Keep 69 BIG BLOCK ORIGINAL

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Jan 22, 2007 | 07:40 PM

#21

1ARACE

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 915

Likes: 2

From: Lima, OH -- 69 L71 427/435hp

Quote:

Originally Posted by capevettes

I drive all my cars. I don't care what they are worth. Life is too short and I'm not saving them for the next guy. If they break I'll fix them. I keep them out of foul weather and enjoy them on nice days. They are too much fun to drive to be sitting all the time. We're not talking about a million dollar Ferrari or Cobra

after all.

capevettes the wise

Couldn't agree more. Life is too short, put the original in and enjoy it...that's the only way you'll ever know how it ran 'originally' when it was tearing up the streets 38 years ago

Nostalgia value > cash value.

Jan 22, 2007 | 08:12 PM

#22

wallemon

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 1,077

Likes: 0

From: Northwestern South Dakota

Quote:

Originally Posted by capevettes

after all.

I couldn't agree more! I have one of each body style from C1 to C5 and I love them all. What value can be placed on the joy I get driving them and giving kids rides, etc.??? That being said, to each his own. If you love having a 10 year old perfect restored car with 100 miles per year on it since restoration then who's to say that you are wrong? It is yours to do what you want with. If you want to drive it then drive it. If you are trying to have your cake and eat it too by driving it while at the same time maintaining it's dollar value then pull the engine and drive train and put a hot ZZ crate motor in it and a Keisler 5 speed and maybe a 4.56 rear end and HAVE A BLAST!!!!

Jan 22, 2007 | 08:23 PM

#23

Dobermann

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 1,258

Likes: 0

From: Mobile, Alabama/ 29 Palms, california

Keep the big block original and drive it occasionally. Then take your 1981 and mod it into a really badass car.

Jan 22, 2007 | 08:51 PM

#24

2th farmer

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 2,540

Likes: 1

From: Pineville Kentucky

CI 6-8-9 Veteran

I pulled my #'s matching LS4 out of my 73 for the same reason you are stating, I couldn't enjoy the car as much for fear of crapping the block. I crated it and put together a 454 roller motor with a Keisler TKO 500 and now I totally enjoy the car.
I now drive it like I stole it!
Bottom line: Crate it

Jan 22, 2007 | 09:18 PM

#25

Richard454

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 8,877

Likes: 3,556

From: Fernandina Beach FL

2023 Restomod of the Year finalist

2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified

I've owned my 71 454 since 1981...the original motor was gone when I bought it. I went to the trouble to find a correct block-nos rear fenders to replace the flares-correct exhaust manifolds...etc...

Then I thought- who am I kidding?- with so many fakes out there why bother? It will never be the truely "original" again-by cobbling up parts off other cars...

SO...ZZ502-Tremec 5sp- sidepipes -and more mods...

For most of us out there -THIS is a HOBBY - "An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure."

Treat it as such and don't get so hung up on the investment part- Look at all the 78 Pace Cars that have never been driven-Were they a good investment?

Richard

Jan 22, 2007 | 10:28 PM

#26

Muddywaters

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 3,347

Likes: 9

From: Salinas Ca.

Durring our restore... I nearly set this LT-1 #matching engine aside and built something with 500 or so HP... I didn't...the reason is, the more I tore into it, the more I wanted to drive her just the way she was!

This summer we put over 7K on her. I don't abuse this engine or the car...as I respect her to much. I do pull her up to 5500 RPM though and thats plenty!

Muddy... I vote, balance & rebuild with someone very knowledgable then have fun!!

Jan 23, 2007 | 07:47 PM

#27

Shoevette

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 205

Likes: 15

From: East Greenwich NJ

I have to say I avoided the issue altogether by buying a 427/435 nom. While it is a correct '69 block, I feel that I can drive it the way it was meant to be driven and enjoy it. These cars were purpose built, and not just to be looked at. If you drive it AT ALL, then I think you are wasting your time if you never tap into its potential.

my .02

Jan 24, 2007 | 12:14 AM

#28

PHARMER

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

Keeping 69 Bb Original -advice

Thanks for all of the input, advice. I thought it was interesting that responces were split approximately 50/50 for keeping original verses modifying. I'm leaning towards keeping it original and completing my modifications on my 81. Just need to install tremec TKO 5 sp and I'll be done (not a small task!).

Maybe down the road , if the 81 doesn't put a smile on my face anymore , I'll put a 502 in that 69 . Sounds like FUN !

Meanwhile , I'm gonna drive that 69 with the original equipment. No more worries, I promise.

Thanks

Joe