Red07SSNA

I noticed that my SS/NA's VIN number and engine serial number don't match. I checked 2 other SS/NA cars and the numbers didn't match either. I guess GM is not "matching" numbers anymore? In the future how can you prove it's the engine that came with your car?

Anybody else notice this? I wonder if it's the same with the 2.2 and 2.0?

Engine serial number is located on the oil filter housing.

bryce712

i never thought to worry about it. but i guess ill check in the morning for ya

Red07SSNA

Not trying to make a big deal out of this. Just used to hearing "matching numbers" when looking at old cars when referring to original equipment.

REIGN SS

maybe there is a database that matches VIN to Engine #... its probably easier to do that way, then to match #'s, because sequencing loads to get matching # sucks...

Red07SSNA

Make a long story short: when I was installing my ModPer powder coated valve cover I found the wiring on the top of the engine was twisted. After finishing the job I noticed the serial number and checked it against the VIN. At first I thought maybe someone had replaced the engine already because of the wiring being twisted and the numbers didn't match (all my previous GM cars' numbers matched). I went to the local dealer and we checked some cars in the lot and then CED checked my VIN and that is where they can access the engine serial number. In the future selling a car to an individual you might not have access to a VIN decoder to prove to the potential buyer it is the original engine should they be adamant about it.

Jackalope

GM hasn't had the cars VIN # stamped into the engine since the 60's. Engine serial #'s and transmission serial #'s have been what ever they throw in it off the line. Its a non issue that you really don't need to worry about.

kenhebe

You beat me to it.

Red07SSNA

My 64, 67, 70, 75, and 88 Buicks all had matching numbers. I hadn't bought a GM car since those so I was surprised by the fact that they stopped matching them. The engine serial number had a 2 digit code that identified the engine and then the last 6 of the VIN number. No, it's not important as long as it's well known -- it was kinda nice to know with out a doubt that it was the original engine. As long as there is a way to identify by serial number that it is the original it's no big deal.

Jackalope

Your 64, 67, 70 and maaaaybe even 75 would have had the engine stamping as you described but that 88 I doubt it did. I worked for Buick bach then, from 1989 thru 1992 and I don't remember them having partial VIN's in the engine code. I guess they could have its been awhile and those were Buicks and even tho they are part of GM they aren't Chevy's. I don't think Chevy has done it how your describing since maybe around 1970 or so.

But yeah your right it'd be nice to have SOMEWAY to se if it was the original stuff.

redlineblueline

it may have something to do with the large amount of Saab parts on the car

Red07SSNA

LOL! I hadn't thought of that....

OK, Who's the owners that polled that their engine has the same number as their VIN? Just messing around, eh? Don't make a liar out of Jackalope...lol!

Jackalope

They're screwing with ya bud.

Red07SSNA

Honda owners no doubt...lol!

Jackalope

Probly don'teven know what a VIN is.

Red07SSNA

Hey Jackalope check this out -- looks like GM's right hand doesn't know what its' left hand is doing

This is word for word out of the 06 and 07 service manuals -- all engines:

"Engine Identification
Identification can be made through the use of the Broadcast Code label on the engine front cover (1) and the use of the partial VIN etched on the oil filter bowl (2)."

Then under the last item of the Barcode breakdown it states:

"The partial VIN identifies the specific vehicle by sequence number."