...Yes, I was talking about the stamped metal tag the you showed in the picture and what do they mean. (?) Like trans type, car type, year, rear gear type, etc. (?) A: Yes
The AIM lists what these tag numbers are and hints to their application. This is in M20/A1 of the AIM.
As I understand, the M20 & M21 have 2 numbers based on rear gear ratios that changed the speedometer gears with ratios of 3.55 and lower (higher numerically) using the one assigned to the Z28,L78. The L6-production v8 is a Saginaw M20 (1st number), next number is a Saginaw. Then, next 2 M20 Muncie, then 2 M21 (close ratio) and lastly M22.
So, the 376, 378, are Saginaws, 356 & 797 are M20 w/356 higher than 3.55 rear ratio (IE 3.31), 797 3.55 & lower. Then, 316 & 798 M21. Again, 316 higher ratio than 3.55, 798 3.55 & lower. Then last, M22.
The reason that these are assigned to different RPOs is based on these RPO default ratios. A L48 M20, I assume, with an optional rear ratio of 4.10 would get the 797 trans.
If this information I provided is wrong, then it will be corrected.