Help! Engine stamp
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
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IMO....the seller DID intentionally mis-represent the car by calling it "numbers matching". and as has been mentioned here, there is no exact definition of that term, but certainly would be the consensus (i'm pretty sure) that "numbers matching" means that the VIN is stamped on the front pad of that engine!
The buyer here stated that the pad could not be read due to paint. That would mean the seller couldn't read it either. If that doesn't throw up a red flag- what does?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,369
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From: wichita kansas
I can quote you dozens of examples (found here on CF) where the owner or seller used the term with absolutely no ill intent- but really had no idea what it actually meant.
The buyer here stated that the pad could not be read due to paint. That would mean the seller couldn't read it either. If that doesn't throw up a red flag- what does?
The buyer here stated that the pad could not be read due to paint. That would mean the seller couldn't read it either. If that doesn't throw up a red flag- what does?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2012
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You have a Chevrolet Engine warranty replacement V8 built in 1971 in Flint. It is the 56,790th V8 engine built for Flint (46,790 - 20,000 + "A" (second 30,000 sequence)).
There is very little chance of having a VIN or partial VIN as these were put in long after the car left the factory, and only in rare cases did dealers stamp a VIN in, such as in states that used Motor Numbers to register cars.
It is NOT the original engine and it is not Numbers Matching.
There is very little chance of having a VIN or partial VIN as these were put in long after the car left the factory, and only in rare cases did dealers stamp a VIN in, such as in states that used Motor Numbers to register cars.
It is NOT the original engine and it is not Numbers Matching.
Thanks. According to everything I have seen, it was originally a 350/350 HP. How can I tell If the replacement engine is actually still a 350/350?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,317
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From: Ocala FL
The only way to know would be to disassemble and check all the parts. The CE engines were stamped with a sequence number only, no other build information.
Team Owner
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From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Indy Indiana
I think the L46 had 4 bolt mains....
so several things you can do, depending on what parts are left in the car from the block swap out.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Thank you all. It looks like I've been had. I couldn't get a picture of the engine stamp when I bought it as it was covered in orange paint. I bought it off E-Bay and it specifically said all numbers matching. I live in Texas and had it shipped from New York. I have the body off and when I finally got the engine out, I stripped off the paint and found the number mentioned above. The transmission has the last 5 of the VIN that matches the car. It wasn't terribly expensive, but it needed a lot of work, but I wanted the originality of numbers matching.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971-Chevrolet-Corvette-Convertible-LT1-Very-Original-Car-/330897048819?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item4d0b0044f3
The engine numbers are clearly visible on the pad. Not only is it NOT the original engine, it's not an LT1 or even a 350.
Some fool has already bid over 16K on it.............
Team Owner
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Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
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From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
Race Director
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Ocala FL
Typical mistake of "restorers" and those classic car sellers who don't know much. The date of the body is D24 which they know is the fourth month, but wrongly assume that means April. So the engine with 0413 is April 13th, ahead of the "April" 24th, and thus good to use.
Unfortunately, D24 is November 24th for 1971 production.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
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From: Indy Indiana
look at the engine pic and the open hood shot.. that is a C2. I bet he goofed and uploaded the wrong file engine pic.. look at his other auctions, he has C2's for sale too...
Last edited by joewill; Mar 27, 2013 at 05:19 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,369
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From: wichita kansas
yep, looks like the seller posted his C2 engine pad stamping in his C3 ad. (which explains why it isn't even a 350) hopefully he will discover his mistake before auction ends, that could really hurt the bidding for informed buyers.
Melting Slicks
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From: Chapel Hill NC
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I have/had "original" and "non original" cars and enjoy the "non original" more because I have more flexibility repairing or improving them. In my opinion, there is more misrepresentation due to sellers being honestly confused and misinformed than being unscrupulous. I would try to move forward and enjoy the car.