Meaning of "numbrs matching" opinions please

[Jeff H]

To me numbers matching means the original engine and trans with the partial VIN stamped from the factory. I've alwyas thought it to mean that for over 25 years. The Corvette guys kind of messed up that definition when they started restamping things for judging purposes. Since the engine and transmission are the only components with the actual VIN stamped in them, they are the main parts where the numbers match. Now if you have the POP then your rear end can also match the code and date from the POP but it still won't have the VIN stamped in it. Most of the deceiving ads out there use "number's matching" because they know people will think it's the original motor and trans. They should be using "number's correct", "factory correct", "date coded block" and also clearly state if the VIN does not match.