Definition of original engine?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: In the drivers seat
Definition of original engine?
I looked at a Corvette and it had the original block verified by the stamp. But the heads were not original not even from a corvette but made by Chevrolet. so can the owner say that it has the original engine?
Thank you, Rachel :confused:
Thank you, Rachel :confused:
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 28
From: Spring, Texas
Re: Definition of original engine? (Shark Driver)
It could be said that the car has the original block, but not the original engine. Also, I have heard of people having aftermarket blocks stamped just to say it is a "numbers matching engine" (deceitful). You have to ask all the right questions.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: epping nh
Re: Definition of original engine? (wireless guy)
Original engine is the exact one that came with the car, including all major engine parts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: Definition of original engine? (Shark Driver)
Original means that it came out of the factory like that. You can pull the engine, rebuild it with the same parts and it will still be "Original". However, if you install a new seal or use some sealant then it will just be Stock (as long as you use "stock" sealant and seals. However, your question is better asked at the http://www.corvettemuseum.com or at the National Corvette Society web page...where ever it is. They have specific rules about what "original" means.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Definition of original engine? (Rockn-Roll)
The original engine, to most people, means the original engine block, regardless of whether it's been rebuilt, etc. Just because someone has replaced the heads, or the valve covers, or carburetor, etc, that doesn't alter the fact that these parts are on the original block. If you want to use the term "total matching numbers", then all of the parts ON the engine that are date coded or have certain casting numbers should "match" those used in your year of car, and the dates on those parts should preceed the assembly date of your car and your motor.
Chevy started stamping VIN's on motors in late 1960, not in 74, 75, 76. So, your engine will have several identifying features. It will have the correct casting number used for your year Corvette. It will have a casting date preceeding the assembly of your car, and it will have 2 sets of numbers stamped on the pad in the front of the passengers cylinder head. Those 2 sets of numbers are the VIN derivitive, and the assembly date/suffix. Hope this helps :) Chuck
Chevy started stamping VIN's on motors in late 1960, not in 74, 75, 76. So, your engine will have several identifying features. It will have the correct casting number used for your year Corvette. It will have a casting date preceeding the assembly of your car, and it will have 2 sets of numbers stamped on the pad in the front of the passengers cylinder head. Those 2 sets of numbers are the VIN derivitive, and the assembly date/suffix. Hope this helps :) Chuck
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Definition of original engine? (Shark Driver)
Chuck is totally corect in his previous reply there, BUT.....
all of that NCRS matching # stuff can be duplicated, not all that hard either....so that even NCRS most pickey guy can't tell....
in fact I heard that some vette organization was backing off from alot of that **** matching numbers crap on account of it's too easily duplicated, and they been proven wrong.....too many times....
I would not give any money extra just for any matching numbers....none whatsoever....
of course nore would I detract for non original parts either, in fact, depending on just what was done, you might want to add.....as in it's not something you have to worry about in the near enough future....
things like water pumps, or any other engine accessory...trannies, rear differentials, etc....especially brakes....
GENE
all of that NCRS matching # stuff can be duplicated, not all that hard either....so that even NCRS most pickey guy can't tell....
in fact I heard that some vette organization was backing off from alot of that **** matching numbers crap on account of it's too easily duplicated, and they been proven wrong.....too many times....
I would not give any money extra just for any matching numbers....none whatsoever....
of course nore would I detract for non original parts either, in fact, depending on just what was done, you might want to add.....as in it's not something you have to worry about in the near enough future....
things like water pumps, or any other engine accessory...trannies, rear differentials, etc....especially brakes....
GENE
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