Matching numbers? Err...almost...?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
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From: Manalapan FL
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
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
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
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. 
Good luck with the answer to that question.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Manalapan FL
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.
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
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,457
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From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
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
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 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.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 5
From: Upstate South Carolina
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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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
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From: Manalapan FL
Originally Posted by PRNDL
there's a sticky wicket!! "Original engine numbers not matching" engine!
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: The Armpit of Illinois Platato says..... "Sometimes your the windshield & sometimes your the bug".
St. Jude Donor '05
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
Heck, if he's got a low milage engine and he's an NCRS type he might swap ya to your favorSTW!
Platato
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,037
Likes: 5
From: Raleigh NC
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