Trying to match motor to VIN numbers

[Jackson Pike]

I have an old friend/ex boss that was an E Prod racer and shop owner in the 70's to 80's in the Tidewater VA area.
He is getting on in age and not very computer savvy so trying to help him out.
He has three incomplete engines, two Supers and a Normal that by spec list fall into 1957-1958 range.
One of the motors has a Hirth roller, number P82791, Super in the 1958 range.
Next is another Super in the 1957 range, P81059.
Last is a Normal, P71727, also in 1958 range.

I can't find information any in either the database or in the engines wanted forum.
Any suggestions, other reference material and/or information would be greatly appreciated.
My contact information: >nomsg@bellsouth.net< or daytime phone 770 932 9311.

Thanks in advance and regards to all, JP

[Spencer Harris]

Jackson,
these searches from Eric Cherneff's database http://www.356a.com/:

You can also find tables in the Stoddard catalog and in Dr. Johnson's restoration guide referencing the range of applicability vs. chassis numbers.

[Jackson Pike]

Hi Spencer and thanks for the reply.

I have the range part figured out.
The issue and difficulty is trying to match the engine numbers to a specific VIN.
I'm not sure that is possible but that's what I'm trying to do.
Best regards, JP

[Vic Skirmants]

I have the range part figured out.
The issue and difficulty is trying to match the engine numbers to a specific VIN.
I'm not sure that is possible but that's what I'm trying to do.
Best regards, JP[/quote]

You are correct; not possible.

[Jackson Pike]

Hello Vic and thank you for the reply.
I know your name from your excellent reputation in the 356 community.
I had pretty much come to that conclusion but I know enough to know what I don't know so figured it was worth posing the question.

That being the case, so to speak, I'll let him know and see if he wants to try the classifieds and/or eBay.
Thanks again and regards, JP

[Dick Weiss]

Jackson,,

Engine #81059 has the Roller crank listed in 1957, and the other 2 has the plain bearing crank for 1958.
Also, the '57 Super would (should?) have the 40PICB carbs and the others should have original Zenith carbs.

Dick

[Jackson Pike]

Hi Dick.

Thanks for the info.
I'm going to have to travel up and see just what he has.
I have discovered, at this stage at least, these three motors are not on anyone's radar.
Will know more once I can view in person.

Thank you for the reply and regards, JP

[Jackson Pike]

Hi again Dick.

I do have a general question regarding these motors.
Could you email me directly please ?
My address is listed in my initial post.

Thanks, JP

[David Pateman]

It would be useful to collect the information on the motors and post it so that we can determine if the serial matches the case.