VIN Engine Identification

[mxer147]

VIN Tag and title show letter M for my 83 K20. However, the engine bay tags and remaining parts show a 6.2 Diesel. Diesel was removed and replaced with 350 sbc.

Common for GM to confuse or mistakenly ID the incorrect engine VIN letter?

 

[Rickf]

Sometime in the last 40 years the 6.2NA was replaced with a 350. Unlikely any mix-up occurred.

 

[Finkaire]

Diesel vin makes it smog exempt in California

 

[RetroC10Sport]

A 6.2 VIN would be C or J. Either your cab has been replaced or the VIN tag.

 

[mxer147]

So, I finally took it on the maiden voyage to the car wash. It’s definitely a mishmash of parts and it appears someone hung a few diesel parts to avoid emissions testing. I did learn that it’s definitely not ready for a road trip anytime soon. Speedo, turn signals and most of the dash lights don’t work and it wanders a bit. I’m going to have to return to the car wash because it needs more cleaning. Other than the drivers fender and maybe the hood, the rest of the front clip is from somewhere else, thus the dual battery trays, 6.2 sticker, etc… The dash doesn’t have a glow plug warning light either. It’s kinda like solving a riddle. The seat doesn’t go all the way back to the cab so it’s a little cramped to drive. I forgot what it’s like to drive old metal!

 

[Arizona Ranger K5]

K20 Enigma Edition! Good luck with decoding all the PO has done. My '81 K5 was a CA vehicle. I bought it in WA, have since moved to AZ. I have to put the emissions stuff back on to title it in AZ, just to get it as a historical vehicle and not need future inspections. *sigh* Took me 3 months to find a new EGR valve for it. I'm changing the whole exhaust, putting high flow cats on dual exhaust. PO swapped in parts from a '90/91 K5 so getting parts is a crap shoot; "ok, try this year. No? Try this other year..."

 

[mxer147]

I recently learned South Dakota is an open registration state which means you don’t have to reside there to title and register your vehicle. Perhaps this could be a solution?

 

[rusted nuts]

I recently learned South Dakota is an open registration state which means you don’t have to reside there to title and register your vehicle. Perhaps this could be a solution?

Do You have to drive there for a yearly safety inspection?

 

[mxer147]

Nope, no inspection required. If you do the paperwork from home, you have to mail your title to them which is a little risky. SD mails you a renewal by mail annually.