What constitutes numbers matching??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
What constitutes numbers matching??
My 73 454 has the correct engine code, CWR, the correct block casting number and the correct casting date. The VIN has a Z in the 5th position indicating it is an original 454 car.
The only part that appears not to match up is the serial number. The serial number that is on the same pad that the engine code is on does not match up with the VIN.
I called the previous owner of 12 years and he swears he never had the engine replaced and I believe him as he didn't sell me the car and had no reason to lie.
Is this a numbers matching engine or not?
The only part that appears not to match up is the serial number. The serial number that is on the same pad that the engine code is on does not match up with the VIN.
I called the previous owner of 12 years and he swears he never had the engine replaced and I believe him as he didn't sell me the car and had no reason to lie.
Is this a numbers matching engine or not?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Re: What constitutes numbers matching?? (blunsford)
The code on the engine pad on a numbers matching Vette is the same as the VIN. The engine could have been replaced 20 years ago...
[Modified by Z-man, 10:14 PM 11/11/2003]
[Modified by Z-man, 10:14 PM 11/11/2003]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
Re: What constitutes numbers matching?? (Z-man)
I realize that's possible, but it's wierd that they would find the exact same engine out of the same year car and use it. I assume it adds value to the car, just not as much as if it were the original engine.
I even considered getting this block restamped to the correct serial number. I don't see how that would be unethical since it is the correct engine, just maybe not the original engine. I certainly wouldn't care if that were the case.
I even considered getting this block restamped to the correct serial number. I don't see how that would be unethical since it is the correct engine, just maybe not the original engine. I certainly wouldn't care if that were the case.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: What constitutes numbers matching?? (blunsford)
How far off is your engine vin from the car's vin? The term "matching numbers" no longer means "original" (if it ever did :lol: ) Go ahead and restamp it if you want. They call them "restoration engines" :) MJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: What constitutes numbers matching?? (blunsford)
I even considered getting this block restamped to the correct serial number. I don't see how that would be unethical since it is the correct engine, just maybe not the original engine. I certainly wouldn't care if that were the case. -- Then why do it?
Having a "correct" engine IS different than a "matching numbers" engine and these days (and I'm sure even more so in the future) it will affect the value of a '73 BB.
If it's not the original engine, that fact should be know to anyone who will ever buy it.
Now, all that soapbox stuff said, I thought I have read in Corvette Fever Magazine that there were certain circumstances/mix-ups on the assembly line that resulted in non-matching numbers on a car. If that happened to yours and you could document that, you'd probably have an even more "valuable" car.
Having a "correct" engine IS different than a "matching numbers" engine and these days (and I'm sure even more so in the future) it will affect the value of a '73 BB.
If it's not the original engine, that fact should be know to anyone who will ever buy it.
Now, all that soapbox stuff said, I thought I have read in Corvette Fever Magazine that there were certain circumstances/mix-ups on the assembly line that resulted in non-matching numbers on a car. If that happened to yours and you could document that, you'd probably have an even more "valuable" car.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: What constitutes numbers matching?? (jerryp58)
[B]I
Now, all that soapbox stuff said, I thought I have read in Corvette Fever Magazine that there were certain circumstances/mix-ups on the assembly line that resulted in non-matching numbers on a car. If that happened to yours and you could document that, you'd probably have an even more "valuable" car.
Now, all that soapbox stuff said, I thought I have read in Corvette Fever Magazine that there were certain circumstances/mix-ups on the assembly line that resulted in non-matching numbers on a car. If that happened to yours and you could document that, you'd probably have an even more "valuable" car.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: What constitutes numbers matching?? (blunsford)
The number stamped on the pad is a "derivitive" of the VIN, not the complete VIN. That being said, the last 5 numbers of your VIN should match the last 5 numbers stamped on the pad. What is stamped there, and what is your VIN? What is the casting date in relation to the build date of your car? Chuck
