Hi, could somebody please help me regarding matching numbers!

I am going to buy a C3 vette, how can i check what type of motor the car was delivired with?

If i have understood this correct you can not check this with the VIN number, but how should i do it to see what type of motor a specifik car was delivired with?

Sorry for the spelling but i am from Europe.

ettan47

 

Welcome to the forum.

On the front of the block head surface on the psgr side should be stamped the last portion of the VIN. Of course if the block has been machined or replaced, it won't be there. And beware of re-stamps as there are folks who will clone a car and you can rent the original stamps.

I strongly suggest if you are going to get a "number matching" car, you have a Corvette expert check it out for you as there's more to it than just the engine.

Good luck.

 

The shark is right, look on the passenger side and always get an inspection if you are unable to view a car in person before purchasing

 

I have an '81, in very good shape. I've had the car for a number of years now and have looked at several others, along w/ the selling prices, auction prices, etc. I have yet to see any difference in selling price, auction prices brought, etc. in having to do with matching numbers on our C3s with the exception of the pre-'71 models, as there were still legit high performance engines installed from the factory in the '68 thru '70 models. Although the '71 models did come w/ somewhat healthy engines, the compression ratios were way down from prior years, which makes these number matching C3s less desirable, and in turn worth less overall.
My point is this: If you're looking at a '68 thru '70 C3, matching numbers are worth going out of your way for. If the model is '71 and later, and the engine in the C3 is a 350, or a 454 thru '74, and in good running condition, it's worth considering. Ofcourse depending upon where you are, emissions may be a problem in certain places, however most places have a 25 year clause in the inspection law. After alot of research on this, I'd rather have a C3 ('71 thru '82) in great shape with a healthy 383ci small block than an all original "dog" of a 'Vette with matching numbers. Unless you're one of those guys who like "all original" vehicles, which I totally respect, as a car enthusiast, I respect any and all vehicle lovers desires, I'd go f/ the best over-all condition (post '70) C3 I could get my hands on for the right price. Good Luck w/ your venture.

 

Hey Texas Jim, good to see you're still around.

Another thing about a matching numbers car is the premium you pay and if you want to drive it a lot, you'll be thinking twice about devaluing the car. If you want a collectible, trailer queen, then go for matching numbers. If you want a driver, look for a nice, clean, well maintained car and by all means get either case inspected by a knowledgeable Corvette person.

 

Hey it is great to see some of the old regulars back on the sight. I agree, a driver is better than a trailer queen. Put mine in two shows, one best of show in the second one and have not shown it since. Love driving it as opposed to constantly cleaning it, parking it, and watching other people enjoy it. DRIVE IT BABY!!!!

 

Hey "shark" & "wheel,"
Great to see you guys as well. I've been driving mine regularly. Am in the middle of a divorce, but the 'Vette goes w/ me. Thank God f/ this paid-for house I owned prior to this marriage. And I'm busting no-one's chops, as my 11 year old daughter is in the middle of it, and the three of us are only across town from each other, the two of them in our old house and me here. The best of a not too terrible situation. And I visit each day.
Like I said, if I had a hi-performance year 'Vette, I'd like to have the matching numbers, but my '81, although the drive trane has matching numbers, I'd, in the future, have no problem changing components out for something that performs better. I did install an Edelbrock air-gap manifold and and a 600 Edelbrock carb, also removed the air pump and set the timing up, installed a stainless dual exhaust system w/o the converter just prior to the other changes. It runs/sounds like another car. The few little things really woke the car up, but still nothing like a "real" 'Vette. When the engine starts to burn some oil, I'll probably build a 383. Unless, after I completely finish my '62 p/u, I build a good motor for it then. I'll now have alittle more time to turn wrenches, and have no hastles having an engine on a stand in the living room w/ Hot Rod TV on. LOL! J/K. Never had any hastles about the auto projects.
I'll be around now again, great seeing you guys, and thanks for the warm welcome back. Sincerely, Jim.