Wait for just a second dudes.. I've had an engine that the altenator and valve covers looked very similar to.. The engine they were on was the German Kent engine 2000cc. I learned that it was a different engine after bringing it home. The altenetor hardware, engine mounting locations, and the valve cover were all different legenths and measurements than the original one in my '75 2.3. Instead of going through the VIN trouble again, why not go by the route of comparing key differences in engine manifolds (the Kent had a flat pattern to the mounting bolts), engine covers (shorter than the later 2.3, different bolt hole locations) , and in the gas tank area (different gas takeafter the 'blow-up' cases)? The carb was the only thing that would bolt up directly.

Oh..with my Pinto cane a spare VIN plate stapled to the inside cover of the owner's manual, mabye check into yours if you've got it?