Numbers matching motor
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- cktrap
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Numbers matching motor
Looking for feedback on the importance of a numbers matching motor. My car is not a correct restoration as I have changed a few things. I know the vin and motor numbers never match. Given the opportunity to build the original or a donor motor, does it matter? The numbers motor has good compression and was running great until I dropped a valve seat. There was no damage to the pistons, with a valve job it would be fine. I could just do a refresh or custom rods and pistons, balance, porting, big valves etc.... I also have an additional motor in the car running and another I picked up of unknown condition. Sometimes having to many options is confusing. My goal is to have my roadster driveline in top condition so I can stop hoarding parts and sell off the stuff I don't need. All this is an effort to get my addiction under control and gain valuable space in my shop.
Seeking clarity from the group.
Whatcha Think
Keith
Seeking clarity from the group.
Whatcha Think
Keith
'70 SRL311
'10 GMC 2500HD
'10 GMC 2500HD
- notoptoy
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Re: Numbers matching motor
In most other Marques - it matters a lot. I would say in Roadster land it is less of an issue, looking at prices of SR20's and even OE type swaps (1600->2000) the market value does not seem to be affected too much. That said, I would certainly prefer to have the original motor if possible if I am trying to BUY an ORIGINAL car. Then the value is certainly higher with OE Engine, and is a must have if someone wants Concours Condition. So, I would keep the original engine, nicely and properly stored away, as is, for the decision to refresh or discard to go to any future buyer. If they don't want it, then you can always sell it separately down the road. And, in 5-10 years time or more, it will only gain in value as a part.
"When all else fails, force prevails!" Ummm, we're gonna need a bigger hammer here.
67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG
67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG
- notoptoy
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Re: Numbers matching motor
P.S. - I realize this does not really help with your ultimate goal of thinning the herd!
"When all else fails, force prevails!" Ummm, we're gonna need a bigger hammer here.
67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG
67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG
- cktrap
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Re: Numbers matching motor
I'll be in Clemmons over Thanksgiving. Won't be bringing the roadster. Hope to see you if your around
'70 SRL311
'10 GMC 2500HD
'10 GMC 2500HD
- david premo
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Re: Numbers matching motor
Keith,
As you are staying with a U-20, I would keep it a matching numbers car and rebuild it with the original block. You could also keep just the engine block and then you would have the desired engine block to put it back to stock later if you wanted.
Dave
As you are staying with a U-20, I would keep it a matching numbers car and rebuild it with the original block. You could also keep just the engine block and then you would have the desired engine block to put it back to stock later if you wanted.
Dave
- MicVelo
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Re: Numbers matching motor
I'm with those suggesting you keep the original U20 (or at least keep it in the background for later on). As I prepare one of my cars for sale, I have been watching the market very carefully and while many people don't care about "numbers matching", it seems that the people who are collectors are always after originality with the #s match a big to-do. (Even if you plan to keep the car forever, always nice to know you have the original block around!) Just my $.02.
MicStable: '68 SRL-311, Z33, SL55 AMG, Highlander-H / Gone: Z34 & Z33 Nismos, Z33-Rdstr, Z33-GT, Z32, Z31 Shiro (R.I.P.), Q45, 6-S30s, D-Prod SRL311 and a bunch of other non-Nissans.
- 2mAn
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Re: Numbers matching motor
Ive been having a similar struggle in my desire to turn my numbers matching 68 into a race car. Even though it’s no longer the original color inside and out I still worry that I should be using a different car for my aspirations...
Simon
Current Cars:
-1999 Porsche 911 4/98-build, 3.8L M96
Current Cars:
-1999 Porsche 911 4/98-build, 3.8L M96
- notoptoy
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Re: Numbers matching motor
I'm always there then, look forward to seeing you.
Tom
"When all else fails, force prevails!" Ummm, we're gonna need a bigger hammer here.
67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG
67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG
- bakerjf
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Re: Numbers matching motor
The Porsche-guys say it’s a 10% ding on value for a non-matching motor...in their world. I think Datsuns are different. All else being equal, yes, original motor is the way to go. That being said, they’re not a lot of “equal†Roadsters out there in #2 condition, let alone “Concours†level ones. The ‘68 2000 with the competition kit that sold on BaT last month for $34k had a “replacement†engine. Would it have sold for $38k-$40k with an original engine? Maybe, but IMO I doubt it. I kind of chuckle when I see a Roadster for sale promoting its matching-numbers provenance, only to otherwise be a rusty POS.
J. Baker
Lafayette, CA
'69 2000 (Solex)
Lafayette, CA
'69 2000 (Solex)
- fj20spl311
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Re: Numbers matching motor
I agree with J. Baker that condition is KING.
Only the block is "Numbers Matching".
Because replacement ID plates are common, its of less value. I have a 67.5 SPL with an ID for an FJ20.
I also have SRL311-00148 with a ID plate reflecting the engine which I know is not the original.
These are 50 year old cars with engine that were good for less than 100,000 miles on average.
I know its not of much help, but I would build both. At the very least rebuild the bottom end of the numbers matching motor and store correctly.
Parts of a quality rebuild are going up in cost.
Just my 2 cents
Only the block is "Numbers Matching".
Because replacement ID plates are common, its of less value. I have a 67.5 SPL with an ID for an FJ20.
I also have SRL311-00148 with a ID plate reflecting the engine which I know is not the original.
These are 50 year old cars with engine that were good for less than 100,000 miles on average.
I know its not of much help, but I would build both. At the very least rebuild the bottom end of the numbers matching motor and store correctly.
Parts of a quality rebuild are going up in cost.
Just my 2 cents
Phil
67.5 SRL311-00148 Blue (FJ cruiser VOODOO Blue)
67.5 SPL311 FJ20E teal SDS EFI
69 SRL311 SOLD
19 Raptor SCAB
67.5 SRL311-00148 Blue (FJ cruiser VOODOO Blue)
67.5 SPL311 FJ20E teal SDS EFI
69 SRL311 SOLD
19 Raptor SCAB
- Mattk
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Re: Numbers matching motor
So I’ll just say this; I would keep it and stash it for the future value and I guess bragging rights.
But really I’m just laughing my ass off at you trying to get your addiction under control. I know friends are supposed to support those suffering from an addiction but I choose to be an enabler....Buy another roadster! Buy another roadster! But then of course I’ll help you, and feed my own addiction, by buying parts from you
Matthew
But really I’m just laughing my ass off at you trying to get your addiction under control. I know friends are supposed to support those suffering from an addiction but I choose to be an enabler....Buy another roadster! Buy another roadster! But then of course I’ll help you, and feed my own addiction, by buying parts from you
Matthew
MattK
- cole455
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- spl310
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Re: Numbers matching motor
Hmmm.... I may have to see about making a trip to the North Carolina then...
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little
1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
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1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
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1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
- cktrap
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Re: Numbers matching motor
I’m not bringing the smoker this time but I’ll be bringing a couple of yetis full of it. I’ll bring you some.
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'70 SRL311
'10 GMC 2500HD
'10 GMC 2500HD
- PandaBoy
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Re: Numbers matching motor
You can never drive too far for good BBQ!!!
Michael Borysenko
Ridgeway, ON Canada
1969 SRL311-10641
1990 Porsche 928 S4
2007 Infiniti FX45
2009 Infiniti FX50S
Ridgeway, ON Canada
1969 SRL311-10641
1990 Porsche 928 S4
2007 Infiniti FX45
2009 Infiniti FX50S