[68bird400HO]

To me this brings up a couple of interesting theoretical questions.

1) What is the difference between restoring the motor by recreating an "original" block by restamping it and restoring a car by rebodying it? (I know rebodying has been discussed ad-nauseum on several boards and there are people firmly on both sides of that issue. I don't want to open up that can of worms here again.)

2) If someone goes to the trouble to recreate a RAIV block by starting with an appropriate date coded block, grinding and restamping the part number, resurfacing and stamping the vin and block codes, and converting it to a four bolt mains, would this be less damaging to the value than having an SR block or than having the correct coded block with the wrong vin#?

[md1twal3]

Originally Posted by 68bird400HO

To me this brings up a couple of interesting theoretical questions.

1) What is the difference between restoring the motor by recreating an "original" block by restamping it and restoring a car by rebodying it? (I know rebodying has been discussed ad-nauseum on several boards and there are people firmly on both sides of that issue. I don't want to open up that can of worms here again.)

2) If someone goes to the trouble to recreate a RAIV block by starting with an appropriate date coded block, grinding and restamping the part number, resurfacing and stamping the vin and block codes, and converting it to a four bolt mains, would this be less damaging to the value than having an SR block or than having the correct coded block with the wrong vin#?

I was part of the last rebody debate The simple answer, for both sides of the "arguement" that you pose in #1 is...There is no difference. But, you're right...don't open that can of worms

To your point #2....It seems that an SR block is more acceptable than a restamp because you are doing the "closest to original" (as it came off the GM line), with genuine GM approved replacement parts. I could be wrong, but it seems that the majority of "The Hobby" sort of dictates what is really acceptible and what is not...SR is, restamps are not.

I have no doubt that BLKBRD wouldn't disclose it, but somewhere down the line, someone may not be so honest, and end up in the same position as he. Would a restamp bring equivelant to an SR...I would say likely, but neither will bring what an actual original numbers matching will bring, which is what BLKBRD is trying to get an understanding of...

[Bermuda Blue]

How were you able to determine the restamped status of the block? If you can document your findings and document that the car was advertised as having the original block, I believe you could sue the seller. Not knowing when the transaction took place, there are issues regarding statutes of limitiations and determining damages. In any case, i would go after the lying bastard who sold you the car. if lying bastards realize that cant get away with this kind of stuff, maybe it would stop.

I cant believe the number of liars and thieves in this hobby. It seems that liars and thieves are drawn to the pontiac hobby for some reason.

The following is a list of car values deterimined by engine status. I welcome comments and/or additions to the list.

1) Original motor
2) Correct SR block (i.e. SR WW motor for RAIV 4sp car) within warranty period
3) Correct SR block, outside warranty period
4) Correct motor (i.e. WW motor from another RAIV 4sp car, different VIN), correctly dated
5) Correct motor, incorrectly dated
6) Incorrect SR block (i.e. SR WT motor for RAIV 4sp car) within warranty period
7) Incorrect SR block, outside warranty period
8) Incorrect motor, correctly dated
9) Incorrect motor, incorrectly dated
10) Any non-pontiac motor other than a Chevy motor
11) Chevy motor

[taximan]

If you think there are a lot of crooks in the Pontiac hobby, it's nothing compared to Corvettes.

There are probably twice as many Big Block mid year Vettes today, then were ever built. At least Pontiac has PHS. Corvette has nothing but some frustrated science teacher that says he has enough pictures of block stampings to tell whether its original or not.

There are even garage shops that advertise for milling and re-stamping blocks to look original.