How Do You Know Engine From VIN
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1
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From: Warner Robins GA
How Do You Know Engine From VIN
My neighbor just bought a 65 Convertible that he knows has wrong engine. If he wanted to buy the right (size/hp) nm engine, how could we find out which engine originally went in his vehicle?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
There are no clues from the VIN as to what engine was in the car originally - all the VIN can tell you is the style (coupe vs. convertible) and when the car was built. About the only "clue" to the original engine is the tach redline, assuming the tach is original to the car. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,620
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From: 20 forward gears to shift through in MD
Originally Posted by JohnZ
There are no clues from the VIN as to what engine was in the car originally - all the VIN can tell you is the style (coupe vs. convertible) and when the car was built. About the only "clue" to the original engine is the tach redline, assuming the tach is original to the car.
You might also be able to "narrow down" the engine options by examining what the rear end and trans ratios are (assuming they are still original)...
