My chevelle convertible ss 396 has a non matching number engine. Is it possible to find a matching number engine without it being the original engine that came with the car? If an engine with the appropriate casting numbers were put in the car, would the car be "numbers matching"?

Is it possible to find a matching number engine without it being the original engine that came with the car?

NO

There are many opinions, but basically, the "matching numbers are the serial numbers stamped onto the engine... These are the ONLY numbers that will make the engine "Match" the car... Some people also mention casting numbers, but its obvious that those have to be correct also (unless fraud or a factory mistake)... Some people go further, and think EVERY casting number must also be correct... IMO, thats not as important, because those parts could have come from other cars of the same age, but the cars with the VIN derivative stamped on the engine/trans, those are the ONLY original pieces...

"Matching Numbers" does not mean the numbers match something in some reference book, the term means the VIN numbers on the engine/trans match the cars VIN... Pure and simple...


If an engine with the appropriate casting numbers were put in the car, would the car be "numbers matching"?
Alot of people seem to be doing this lately, and IMO, its like using the word "rare" on Ebay... Its something people do to "market" their car (even if its not for sale...). Many people might not do it intentionally, they might have been misinformed...

Why is "matching numbers" so "valuable" or so desirable??? Its because not too many cars have "matching numbers" after 35+ years. Even the original engine might have been "decked", essentially removing those numbers...

If every classic car (or a large majority) truly had matching numbers, had their original engines, then it wouldn't be as much of a big deal...

Its only original once...


It funny how these terms "change" over time as more and more people distort the original meaning to suit their situation... Its also common with the term "Musclecar" etc...

NO!! It would have to have the original motor from the factory with your cars, partial vin stamped on it to be numbers matching. What you are describing would be a correct motor.

NO!! It would have to have the original motor from the factory with your cars, partial vin stamped on it to be numbers matching. What you are describing would be a correct motor.

I would say "date correct" motor, IMO the only "correct" motor for a car is the original one... But that shows how these terms take on a personal meaning for each individual...

Terms like "Survivor" and "Benchmark" imply something completely original, yet many of the guys using those terms have replaced parts, touched-up the paint, etc... They seem to justify and set their own limits as to how much can change, etc... the terms are all fluid...

"Matching numbers"= born in driveline

"correct" = date coding and casting # fall in line with assy prior to build date on trim tag,not original to the car.

no

i always felt that "number matching" meant it was the original motor that came in the car and the partial VIN was stamped in the block. "Numbers correct" meant that the casting numbers and dates were correct for the period but it wasn't the original motor that came with the car. The problem is it means something different to different people. Whenever you see a car that claims to be either.....you need to be sure you are talking about the same thing.

Also keep in mind some won't tell you the truth and will lie or play dumb to sell a car. Lots of builder cars out there and everytime I see a SS for sale thats been restored, I am suspicuous of it no matter how good the documentation.

Today, all the doc's can be faked, people are swapping VIN plates and trim tags from totalled and rusted cars onto any body they can find. I recently seen POP for sale on ebay, made to your spec's. Saw sectio of firewall of a Z28 Camaro for sale.

Its going to be like buying a house (about as expensive) , you will need title insurance to protect your investment if you find out later you bought something that is a fake.

Exactly what Mr. 1966 L78 said!!! NO

I agree with the "no" vote. However, I have a '66 SS396 convertible that I have made "period correct" for lack of a better term closely following the CD provided by Mike at Mystery Chevelle. My car was assembled in the 3rd week in May. The engine block that I found was late April. All of the dated parts for the engine are within two months prior to that date. It was very difficult and pretty expensive to accomplish this. Was it worth it? Who knows? But IMO, I think as time goes on there will obviously be fewer and fewer matching numbers cars and next best will be period correct. Plus, it's just cooler having an original correct engine in the car. It is important not to confuse the issue and maintain the integrity of ownership: a matching numbers car has the original block that matches the VIN number (.) (no?)
Thanks,
Bob