Corvette Forum Editor

The choice between restored perfection and modified performance can be a tough one.

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pokerpro

Lets see modern drive train that you can drive coast to coast if you choose with no worries, or an all original drive train where you are pretty much limited to how far you can drive before your broken down on the side of the road looking stupid waiting for the hook.

schizcat

Interesting discussion. I have thought about this too. I have weighed on buying a C2 and transplanting the LS2 from my C6 into it. I saw someone comment on the style and performance of the restomod. I'd have to agree. You get the looks but you also get the comfort and reliability of the more modern drivetrain.

I will also add, I think with an original '63 Splitwindow it will do more time sitting in a garage than on the road. If I were to spend that kind of money, I'd like to be able to take the car out.

Critter1

I'm probably all alone on this but I really don't like those tall wheels. On ANY 50's or 60's car. I think they're serious ugly. Reminds me of a bad neighborhood in any big city.

Mr D.

I disagree, a property maintained original drive train will run just fine across country.

W Guy

You're not alone Michael.

Verne

bigearl56

I have owned both and love both. Always own what makes you happy and be happy for folks who also do the same.

Earl

pokerpro

So let me see if I completely understand you here. If there are two '63 SW's one has an all original drive train and the other has an LS7 with a tremic 5 or 6 speed and you had to choose one to drive from NY to CA in which there would be a suitcase full of money waiting for you ONLY if you didn't breakdown. Which car would you choose?

I rest my case!

ChattanoogaJSB

you are kidding, aren't you? I'm guessing you have no experience with old Chevrolets, judging you only by your avatar and not your statistics. You do realize that's what these are- Chevys.

With (WAY) less money and work a 327 with factory cooling and brakes will take you anywhere you want to go and home again over the cost to do the same in a restomod (which I like).

How someone one wants to get there is-totally- subjective. LS engines, EFI, overdrive, modern air etc are all fine, but not part of the experience for many here.

i bought a c6 new, great car, wouldn't trade my 64 or 69 to have it back, and I would leave off for CA tomorrow where the cars are concerned.

(edit- wait- I just saw your threads started list- typical- floor mats, spoilers, headlights, splitters, house party. "I rest my case")

OHSIXX

An easy choice for me:

leif.anderson93

100%

cv67

i hear the arguement but most owners barely drive theirs to the donut shop twice a yr...to busy saving it LOL



Like stuff you can fix in a parking lot cheap and be on your way.
That CEL is a ****.

lol
things have changed....back in the day eveyrone had a 4bbl alum intake, holley and headers. Unless it had a cam at least those werent considered mods

Now a wax makes the 'modded" list.

Critter1

I agree. In 1984, I completely rebuilt the 425 HP 427 in my 66. A day after it was finished, my GF and I headed out on the NCRS road trip from the Chicago suburbs to the Hoover dam. (about 1,700 miles?) Then up to the Grand canyon and eventually to Copper mtn in Colorado. Zero issues on the entire 4,500 mile trip. That winter, we drove it to Florida and back for the NCRS event. Again, zero issues. A few more trips to Florida over the next several years and to this day, zero issues. (well, there was that spindle bearing thing in 2001)
The car never let us down, even with an old original transistor ignition system. (ok, the box finally failed a few years ago)

No power steering, power brakes or air conditioning. (senior citizen accessories)

The trip would have been more comfortible in a new Corvette but not nearly as much fun.

However, most engine rebuilds today are done by guys that really shouldn't be tampering with things that they don't fully understand.

GTOguy

"restored or modified, which is better?"-----Neither. Cars don't have to be restored or modified to be enjoyed by a lot of us. It's not all about 150k resto-mods or 100 point restorations with 100% of their history wiped out by restoration.

jpcarter48

My '67 has been both, stock 390hp for years, now riding on completely new Chassis with ZL1 stroker motor, Tremec 5sp and coil-overs from Van Steel. Hoping to enjoy it just as much with new chassis without the worry of breaking original parts. Main thing is to get as many on the road as possible.

wmf62

'modified', but not 'restomod'....

Bill

vettebuyer6369

Why does this thread come down to "driving across the country?"

I love beautiful, original cars that look (inside and out) as close to the way they did when GM (and no one else) created them. I spend a grand total of zero % of my time considering driving my 50+ year old cars across the country. That's what my SUV is for.

Your results may vary. Maybe that's why the answer to this question depends on the buyer of the car.

FINWOLF

If I had the money to do what I want. I would do a tubular frame the best break package, BB with carb, modern Suspension, 6 speed, better seats, drop my body on it and go. what ever you call it when it is done I don't care. But no large rims with skinny tires.

449er

Give me the 63, I admit that I am an old schooler, the wheels on the 67 are too big and or the car has been lowered too much for my tastes

Mjfloyd1

I see value in both. The restored car is right for some while a survivor car is right for others.

The 67 was built by Jeff Hayes and he does them up right.

It would be a boring world if we all liked exactly the same things..