How to decode a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the manufacturer of the vehicle. For instance, the WMI for a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette indicates that it is produced by General Motors LLC. Specifically, the WMI “1G1” signifies that this vehicle was manufactured in Warren, Michigan, United States, and it is classified as a passenger car. The WMI code is crucial for identifying the vehicle’s origins, manufacturer, and vehicular type, ensuring that each car has a unique identifier that ties it back to its maker. This system has been in place to systematically classify vehicles since the early 1980s and is utilized worldwide.
List of WMI Codes for a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette
WMI: 1G1
- Model Years Covered: 1981-1982, 1984-2024
- Example VIN: 1G1YY2180H5109545
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette:
| Known VDS for a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | |
|---|---|
| YY218 | YY318 |
Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.
Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette VIN.
Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.
10th Character in the 1987 Chevrolet Corvette VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| H | 1987 |
11th Character in the 1987 Chevrolet Corvette VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1987 Chevrolet Corvette Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Bowling Green | Kentucky | United States | Bowling Green Assembly Plant | 1G1YY2180H5109545 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette
The final 6 characters in a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. It’s typically visible through the windshield from outside the vehicle.
- Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. The VIN might be on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
- The VIN for your Corvette could also be found under the hood. Check on the front of the engine block.
- Take a look at the rear wheel well directly above the tire; the VIN may be located there.
- If you’re still searching, the VIN might also be on the frame of the vehicle underneath the driver’s side door.
- Finally, the VIN can be found on your 1987 Corvette’s vehicle title, registration, and insurance documents.
What info can a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1987, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 1987 Corvette Convertible, this may indicate a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s style and functionality.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN reveals a V-shaped engine with 8 cylinders and a displacement of 5.7 liters (347.835 CI), highlighting its power and performance characteristics.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which is crucial for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Manufacturing Details: The VIN indicates this vehicle was manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States by the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, offering specific information on the origin of the vehicle, potentially influencing its collectability and market value.
- Safety Features: The VIN indicates the vehicle uses a Manual seat belt type, providing insights into the safety features present at the time of manufacture.
- Vehicle Type and Series: Classified as a Passenger Car under the Corvette & Convertible series, the VIN highlights the vehicle’s target market and model lineage.
Don’t have your 1987 Chevrolet Corvette’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 5700.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 347.83534133997 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.7 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | CPC |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | Corvette |
| Model Year | 1987 |
| Plant City | Bowling Green |
| Plant Company Name | Bowling Green assembly plant |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Kentucky |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | Corvette & Convertible |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1G1YY218*H5 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | 1G1YY2180H5109545 |
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