1978 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Breakdown

An example of a 1978 Nova VIN might read: 1Y27L8 W 100001

First Character: GM Division
1 - Chevrolet

Second Character: Series Designation
X - Nova
Y - Nova Custom

Third and Fourth Characters: Body Style
17 - 2-door hatchback
27 - 2-door coupe
69 - 4-door sedan

Fifth Character: Engine Code
D - 250-1 cid L6
L - 350-4 cid V8 (L48)
U - 305-2 cid V8

Sixth Character: Model Year
8 - 1978

Seventh Character: Final Assembly Plant
T - Tarrytown, New York
W - Willow Run, Michigan

Eight through Thirteenth characters: Sequence Production Number
The sequential starting production number at each plant was 100001.  Each assembly plant sequenced Chevy IIs/Novas of all series/models without regard to specific series/models.