...so says a seller. is this BS or is the # just by the oil pan and not on the tag with the block code (b18c1)?

 

'92-'95 USDM B17 & B18C1 have the block stamp on the front. But do not have a VIN plate riveted to the block right on the bottom front. Only '96-'01 cars do, they in turn also have the VIN plate on the tranny which the earlier cars didn't have either. Earlier cars had a barcoded sticker on the tranny instead of a plate.