[Stefano]

Some well known judging venues have lead people to alter VINs and trim tags on respective components in order to comply to judging standards.

I have never thought that this was the "best" way to handle such a situation, regardless of the value effect it has on a particular vehicle.

There are many well known cars which have scored well at National events which have had these components stamped or altered.

My opinion is that properly restored vehicles, even with out their original drive trains, should still have a chance to score well and NOT be out of contention for a "High" level award, just because of this scenario.

This is my opinion, best to worst for these situations.

1)Born with numbers matching drive trains. This is the best thing to have, that which originally came from the manufacturer, in that particular vehicle.

Some do not understand the term, but it seems very clear and concise to me.

2) CE Replacement, with dealer paperwork. If there is proof that a CE replacement engine was installed by a dealership because it needed to be replaced then that is the next best thing to having the original born with engine, when it is NOT available.

3) If a documented CE is not available then and original engine from another like kind vehicle built during the same time line, would be the next best thing. VIN and date coded correct, original, but from a different, yet similar vehicle.

4) Date coded correct with the correct suffix code also, but NO VIN. Some blocks were not stamped with VINs for various reasons and some were stamped and built as complete warranty replacement assemblies.

5) A CE or factory replacement engine with correct dates.

6) A correct date coded and casting number block with a blank deck/pad.

7) A correct date code and casting number block with an incorrect suffix or pad stamp, but built to correct standards of the car.

8) A properly date coded and re stamped "restoration" block.

9) A correct casting number and size, but NOT date coded correct.

10) A correct style engine but not numbers matching or date coded correct.

11) Just any engine, Like an LS engine in a first gen Z28. That should be a maximum deduction in points for concours correct judging.