transmission
CN 1968 – XX 250 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
CQ 1968 – XX 250 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission
CR 1968 – XX 250 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
H 1962 – 64 194 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission
HB 1962 – 64 194 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ Heavy Duty Clutch
HF 1962 – 64 194 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission
HL 1962 – 64 194 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission – Taxi
HM 1962 – 64 194 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission – Taxi
HT 1962 – 64 194 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ Positive Ventilation (PCV) – Taxi
HU 1962 – 64 194 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission w/ Positive Ventilation (PCV) – Taxi
LP 1962 – 64 230 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission
LR 1962 – 64 230 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ Positive Ventilation (PCV)
OK 1965 – 67 194 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission
OM 1965 – 67 194 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ Heavy Duty Clutch
OQ 1965 194 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission – Taxi
OR 1965 – 67 194 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission
OS 1966 194 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump) – Taxi
OT 1965 194 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission – Taxi
PC 1966 230 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
PC 1967 250 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
PI 1966 230 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
PI 1967 250 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
PV 1965 – 66 230 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission
PV 1967 250 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission
PX 1965 – 66 230 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission
PX 1967 250 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission
ZX 1966 – 67 194 CID – L6 Powerglide Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
ZY 1966 – 67 194 CID – L6 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)

Eight Cylinder Engines 

Suffix Year Engine Application
CF 1964 283 CID – V8 4-speed Manual Transmission
CG 1964 283 CID – V8 4-speed Manual Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
CH 1964 283 CID – V8 3-speed Manual Transmission
CJ 1964 283 CID – V8 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
DA 1968 – xxx 307 CID – V8 Manual Transmission
DB 1968 – xxx 307 CID – V8 4-speed Manual Transmission
DE 1964 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission
DE 1968 – xxx 307 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission
DF 1964 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
EA 1968 327 CID – V8 Manual Transmission
EE 1968 327 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission
EP 1968 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Powerglide Transmission
ML 1968 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Manual Transmission
MK 1968 327 CID – V8 Manual Transmission
MM 1968 327 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission
MQ 1968 396 CID – V8 Manual Transmission
MR 1968 396 CID – V8 TH400 Transmission
MS 1968 350 CID – V8 Manual Transmission
MU 1968 350 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission
MX 1968 396 CID – V8 Manual Transmission
PB 1965 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission, 4bbl Carb w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
PD 1965 – 67 283 CID – V8 3-speed Manual Transmission
PE 1965 283 CID – V8 3-speed Manual Transmission, 4bbl Carb
PE 1966 – 67 283 CID – V8 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
PF 1965 – 67 283 CID – V8 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
PG 1965 283 CID – V8 3-speed Manual Transmission, 4bbl Carb w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
PG 1966 283 CID – V8 3-speed Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump) & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
PK 1965 – 66 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission, 4bbl Carb
PL 1965 – 67 283 CID – V8 4-speed Manual Transmission
PM 1965 – 67 283 CID – V8 4-speed Manual Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
PN 1965 – 67 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission
PO 1966 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump) & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
PP 1965 & 1967 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
PP 1966 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission, 4bbl Carb w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
PQ 1966 – 67 283 CID – V8 4-speed Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
PS 1966 283 CID – V8 4-speed Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump) & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
PU 1966 – 67 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
QA 1966 283 CID – V8 Manual Transmission, 4bbl Carb
QB 1966 283 CID – V8 Manual Transmission, 4bbl Carb & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
QC 1966 283 CID – V8 Manual Transmission, 4bbl Carb & A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
QD 1966 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission, 4bbl Carb w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
QE 1966 283 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission, 4bbl Carb w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump) & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
QF 1966 283 CID – V8 Manual Transmission, 4bbl Carb w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump) & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
ZA 1965 – 66 327 CID – V8 Manual Transmission
ZA 1967 327 CID – V8 Manual Transmission, 4bbl Carb
ZB 1965 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Manual Transmission
ZB 1966 – 67 327 CID – V8 Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
ZC 1966 327 CID – V8 Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump) & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
ZD 1966 – 67 327 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
ZE 1965 – 67 327 CID – V8 Manual Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
ZF 1965 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Manual Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
ZF 1966 327 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump) & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
ZG 1966 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump)
ZG 1967 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump) & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
ZH 1966 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Manual Transmission w/ A.I.R. (Smog Pump) & C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
ZI 1966 – 67 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Manual Transmission
ZJ 1966 – 67 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Manual Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
ZK 1965 – 67 327 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission
ZL 1965 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Powerglide Transmission
ZM 1965 – 67 327 CID – V8 Powerglide Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)
ZN 1965 327 CID – V8 High Performance – Powerglide Transmission w/ C.A.C. (Air Conditioning)

1. Manual Transmission either 3 or 4-speed unless explicitly stated.

2. A.I.R. = Air Injection Recirculation OR Air Induction Reactor (Smog Pump)

3. C.A.C. = Custom Air Condition

4. 4bbl = four barrel carburetor



DISCLAIMER This information is provided as a courtesy to the Chevy II enthusiast.  It is your responsibility to verify the safety and efficacy of this information and your related repairs.  We are not in any way responsible for the success and / or safety of your vehicle repair.  Nor are we liable for any bodily harm or property damage, to you or others, caused by faulty repairs.  It should go without saying, but if you do not know what you are doing leave the engine, transmission & suspension work to experienced mechanics.