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Matching numbers? Err...almost...?

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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 11:26 PM
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Default Matching numbers? Err...almost...?

Finally got around to sanding the orange paint off the engine pad (passenger side, front) and took a look-see at the numbers. Never knew if I had a "matching numbers" car (not that it really matters...this car isn't "rare").

I discovered the partial VIN stamped on the block is one number off from the VIN plate...all digits match with the exception of the last # ("7" on the engine, "8" on the plate).



Numbers matching or no? How did this happen?

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 12:33 AM
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sounds like a true predicament. I wish my numbers were that close. my guess is one of two things happened. Either someone restamped the block and made a mistake or and this is going to sound crazy knowing how perfect G.M. is they accidently put the wrong engine in the wrong car. It could have been a friday at 4:55 when your car was built. Good luck with the answer to that question.
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 01:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Beau68
Either someone restamped the block and made a mistake or and this is going to sound crazy knowing how perfect G.M. is they accidently put the wrong engine in the wrong car.
I thought the same thing, but the stampings look clean/straight...too perfect to be done by hand.

And, if they put the wrong engine in my car, wouldn't every successive car be one number off too?

Truly weird.

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 01:16 AM
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your car might be rare after all! Kinda like when a mint messes up a coin.
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 05:36 AM
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Originally Posted by 74FLCONV
Finally got around to sanding the orange paint off the engine pad (passenger side, front) and took a look-see at the numbers. Never knew if I had a "matching numbers" car (not that it really matters...this car isn't "rare").

I discovered the partial VIN stamped on the block is one number off from the VIN plate...all digits match with the exception of the last # ("7" on the engine, "8" on the plate).



Numbers matching or no? How did this happen?

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
This is "uncommon", but not unheard of. Means the assembly worker stamping the engine forgot to remove the "7" from the previous car he stamped. I know of a 28K mile '78 near me that has the exact same deal. The last number is off by one. In essence, what you really have is a spare ORIGINAL motor to the car that came down the assembly line in front of yours This is a strange predicament-very, very few people have an "ORIGINAL" engine car WITHOUT the numbers matching , like the owner of the '78 I mentioned also does.
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 11:19 AM
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The engine VIN stamping process was recently discussed in an article in one of the Corvette magazines. The VIN was checked several times prior to leaving the plant so a car leaving with the wrong VIN is very unusual but it did happen.
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 03:36 PM
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Blame it on second shift.everyone else does.
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 04:41 PM
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there's a sticky wicket!! "Original engine numbers not matching" engine!
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by PRNDL
there's a sticky wicket!! "Original engine numbers not matching" engine!
Exactly! If this were a rare car, where matching #'s mattered, I'd be

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 05:42 PM
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One number off is definitely a factory boo boo. No need to worry, in fact, you have a neat story now. What really might be fun is to have a buddy who is a cop run the VIN on the engine and track down the sister car. Heck, if he's got a low milage engine and he's an NCRS type he might swap ya to your favor

STW!

Platato
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Old Apr 9, 2005 | 07:01 PM
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my 79 z28 has a factory mistake like that too. trim tag states the car should be blue/blue decals with blue vinyl interior. car is actually camel/orange,red and black decals with carmine red deluxe interior(looks better than it sounds lol) bought it from original owner and the car is exactly the way he ordered it in 79. strange happenings at chevy,must of been beer:30
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