Regular Production Option


A Regular Production Option is a 3-digit standardized code used by General Motors to designate vehicle options and modifications. RPO codes designate how a vehicle is built. They have been used on dealership order forms and in assembly plants since at least the 1950s. It was originally all numeric and labeled Sales Codes; in 1970 GM switched to the alphanumeric RPO code.
Even base vehicles with few optional features have multiple RPOs, since both standard components and extra cost options are coded.
The complete configuration of a GM vehicle can be described by specifying the base model and its RPO codes. Some dealerships are willing to run a VIN and print out its RPOs. The records are in GMs' electronic database since at least 1990.
Beginning as early as 1967, and to all models since 1984, GM attached a Service Parts Identification label. The label is most often located on the back of the glovebox door, on the inside of the trunk lid, or on the bottom of the spare tire cover. On some SUVs and mini-vans, the SPID label is located on one of the plastic storage covers in the rear of the vehicle.
The SPID lists, in alphanumeric order, many of the options built into a vehicle, both RPOs and the older and longer Option Model numbers sometimes used before 1970. These codes can be used to help select the correct replacement parts.
In 2018, the SPID was replaced by a QR code label located on the B-pillar. While fairly complete, it does not include every RPO.

Details and format

RPOs may be generic options, or specific options. RPOs codes are assigned to align with specific component groups and with UPC groups as tabulated below:
UPC GroupComponent GroupRPO Codes
1BodyA01 - E99
2ChassisF16-FY9
3Front SuspensionF40 - F99
4Rear SuspensionG01 - HY9
5BrakesJ00 – JY9
6EngineK01 - L99
7TransmissionM01 - M99
8Exhaust & Emissions?N01-N29, NA1-NN9
9SteeringN30 – NY9
10Wheels & TiresP01- QY9
11Interior??
12Electrical & InstrumentT60 - U99
13Towing?V01-VY99
14Bumpers & Misc.V30 - V99
Special ItemsZ01 - Z99

Model names

A few RPO codes have become notable enough that they have been used as model names. The Camaro Z28 name came from an option code which specified a performance-oriented configuration. This happened again with the Corvette Z06 models. Most RPO codes that are promoted to model names are appearance packages only, and are not related to speed or engine performance. Two examples are the Z28 and Z71. In the 1980s one could order a Z28 Camaro with a 2.5 liter engine, although this was rare. RPO Z71 was an off-road suspension for trucks that is not related to the drivetrain. It became notable enough to be promoted to a package name, even applied as a logo sticker onto the vehicle rear quarter body panel. Although it usually came with four-wheel drive, two-wheel drive was also available.

Notable RPO codes