Determining if eng/trans are original -- eg, matching numbers?

[Healeyalt]

I'm buying a 1976 2+2 (California) next week. The seller says it has the original engine and trany. How can I verify if it really does (eg, how can you determine matching numbers on these cars). It has a 5 sp trany which I didn't think was available in 1976 models. If it turns out not to be the original trany, how can I determine if it came from a 1977 or 1978 or later ZX (I believe there was a difference in some of the gear ratios)?

Thanks

Gary

[bpilati]

The 240Z had the engine serial number on the engine compartment nameplate. I believe you are correct that a 5-speed was an option on the 280Z.

[LeonV]

I'm buying a 1976 2+2 (California) next week. The seller says it has the original engine and trany. How can I verify if it really does (eg, how can you determine matching numbers on these cars). It has a 5 sp trany which I didn't think was available in 1976 models. If it turns out not to be the original trany, how can I determine if it came from a 1977 or 1978 or later ZX (I believe there was a difference in some of the gear ratios)?

Thanks

Gary

The engine number on the block is located by the starter, and a plate with the matching number should be in the engine bay. You are correct that a 5-speed never came on a '76 280Z, they started being offered as an option in '77. There is no way to match any numbers of the transmission to the car but we know that a 5-speed was not available in '76, therefore it is not original. Search around and you should find info on identifying different transmissions, usually by the "ears" (exhaust hangers) at the rear of the transmission.

With that said, it doesn't really matter if it's numbers matching or not. I don't see that adding much value, especially on a '76 2+2. If the engine and trans are in good shape, there is no reason to toss it aside just because it isn't matching. Conversely, even if engine numbers match, that doesn't mean that all of a sudden a '76 2+2 is worth $1000 more.

[Healeyalt]

Thanks guys, that helps. I wasn't looking for more or less value in the car, but rather, if coversions were done, such as swapping the trany, that they were done well and not a "hack" job of sorts. The guy selling the car says it does shift well through all the gears and so I guess thats whats most important. It might even be a T5 conversion instead of a swap with a later car. I'll have to wait until next week to get the car and look it over better.

Gary