1969 Camaro Z/28 Identification

ID Code
The next critical ID number is cast into the block at the driver's side rear of the block. Four different numbers were used in 1969, and all are correct for the Z/28: 3932386, 3932388, 3956618 and 3970010. This example shows 3956618, which is correct. While the number code with the DZ could be re-stamped on the pad out front, this casting number can never be counterfeited. It might be difficult to see with the hood on the vehicle, but a flashlight and a little patience will bring it to light and help put your mind at rest.

Head ID
The cylinder-head casting is upside down in this photo because that's the way the factory set it up. All '69 Z/28 heads carry the same number: 3927186. These heads have 11:1 compression. (The roller-tip rockers shown here are not stock.) Depending on which head you're looking at, the number is between the last two sets of rockers on the driver's side or the first two sets on the passenger's side. A shrewd buyer will ask the seller to remove the valve covers to verify these numbers. A motivated seller should cooperate unless he has something to hide.

Intake ID
The Z/28 was fitted with an aluminum high-rise intake made by the Winters casting company. A snowflake logo is cast into the aluminum, as is the correct part number, 3932472. Intake manifolds have often been changed to aftermarket units, but for a correct restoration, this is a required part. The ID number is in plain sight on top of the runners at the back of the carburetor. Again, a little squirming might be required to read the number, but the reward is worth the effort. Critical parts that are missing seriously devaluate the car. Remember that in the negotiating process.

Carb ID
The stock Z/28 carburetor is a Holley #4053, GM part number 3923289-DZ. Like the intake, many times this part has been replaced with a different Holley or a rival-brand carburetor. The DZ code appears again on the carb's air horn, which distinguishes the unit as a specific Z/28 carburetor. You must remove the air cleaner assembly to find this code. Anything different means that the carb is incorrect for the 290-hp Turbo-Fire 302 engine.

Gearing
A few more tidbits of information that should be of interest surround the transmission and rearend options. Three four-speed Muncie options were available: the wide-ratio M20, the close-ratio M21 and the heavy-duty close-ratio M22 (called the "rock crusher"). Standard rearend gearing options were 3.73, 3.55 and 4.10; 3.07 and 3.31 were available by special order.