After seeing some topics pop up about our VIN's, I decided to try and gather as much information into a single topic. I'm sure that this isn't a perfect decoder (especially when it comes to 4th gen Montes), but I believe it to be an accurate list. If you have any suggestions or edits, please post them and I will change/add the information.

Monte Carlo VIN
1st digit - Country
1 or 4: USA
2: Canada
3: Mexico
2nd digit – Corporation
G: GM
3rd digit – Division
1: Chevrolet
2: Pontiac
3: Oldsmobile
4: Buick
4th digit – Car Line/Restraint System code (1983 and 1984)
A: Non-passive restraint, manual belts (1983 and 1984)
G: G-body
W: W-body
5th digit – Model/Series code (4th gen)
K: LT
N: LTZ
W: LS
X: Z34 or SS (2005 LT)
Z: Monte Carlo (4th gen)
Z: Supercharged SS
L: SS (2006+)
6th digit – Body style
1: 2-door coupe
3: 2-door Notchback coupe (1983-1986)
5: 4-door sedan
7th digit – Restraint System/Body style (1983-1986)
1: Active (manual) belts
2: Active (manual) belts w/driver and passenger airbags
3: Active (manual) belts w/driver airbag
4: Passive (automatic) belts
5: Passive (automatic) belts w/driver airbag
6: Passive (automatic) belts w/driver and passenger airbags
7: 2-door Notchback coupe (1983-1986)
8th digit – Engine code
9: 229ci v6
Z: LB4 4.3L v6
H: LG4 4BBL 305ci (5.0L) V8 (1983-1988)
M: L82 3100 v6
7: L69 4BBL 305ci (5.0L) High Output V8 (1983 SS)
E: LA1 3400 v6
G: L69 4BBL 305ci (5.0L) High Output V8 (1984-1988 SS)
K: L36 Series II 3800 v6
1: LZE 3500 v6 or LZ9 3900 v6
X: LQ1 3.4L DOHC v6
1: L67 Series II supercharged 3800 v6
C: LS4 5300 v8
9th digit – Check Digit
Check digit used to verify VIN legality
10th digit – Model Year
D: 1983
E: 1984
F: 1985
G: 1986
H: 1987
J: 1988
S: 1995
T: 1996
V: 1997
W: 1998
X: 1999
Y: 2000
1: 2001
2: 2002
3: 2003
4: 2004
5: 2005
6: 2006
7: 2007
11th digit – Plant Code
P: Pontiac, MI
R: Arlington, TX
1: Oshawa 2, Ontario
9: Oshawa 1, Ontario
12th – 17th digit – Plant Sequential Number
Unique serial number for each car

 

I found this site LINK http://service.gm.com/dealerworld/vincards/

 

Very cool info - just checked both of my car's VIN and everything matches up!

 

Cool site, can even check the VIN on my 87 Trans Am

 

nice write up

 

Thank you for the website lougreen! My goal is to have a one stop source for Monte Carlo VIN's, so I'll be updating this post in the next couple of days. I'm glad you guys like this!

 

No problem I wish there was a way we could get compnine back online I liked the way it gave the complete break down.

 

Did my VIN check... HOLY SH@T ! Just found out I have a 69 Camero, Garnet red with a LS1 dealer package from Yenko.. All this time I thought I had a 01 Monte.... (just kidding, thanks for the info, helps out a ton). Mjc...

 

I think this only works for cars made after 1981. Can anyone guide me to decode the VIN of my 1978 Monte Carlo?