Engine Information and RPO Codes

Engine RPO codes are the manufactures way of tracking what options came on your car from the factory. This is why they are so important to the car restoration industry, an RPO code can tell you if the engine in your car was installed in it by the factory.

The RPO code, VIN code, and engine block casting number all work in concert to tell a person who knows how to use the numbers if the engine and transmission in the car were out there by the factory, or if along the line one, or the other has been replaced.

The RPO code will tell you the year of the car that the engine cam in, if it had a manual, or automatic transmission, and a few other things. If the RPO code doesn't match the casting number it usually indicates that one or the other of the number has been re-stamped, on a GM engine it's usually the RPO code the get's re-stamped.

People will re-stamp an RPO code to make the engine seem as if it came in a car that it didn't, if this is the case you should never buy the car. If the RPO code doesn't match the casting number, and VIN code it tells you that something is not right, do not question it, just run the other way as fast as possible.

When used the right way these codes can save you a lot of agony, if your looking to restore a car to factory specs. If your looking to customize a car these codes really don't mean a lot to you, I'm a huge fan of making your car what you want it to be.

If you plan on selling it at some point in time, and you'd like to make the most money possible when you do, then make sure that you keep all of the original parts, and don't do any mods that can't be undone.

If your looking to decode your RPO number I can help you with that also. A little later in this article I will list some resources to help you learn how to decode you RPO code. In the end it all p depends on what your looking for rather your need to pay attention to the codes or not.

If your looking at this as an investment, you'd better track everything possible on the car. I would even go beyond just decoding the numbers, and check with the DMV for registration information if at all possible, track down the pervious owners car and ask a lot of questions.

As you know if you read my articles I write these articles with one purpose in mind, and that is to help you with your classic car, or classic muscle car. I don't like to see people get ripped off on a classic car purchase, but it does happen, all you can do is be as conscious as possible about what a scam artist will do.

The more you know about these codes on your car, the better chance you have of making a good purchase on your classic car. Those are the stories that I like to hear about. When a person doesn't feel like they got ripped off on a classic car purchase, they are much more likely to enjoy their n classic car.