The 88 5 speed that Kevin's working on is only a couple numbers away from my 88 5 speed.
However, we noticed that they have different numbers ("0" vs. "1") in the ninth digit position.
So in other words one is WP0JB0921... and the other one is WP0JB0920...
Do you guys know what that means (or what difference that designates)..?
I know there is a decoder around somewhere, but I can't seem to locate it.
Thanks!

 

It means they were built within a few days of each other.

Not real clear on what you are asking.

 

Decoder is on the top bar, hidden inside the "tools" link (between 'members' and 'marketplace')

Or here:

https://rennlist.com/forums/vindecoder.php

 

The 9th digit is a checksum sort of thing, it can be calculated from the rest of the VIN using a byzantine formula that combines the other positions' values and a weighting factor into a number that goes in the 9th position.

Why? No Frickin' Idea.

 

I believe the build sequence is the latter numbers in the VIN.

I'm pretty sure those first numbers designate other details...

 

As has been said, it's a checksum digit (calculated from the other digits in the VIN), so just attempts to detect VIN transcription errors. It says nothing about the car.

 

Thanks Joe, but that is a very cryptic decoder.
It only yields some minimal cursory information.
Both VIN's, when entered came back with identical info.
(it only gives model, year, MSRP, etc).

Thanks Rob. That's what I was just reading from another source.
There's an algorithm that calculates it based on the rest of the numbers in the VIN.
So apparently the value of that digit is used to confirm the validity of the VIN.
Pretty cool. And very interesting. Constantly learning new things here...

 

Yes. Now I understand. Thanks for the reply!