I need more advice from classic guys
 

So...other than indicating that it's the original engine, what is the benefit to having matching numbers?

Also, anyone know where to look in a 1969 Camaro engine for the VIN?

MPEDrummer

what do you want to know about the car from the VIN?

...

I'm under the impression that that's the number that has to match...right? Or am I way off on this?

MPEDrummer

There is a pad(the pad is part of the block) on the engine in front of the passenger side head that will have a code and VIN number. If that number matches the VIN of the car, then the engine will be numbers matching to the car. If the engine in that car has been rebuilt the stamping may be gone altogether. Sometimes when an engine is rebuilt the block is decked and if it is decked far enough those stampings will be removed. The VIN of a car is also on the firewallunder the heater box, on the top of the subframe, and on the transmission. Beware though, many people will restamp these parts to match the vehicle they are in. Factory stamps where done as a gang(all one huge stamp) and by hand one digit at a time. Which means it is almost impossible to tell if something is restamped or not. On that particular car, if it has a 350, there is a good chance it is not numbers matching. I believe that in 69 the only way to get a 350 from the factory was an SS car.

Mighty Mouse I think might have awnsered this but I am unsure even after I re-read it

On the block usually its the serial number and not the whole vin, in other words the last (?)9 digits of the vin is what is stamped on the block on the classic cars.

Thank you all.

This will help me not look like a moron when I open the hood to look at it.

MPEDrummer

Sorry that was so confusing, this ought to clear it up a little, this pic has the engine ID circled.
http://www.novaresource.org/images/v8stamp.jpg

I believe the VIN stamped on the block will have the last 6 numbers of the VIN on the dashboard. Then there will be a letter code, two or three numbers, that code is very useful in determining what the engine was originally installed in and its original hp rating.

Dude...you rule.

there were 2 350ci engines offered in 69, a 300 horsepower and a 250 horsepower version. the 300 horsepower 350ci was the base model SS or L48 was the RPO for the engine, and Z27 was the RPO for the super sport option. the 250hp was the average simple "the owner just wanted a 350 powered car".

Thanks extracool64, I knew I could count on you to straighten me out.