Invalid VIN number?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 197
Likes: 30
From: Harrisburg, PA
Car: 1986 Firebird Trans Am WS6
Engine: Cammed 358 TPI
Transmission: Built 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 Borg-Warner 9 Bolt
Invalid VIN number?
A car that I am looking to buy on facebook marketplace seems to be registered under an invalid VIN number. It's a 1989 Pontiac Trans Am. So I was doing some digging based on the license plate in the photos. It turns up the VIN number "1G2FW21B4KL213869" (on multiple sites) which is invalid due to the engine code "B" as the 8th digit. I'm wondering if this is a mistake made by the DMV and it's supposed to be code "8" which is the 350 CUI V8. What would this entail as far as title issues and insurance during a transaction? And could it possibly be a different engine code? The pictures on marketplace actually do show an 8 cylinder engine, so it has to be a 305 or 350 with TPI.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,232
Likes: 1,166
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Invalid VIN number?
Sounds like a typo by seller or dmv.. Wouldn't be the 1st time and won't be the last.
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,354
Likes: 308
From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: Invalid VIN number?
Probably a typo. Some states need a visual inspection of the VIN to prevent such mistakes, or reduce them at the very least
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 12
From: Destin, Florida
Car: 91 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: LB9 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 5 SPD
Axle/Gears: Posi Rear
Re: Invalid VIN number?
Getting it changed should be a simple matter of presenting the car to DMV so they can verify the change needed and they will then issue a new title. I had this problem with a 93 caddy when I moved to Florida, DMV was very accommodating,
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,678
Likes: 1,267
From: In the paint booth!
Car: 1986 Camaro Drag Car
Engine: 383 on Ethanol
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: 4.86 Currie 9 inch
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post