[SilverLS6]

The VIN stamping on that motor appears suspect based on other known originals. From what I can see of the engine code it looks OK? The date is also in line with other dates. There is glare in the picture so it's hard to tell. I can say my May 1970 Norwood Camaro, although a big block and not a Z, has the VIN down by the oil filter and not on the pad.

Here's a theory - You can prove it if you find the VIN by the oil filter. Who ever did the shabby resto didn't really know what was right. They thought they had an unstamped motor and stamped the VIN on the pad because they heard that's how it was supposed to be. If that proves to be true you have a restamped original engine. How strange would that be? If there is no VIN by the oil filter or another VIN... well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what you find.