Do "matching numbers" still exist? Are they still relevant?

Z06-Nomad · 09-03-2007, 05:50 AM

First time in this section, so excuse my ignorance...

View a lot of the SPEED TV "Dream car garage" etc. They are always talking about "matching numbers". I know it refers to the engine, chassis etc, and that it makes the car more valuable etc.

My question is, on a 2002 Z06, is all this still relevant?

I keep my car stock, but I'm curious if someone changed their engine, transmission, rearend, etc... on a modern car would this "matching numbers" thing come to haunt them if they kept the car 30 years and then went to sell it at Barret Jackson etc?

Thanks,
MD

j3studio · 09-03-2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z06-Nomad

First time in this section, so excuse my ignorance...

View a lot of the SPEED TV "Dream car garage" etc. They are always talking about "matching numbers". I know it refers to the engine, chassis etc, and that it makes the car more valuable etc.

My question is, on a 2002 Z06, is all this still relevant?

I keep my car stock, but I'm curious if someone changed their engine, transmission, rearend, etc... on a modern car would this "matching numbers" thing come to haunt them if they kept the car 30 years and then went to sell it at Barret Jackson etc?

Matching numbers (engine, etc.) will be at least somewhat relevant for C5s at some point - the only question is when.

I do not believe that they will have as much influence on value as they do for C1s through C3s - I think one of the biggest reasons is the restricted engine variety in modern Corvettes. For example, your 2002 Z06 was only available with one engine, unlike the vast variety of engines available in earlier Corvettes (six in 1967, for example).

Hope this helps!

mstanton · 09-03-2007, 05:42 PM

IMO, anything after about 73 or 74 numbers matching by itself doesn't mean much. Like said above, there weren't a plethora of engine options and starting in 72, the VIN told what engine came in the car. An original low mileage car will always be worth more and be "numbers matching". If you are talking about a higher mileage driver I don't think it does. No one asks me if my 92 LT-1 is original or numbers matching, but I get that question all the time with 70 LT-1.

j3studio · 09-03-2007, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mstanton

If you are talking about a higher mileage driver I don't think it does.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mstanton

No one asks me if my 92 LT-1 is original or numbers matching, but I get that question all the time with 70 LT-1.

If you bring that 1992 in for judging (1992s and 1993s just got added to NCRS judging) you can bet I'll be checking them ..

a560156 · 09-03-2007, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j3studio

For example, your 2002 Z06 was only available with one engine, unlike the vast variety of engines available in earlier Corvettes (six in 1967, for example).

Seven drivetrain options in 67.

j3studio · 09-04-2007, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a560156

Seven drivetrain options in 67.

I'll defer - not my area of expertise!

Can you list them, please?

Easy Mike · 09-04-2007, 01:54 PM

Matching numbers is always relevant; yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

JohnZ · 09-04-2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a560156

Seven drivetrain options in 67.

327/300 (base)
327/350 (L79)
427/390 (L36)
427/400 (L68)
427/435 (L71)
427/430 (L88)
427/435 (L89)

j3studio · 09-04-2007, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnZ

327/300 (base)
327/350 (L79)
427/390 (L36)
427/400 (L68)
427/435 (L71)
427/430 (L88)
427/435 (L89)

Thanks!

early shark · 09-08-2007, 04:14 AM

Well, that's seven engines, six options. Now add in the M20, M21, M22 4spd and Powerglide automatic and then add in the rear axle ratios of 3:08, 3:36, 3:55, 3:70, 4:11, 4:56 and now you would have different drivetrain combos.

a560156 · 09-09-2007, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by early shark

Well, that's seven engines, six options. Now add in the M20, M21, M22 4spd and Powerglide automatic and then add in the rear axle ratios of 3:08, 3:36, 3:55, 3:70, 4:11, 4:56 and now you would have different drivetrain combos.

Whatever

early shark · 09-14-2007, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a560156

Seven drivetrain options in 67.

If you had answered it correctly, you probably wouldn't need the sarcastic response.

tls630 · 09-18-2007, 04:33 PM

Don't be missled by the term matching numbers. Original and matching numbers are not the same thing.On older cars you want to look for one that is original. Then the trans and rear end and engine will be stamped with the serial #. Viet

JohnZ · 09-19-2007, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viet630

Then the trans and rear end and engine will be stamped with the serial #. Viet

Only the engine and trans were stamped with the VIN derivative; no VIN on the diff.

Greg Gore · 10-09-2007, 04:24 PM

And VIN first appeared on pad in 1960?

JohnZ · 10-11-2007, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Gore

And VIN first appeared on pad in 1960?

Yup - around January or February.

sub006 · 10-14-2007, 04:50 AM

earlyshark,

Don't forget the standard three-speed! I see 'em once in a while, almost as rate as big tanks.

John Shiels · 10-16-2007, 10:40 PM

My Grand Sport tranny was replaced under warranty I guess it had numbers also? The affect?

JohnZ · 10-17-2007, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Shiels

My Grand Sport tranny was replaced under warranty I guess it had numbers also? The affect?

Probably none - transmission and axle "numbers" aren't checked in NCRS Flight Judging.

j3studio · 10-18-2007, 10:09 PM

Still going ...