how much can you change on the car, and still cal it a number maching car?
Lots of tings i would like to modefy on the car, but i dont want to destroy its value!

 

The 'Matching Numbers' item denotes that the last 5 of the VIN matches the last 5 that are stamped on the engine pad. That's all that will ever be looked at, anyway.

 

There's lots of dates and codes that key various parts to a car, but the single thing that most reflects value in the "matching numbers" subject is whether or not the pad on the engine block matches the VIN of the car VIN tag. That's pretty much what determines if the car should be considered a matching number car or not and what represents the biggest financial impact.

The next item that mostly affects value is the paint color vs. the trim tag.

 

I have a matching #'s 68 427/390 at least thats what the guy who sold it to me said. When I got it I checked all the #'s and he had pulled and sold the intake ($300) the heads ($1800) and the carb (?$300). I wasnt happy. I have a 70 truck top end on my car. But I did get a smokin deal so I didnt send it back. The block does match the Car vin.

 

If I would have had a matching numbers car, i would only have 225 hp. Now I have about 450-500 and a lott more fun.

I think the matching numbers stuff is overrated.

 

Be careful! Although I agree the engine is the most critical part of a "#'s matching car", the transmission, and trim tag play two big parts in the equation. Date coded parts are also important as well. My advice to anyone who owns a real, original, complete, #'s matching car and wants to modify it, is to save EVERYTHING. Right down to the clamps and bolts/fasteners. DON'T throw ANYTHING away. The correct parts are getting hard to find now, may be next to impossible to get in the future. Just my .02

 

i dont agree with this entirely, because once the motor is gone, it's gone & it will never ever be matching numbers / original again. On the other hand, a car repainted the wrong color can always be returned / repainted back the original color to match the trim tag correctly. Most cars are repaints anyways regardless of color !

 

There are 3 items on the shark cars that match something! The cylinder case (engine block), transmission case & chassis frame. These 3 items have a partial vin derivative that matches a portion of the V.I.N plate that is affixed to the lower drivers side windshield post.

All other mechanical parts on the 'vette have either stamped (debossed) or casted (embossed, raised) numbers that correspond to a proper configured, used part of that particular year/model. They DO NOT match anything else on the vehicle.

Although the majority of uninformed Corvette buyers are usually only concerned with the engine pad stampings, it is not the only matching component on a Corvette!!!

 

Well i my car is red now, and i will never pain it the grean collor it was original. (most be the ugliest collor aviable fo a corvette)
I will do as i have planned to. keep all parts i are taking of. (lots of heavy steel after my suspension upgrade tough, witch most brobably newer will be put to use. But you newer know???