ok, my buddy has a 1983 z28, he says its a H.O. and an automatic and it is all stock, he never did anything to it at all. i read on this website that the H.O. engine only comes with a 5 speed maual transmisson. how is that? did they make automatics too? cuz iv'e read it two different places that they only came in a manual tranny that year. ANY INFO ON THIS TOPIC PLEASE HELP. THX AHEAD OF TIME FOR THE REPLIES

 

In the grand scheme of things does it really matter?

This came up awhile back, the general consensus is that they were available but not common. Nothing was ever proven. Its just another topic where people choose one side or the other and argue back and forth that "my brothers, sisters, cousins, uncle owned one he bought new in 1983" Since 83's didn't have RPO codes there really isn't anyway to verify whether a package is original or not.

Best suggestion I can give would be to check the VIN to verify its an HO, then look under the car and see if there's a hole in the tranny tunnel. If it was converted there will be a hole or at least signs of welding the hole closed.

 

I have to agree with drew. Check vin see if it is a "7" this is 83's code for a L69. Check the tranny tunnel and match the block to the vin. Maybe someone put a L69 in a auto car. he may have a 83 Z28 L69 At but is it original. On that note, do I believe GM made a At L69 probably. They are complete and total idiots and change their time all the time. Even recently I ordered a new hawk for a customer andhe wanted the cd changer, but voms wouldn't let me order it with the changer. Two days later I ordered the same exact GM car but it allowed me to get the changer for myself. Another is it says in all the lit and if you call them a #13 silver firebird is not available w/ taupe leather. I ran a locate and 3 of them were sitting at dealers nationwide. So the point is does GM change their mind and build cars taht don't exist yes. Are many made that are not supposed to exist no. If it is original it is very rare and not one of thousands.

 

I have a lot of input on this topic, since I have a '83 Z. I also have a GM brouchure featuring all the options for the year. The only trans available for the year was a T-5 NWC (Borg-Warner ).
And yes, the 8th digit on the VIN should be a "7".

 

Well, I too have a 83 L69. It is in restoration right now. My point was even though GM says that it's only available one way isn't always true. Hell I have an 83 brochure also and it doesn't even list a L69. GM does alot of stupid things and sometimes they change the same thing 5 times in a day. I say it's possible. Have you looked at his car yet???

 

GM Car Distribution Bulletins - Chevrolet

March 8, 1983
Subject: Product Information Update
"F" Carline

The 5.0 liter V8 4bbl. H.O. Engine, UPC L69, has been released. This new engine is only available with the 5 speed Manual Transmission, UPC MM5.

August 1, 1983
Subject: Product Information Update
"F" Carline

For the 1984 model year, the 5.0 liter V8 4bbl. H.O. Engine, UPC L69, will now be available with the 4-speed Automatic, UPC MXO, and the 5 speed Manual Transmission, UPC MM5.


NO L69 automatics in 1983, PERIOD.

 

Well since people want to get all b*tchy and argue this. The only person who can clear this up is the original poster, unless you can go back and read every invoice from these cars. Your paper work tells you none were made! Yes I have seen that too but who cares. I have countless examples of GM changes and errors in stats and statements. Unless I have seen every 83 L69 I will not be convinced there is POSSIBLY a a.t. one out there. If you can give me copies of all the invoices or list of equipments from every 83 L69 with vin's then it is pretty ignorant to say none were made considering GM's record on these types of things. Forgeting this car who says onew doesn't exist? Papers. Show me a 93 3rd gen exists GM says they exist! Where? my point is stuff like this is a car by car basis especially since they had no rpo codes. Chances are there, but unlikely seeing it's almost 20yrs old.

 

this is sort of going off on a tangent, but "rule breaker" cars do exist... for example I'm a big 82 Recaro T/A fan, and I know that Pontiac's rules were LU5/A3 or LG4/M4 only .. no other options.. yet I know of at least one car that is a PHS-documented LG4/A3, which would seem "impossible", but .. there it is, and it exists (only one known). A friend of mine's brother also has a documented 1979 10th anniversary T/A with a 400/AT combo, which is also "impossible", but at least 3 were made. Back to the original point .. an '83 L69/A4 might be "impossible" but I'm sure a handful exist and came that way from the factory.

 

I guess you need to see how GM does what them and literature say can't happen. Thank you Kizz for backing me up to the fact it is possible without seeing everyone to disprove the idea. If only chevy would have a damn historical soc.

 

Chevrolet is working on a historical society as we speak. Scott Settlemire (Camaro Brand Manager) mentioned it in a radio talk show last saturday. You can listen to the show archives at www.wsradio.ws. He mentioned that it proven successful with Pontiac and Chevrolet is hoping to be operational soon.

 

Hey, glad to see I'm not the only one claiming to have an 83 Z28 with a 305HO and 700r4. Now there is someone else people can holler at. By the way, just changed the tranny filter the other day and didn't see any welded over holes in the floor. Take care of it, no matter how many were made, everyday there are less of them left.

 

I might be going off tangent again, but also a pretty obvious thing to check for would be a clutch pedal hole on the firewall.. if there's not one there, it's more proof that your car was originally automatic.
Also if you have a parts & illustration catalog covering 1983, there are plenty of under hood differences between a manual trans and an auto trans.. could check around for any of those.
hope this helps