BR Axle Code On A Z28

[69_Z28]

I have the protecto plate for my '69 Z28 but am puzzled about the "BR" axle code it shows. The axle code on the protecto plate is BR0218G and the car has an 02D production date on the trim tag. I was under the impression a "BU" code (3.73 axle ratio) was standard on a Z28. I have been able to contact the original owner of the car and she said the car was purchased new in 1969 from their local Chevy dealer but was not special ordered. What axle ratio is coded "BR" and why would one be installed on a non special ordered car? Thanks for your comments.

[william]

Every 1969 Camaro was built to a specific dealer order. The order could be for dealer stock or for a customer; the process was the same. Hence there really is no 'special' order.

Unless otherwise specified a Z/28 was built with a 3.73:1 non-positraction rear axle. If positraction was specified the car would be built with a 3.73:1 positration rear axle. However the Power Team Chart shows that a Z/28 could be ordered with 3.07, 3.31, 3.55 or 4.10 axle ratios. 410 or higher required posi. There was at least one 69 ordered with 488s. 

Your car was ordered with that axle, probably for a specific customer that never took delivery. I hope it has a wide-ratio trans.

[rich69rs]

BR in '69 ; 3.07:1 Posi
Following on line link one of many:  http://www.camaros.net/years/69/69rearcodes.html

[69_Z28]

How do you determine if the transmission is wide ratio or close ratio? The info on the POP and build date stamped on the transmission is P9B17. Again, thanks for your help.

[william]

Around October 1968 the Muncie plant started adding a type code to the date stamp on 4-speeds: A=wide [M20] B=close [M21] C=HD [M22].

The pop does not usually have this code for some reason. The trans should have it however; would be P9B17A for a wide.

There were also grooves cut perpendicular to the input shaft splines for the same reason: 2=wide, 1=close. No grooves was M22. This is not true of service replacement input shafts.

[69_Z28]

Thanks for all the help.

[KurtS]

Very unusual gear ratio. There's over a thousand Z's in the database, only one other one is known to have a 3.07 axle (no documentation though).

You confirmed the axle is stamped BR?

[69_Z28]

Hi Kurt...No I have not but will look at the code stamped on the axle this weekend. The "BR" code is listed on the protecto plate. I'll let you know the results after I investigate. Thanks.

[KurtS]

POP's often have errors on them. It's worth confirming.

[Jerry@CHP]

Doubt the plant would build one with a 3.07 and M21.  Would not be able to move the car.  Clutches would be worn out in a matter of months.  I have driven a Z28 w/ M21 and 3.55, would not get out of its own way.  If they were built, would have to be with an M20,

Jerry