How to verify matching #'s. ?

[Trueblue]

Going to look at a 70 MC and want to verify matching #'s

So, how it this done?

[Rock]

The block and the transmission serial number will match the VIN.

[Trueblue]

Thanks for the quick reply

Where will I find those #'s on the block and trans?

[willie]

The block the partial vin should be front of motor under the right side head look down between alt and head, sometime you can see it better from the side.

 

The tranny it should be on left side of tranny housing just above the tranny pan.

 

At least thats where they are on my big blocks.

 

Good Luck

[MCfan]

First, don't confuse the cast-in block number with the stamped engine code you are looking for.  The block is stamped on a very narrow edge that protrudes in front of the passenger side cylinder head directly behind the stock alternator location.  It is generally not easy to see down in there, but it is possible.  You will almost certainly have to scrape and/or brush oily grime/dirt off that surface and use a strong flashlight to be able to see and read the stamped code.  Note that the code begins with a letter designating the engine assembly plant (i.e. T = Tonawanda, NY), followed by the month/day build date code and the three letter engine ID code.  It is only the last six digits of that code string that need to match up with the last six digits of the VIN (generally know as the "production sequence number" or "partial VIN").  

 

 

HOWEVER, sometimes the production sequence/partial VIN is NOT stamped on that little ledge even when the rest of the code IS there (see example below).  In that case, the partial VIN will be stamped on a pad cast into the block near the oil filter mounting position on the back lower driver's side of the block.

 

There is also the (slim) possibility that there will be NO stamped code on the little ledge IF the block has been "decked" (top surface milled around .010") to true up the head mounting surface during an engine rebuild.

 

Finding the production sequence/partial VIN on the transmission might be even more challenging, especially if you don't have access to a lift.  Location varies for automatic or manual transmissions but the code is generally stamped somewhere on the right hand/passenger side of the transmission case.  Again, you are looking for a stamped code, not the transmission casting number.  It may be necessary to do some scraping/brushing to actually uncover the stamping.  An inspection mirror and strong flashlight are very helpful, especially if the stamping is near the top seam of the case as it usually is on a Muncie 4-speed.

 

If the seller has a Build Sheet for the vehicle, you might also want to check the code for the differential and compare it to the RPO shown on the Build Sheet (note: it is usually a 3 letter code, not a partial VIN).  The code is again stamped on the forward facing side of the right hand axle housing just a few inches outboard of the differential housing (see photo below).  Good luck.