Numbers matching concerns??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 0
Numbers matching concerns??
Hey All,
I know these C5's were made by the 10's of 1000's, but should I be concerned about keeping the tranny that came with the car and simply having it re-built OR using it as a core to purchase another one?
Am I planning to keep the car till FOREVER, probably not.... but, I'm just curious if a non-numbers matching tranny would pose any problems for a potentional buyer.
Any thoughts?
I know these C5's were made by the 10's of 1000's, but should I be concerned about keeping the tranny that came with the car and simply having it re-built OR using it as a core to purchase another one?
Am I planning to keep the car till FOREVER, probably not.... but, I'm just curious if a non-numbers matching tranny would pose any problems for a potentional buyer.
Any thoughts?
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 47
From: Indianapolis IN
Collectors are very interested in matching numbers. A person just buying it to drive generally are not, other than he/she may be aware that the matching numbers issue will eventually affect re-sale value.
I just had my transmission rebuilt this last week. I chose to keep my original tranny instead of buying a rebuilt one. The 1975 Corvette that I sold last September had 273k miles on it, and it had the original transmission in it. I sure as hell wasn't going to get rid of the original transmission in my 2002 (which I bought last October) with only 29k miles on it!
I just had my transmission rebuilt this last week. I chose to keep my original tranny instead of buying a rebuilt one. The 1975 Corvette that I sold last September had 273k miles on it, and it had the original transmission in it. I sure as hell wasn't going to get rid of the original transmission in my 2002 (which I bought last October) with only 29k miles on it!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Atascadero California
the answer? possibly, but not likely.
As a collector and restorer, matching numbers are important to me when a car was built with many variations. Having a matching numbers car helps ensure you are buying a car that has always been what you now see. In other words, it is not a "replica". A 63 Vette with a 327 and fuel injection, that wasn't originally built that way, would be a replica, and not worth as much as an original car.
The C5 has a limited option list, basically for any given year you have 2 transmission choices, 6 speed manual or auto...
So changing out the transmission for the same type is not likely to affect the value much.
The overall condition of the car will likely play a bigger role in its value rather than if the transmission has been replaced.
A transmission failure at 30,000 miles is rather rare, and I would think I would rather buy a new, not rebuilt, transmission for my car if the original crapped out at 30k.
As a collector and restorer, matching numbers are important to me when a car was built with many variations. Having a matching numbers car helps ensure you are buying a car that has always been what you now see. In other words, it is not a "replica". A 63 Vette with a 327 and fuel injection, that wasn't originally built that way, would be a replica, and not worth as much as an original car.
The C5 has a limited option list, basically for any given year you have 2 transmission choices, 6 speed manual or auto...
So changing out the transmission for the same type is not likely to affect the value much.
The overall condition of the car will likely play a bigger role in its value rather than if the transmission has been replaced.
A transmission failure at 30,000 miles is rather rare, and I would think I would rather buy a new, not rebuilt, transmission for my car if the original crapped out at 30k.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,683
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These perspectives were pretty much in-line with my thoughts. I guess when you come right down to it.... A person looking to buy a Vette is going into the purchase with their own personal set of values, whether it be originality, numbers matching, brute power, or just a fun weekend vehicle.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 124,318
Likes: 283
From: .... NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '19
My guess is very few C5s will be collectable in our life time, so in all probability matching numbers won't be worth the effort unless you believe your great, great grandchild with have you Vette some day.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
I'd say that with the mods you've already done to your car the originality/collectability factor is already out of whack. A true collector C5 is going to be a rare, low-mileage model that's been sealed up in a bubble for 30 years. Anyone willing to pay big bucks is going to search out that one, and pass on a lot of our used/raced/daily driver cars.
I say don't worry about matching numbers and find the most cost-effective and reliable solution to your tranny issue.
I say don't worry about matching numbers and find the most cost-effective and reliable solution to your tranny issue.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 0
with what you've mentioned here. Thankfully, I don't have any tranny issues "yet"... but a quick look over my mod list and my plans to 1/4 race several times this year..... the tranny ain't gonna live forever!! 
