Non-matching engine, how much does it hurt?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 410
Likes: 6
From: Flowery Branch GA
Non-matching engine, how much does it hurt?
I am looking at a very 78 Silver Anni/blk interior w/56k. It has a non-matching chevy 350 long with only a couple thousand miles on it. The tranny is refurbished and original. Overall car is in very good shape repainted correctly a few years ago but garaged since. Runs good.
So, how much $$ value is lost with the non-matching engine?
Thanks,
Tom
So, how much $$ value is lost with the non-matching engine?
Thanks,
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,234
Likes: 19
From: Freestate Corvette Club! Elkridge, MD
St. Jude Donor '17
I think for the most part very little is lost. They are not a huge value car like a '67 427. While it is an anniversary car, and that does make it special in some aspects - if you are buying it to enjoy then you should do just that!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
I think a lot of guys are thinking that numbers matching somehow makes their car "The One".
Being numbers matching makes it somehow closer to a 1969 ZL-1 of which only two were made.
If you found one of those cars and all the numbers matched its could be worth millions.
However, there were 15,283 Silver Anniversary cars built in 78. About a third of all 78's.
It was really only a paint and trim package. Performance wise, it was the same car as any other 78.
Numbers matching probably adds 5-10% to the value of that car.
Another Example:
Bobby Orr 1966 Boston Bruins Rookie card $2000
Gilles Marotte 1966 Boston Bruins Rookie card $2
A Gilles Marotte card ain't "The One" no matter how original or what shape its in.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 1
From: Harleysville PA
for this car probably not a big deal, but when i look for cars i try to go for numbers matching cars because it may impact later resale value and speed or resale. my advice is to look for the best car and that would mean a numbers matching car - if they made 15000 units then i'm sure that you can wait and find a better one.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,431
Likes: 298
From: MN-C3, AZ-C7
Do you like it?
If the price is right for you and the condition is what you're looking for ...why not. Many on this site would place more value on a fresh (w/receipts) motor over a 30 yr old "boat anchor" with dried out gaskets.
Forget ever making a dime off it when you sell it. Unless you're talking about a 427 '67 or a solid axle or a few select other series...your car will will not appreciate enough to cover the cost of insurance and maintainance.
I spent $14,500 17 years ago. Since then I've spent $4,500 for insurance $2,500 for maintenance...my vette's still only worth what I paid or less....bad investment...no priceless!!!
btw: In 17 yrs of owning this one and 4 years with a previous Vette....I cannot think I've ever been asked if the numbers matched...no one gives a hoot with "common" Vettes.
JU
If the price is right for you and the condition is what you're looking for ...why not. Many on this site would place more value on a fresh (w/receipts) motor over a 30 yr old "boat anchor" with dried out gaskets.
Forget ever making a dime off it when you sell it. Unless you're talking about a 427 '67 or a solid axle or a few select other series...your car will will not appreciate enough to cover the cost of insurance and maintainance.
I spent $14,500 17 years ago. Since then I've spent $4,500 for insurance $2,500 for maintenance...my vette's still only worth what I paid or less....bad investment...no priceless!!!
btw: In 17 yrs of owning this one and 4 years with a previous Vette....I cannot think I've ever been asked if the numbers matched...no one gives a hoot with "common" Vettes.
JU
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,981
Likes: 6,207
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
As usual, I will completely disagree with the other responses. Don't minimize the value lost just because it's not a '67. That's overlooking what is important and relevant.
Of course the overall impact is far less than on a car that's worth a lot more; that goes without saying. However, history tells us that EVERY car at some point "wasnt worth all that much" and at a later point was worth a lot more. Pretending that an NOM will not affect the future value of this car is short sighted or possibly just another slam at the NCRS crowd. Either way, don't fall for it.
If you like the car, do not hesitate to buy it. However, do not, I repeat do not be misled by people telling you the wrong numbers don't/won't matter. They are wrong.
Bottom line- buy it, but don't pay too much, thinking the value is the same as a correct motor. It's not.
Of course the overall impact is far less than on a car that's worth a lot more; that goes without saying. However, history tells us that EVERY car at some point "wasnt worth all that much" and at a later point was worth a lot more. Pretending that an NOM will not affect the future value of this car is short sighted or possibly just another slam at the NCRS crowd. Either way, don't fall for it.
If you like the car, do not hesitate to buy it. However, do not, I repeat do not be misled by people telling you the wrong numbers don't/won't matter. They are wrong.
Bottom line- buy it, but don't pay too much, thinking the value is the same as a correct motor. It's not.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 410
Likes: 6
From: Flowery Branch GA
Thanks for all of your input, your opinions either way matter and I appreciate your taking the time to respond.
I'll actually get to see and go over the car with a fine tooth comb after the first of the year. Depending on what I find, I may or may not be jumping into the C3 club then.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Tom
I'll actually get to see and go over the car with a fine tooth comb after the first of the year. Depending on what I find, I may or may not be jumping into the C3 club then.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Tom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Just curious ... did/does that 78 belong to a GA couple??? ... the wife I don't recall her name but I think was primary driver & she worked as a county dispatcher ??? ... maybe husband name was Kenny??? ... seems like her car had a GM goodwrench motor and they freshened that motor a coupla years back w/ rings, small cam & better heads???????
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Of course the overall impact is far less than on a car that's worth a lot more; that goes without saying. However, history tells us that EVERY car at some point "wasnt worth all that much" and at a later point was worth a lot more. Pretending that an NOM will not affect the future value of this car is short sighted or possibly just another slam at the NCRS crowd. Either way, don't fall for it.
If you like the car, do not hesitate to buy it. However, do not, I repeat do not be misled by people telling you the wrong numbers don't/won't matter.
If you like the car, do not hesitate to buy it. However, do not, I repeat do not be misled by people telling you the wrong numbers don't/won't matter.
It's not like buying a '71 now with NOM, but 8-10 years from now, who knows. Life's all about choices. Use caution, and make the right one for you. 
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 1
From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
I actually agree with Vettebuyer....no telling when, but all of these cars will be worth more someday, and will be worth more with the original equipment. Tough to tell when the '78 will really see a big value difference between a numbers matching and a NOM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 410
Likes: 6
From: Flowery Branch GA
Just curious ... did/does that 78 belong to a GA couple??? ... the wife I don't recall her name but I think was primary driver & she worked as a county dispatcher ??? ... maybe husband name was Kenny??? ... seems like her car had a GM goodwrench motor and they freshened that motor a coupla years back w/ rings, small cam & better heads???????
Thanks,
Tom
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
As usual, I will completely disagree with the other responses. Don't minimize the value lost just because it's not a '67. That's overlooking what is important and relevant.
Of course the overall impact is far less than on a car that's worth a lot more; that goes without saying. However, history tells us that EVERY car at some point "wasnt worth all that much" and at a later point was worth a lot more. Pretending that an NOM will not affect the future value of this car is short sighted or possibly just another slam at the NCRS crowd. Either way, don't fall for it.
If you like the car, do not hesitate to buy it. However, do not, I repeat do not be misled by people telling you the wrong numbers don't/won't matter. They are wrong.
Bottom line- buy it, but don't pay too much, thinking the value is the same as a correct motor. It's not.
Of course the overall impact is far less than on a car that's worth a lot more; that goes without saying. However, history tells us that EVERY car at some point "wasnt worth all that much" and at a later point was worth a lot more. Pretending that an NOM will not affect the future value of this car is short sighted or possibly just another slam at the NCRS crowd. Either way, don't fall for it.
If you like the car, do not hesitate to buy it. However, do not, I repeat do not be misled by people telling you the wrong numbers don't/won't matter. They are wrong.
Bottom line- buy it, but don't pay too much, thinking the value is the same as a correct motor. It's not.
Vettebuyer, you always seem to be on point. I couldn't agree with you more.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,957
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From: Omaha NE
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
You can't lose if you buy a non-matching car/engine for the right price now. The car will always be worth that...or more. Who knows, maybe Barrett-Jackson will do research and find that there are only 3 '78 SA cars with the original motors in them...and you will have one!!! {NOT!!} Hey! It could happen.