Alright, I have been lurking for a while and just registered. I read your information about the VIN's and figured out what the VIN should be and how it should match the trim tag. My question is....how can you tell if it is the original correct motor? This is probably a dumb question, but I am just curious

The last few digits of the VIN will be stamped on the engine, as well as the transmission.

For most years, look on the flat pad on the block just ahead of the passenger side cylinder head. You should find two numbers there.

The first number will be the engine code and date the engine was assembled at the engine assembly plant. Obviously, for this to be an original engine, this code will have to be a code that was available that year in that car.

The second number stamped there was stamped on the car assembly line, and it will have matching digits for the VIN.

Thanks a ton Gary S.