1970 lt!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
1970 lt!
I am considering purchasing a LT1 with a non original transmission. I would replace this trans with a period correct Muncie. How does this effect the value and collectability of the car? Your opinions are appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
That's an interesting question. I know of a similar situation where a '69 L-71 corvette has a replacement transmission, originally an M21, now replaced with a period correct M22 trans. What about its value?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,172
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi G,
I'd think it would decrease the value by the $$ needed to come up with an undetectable replacement.
The next question has to be, how much of the rest of the car is made up of the actual parts it left St. Louis with? The more original the car is, the more the incorrect trans affects the value.
Remember, there are original number matching cars and put-together number matching cars. Which do you want? Which describes this car?
I believe only the original LT-!s are worth the big $$$.
You're pretty lucky to even have this dilemma. LT-!s are GREAT cars.
Regards,
Alan
I'd think it would decrease the value by the $$ needed to come up with an undetectable replacement.
The next question has to be, how much of the rest of the car is made up of the actual parts it left St. Louis with? The more original the car is, the more the incorrect trans affects the value.
Remember, there are original number matching cars and put-together number matching cars. Which do you want? Which describes this car?
I believe only the original LT-!s are worth the big $$$.
You're pretty lucky to even have this dilemma. LT-!s are GREAT cars.
Regards,
Alan
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 24
From: Boston MA
Are you buying it to flip it, or to drive it? If your buying to keep, then I would say you can get a good deal on the car, and put a 5 speed in it to drive it...that will make the car a lot more fun to drive.
If your buying it to flip it, You could probably get the money back the old transmission would cost, but not what it would cost to re-stamp it...i think...if you are buying it as an investment you can enjoy, buy the car, and some savings bonds; put the bonds in the glove box and in 10 years you will double the money on the bonds.
If your buying it to flip it, You could probably get the money back the old transmission would cost, but not what it would cost to re-stamp it...i think...if you are buying it as an investment you can enjoy, buy the car, and some savings bonds; put the bonds in the glove box and in 10 years you will double the money on the bonds.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 5
From: Upstate South Carolina
As long as the car is not being sold as a low mileage survivor I don't think it is that big of deal. Anything non original is going to effect the value negatively, but the transmission is much less important than all the LT-1 engine parts and original, unhit body. I'd like to hear more about the car. Pics?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
more info
As long as the car is not being sold as a low mileage survivor I don't think it is that big of deal. Anything non original is going to effect the value negatively, but the transmission is much less important than all the LT-1 engine parts and original, unhit body. I'd like to hear more about the car. Pics?
Thanks
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Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento California
I would think the lack of a numbers matching transmission would affect the value of the vehicle marginally, but this will depend on who you speak with and what thier taste is. I like resto-mod cars and trucks so if the right trans were in the car (such as a 5 speed od manual) I would consider it an improvement. I would imagine the corvette purist would disagree with me stating that you could never make this car a true numbers matching corvette LT 1. While it is possible to find a period correct trans and have it re-stamped, I disagree with this course of action because it potentially could misslead someone as to the originality of the car. The bottom line is that the car is a real LT 1 and it will be valuable and collectable with a period correct trans even if the numbers do not match. There are plenty of muscle cars that were purchased in that era, taken to the local drag strip or street race, and had the motor or trans detonated and replaced with a non numbers matching factory replacement part. They are still very valuable and highly collectible. If possible, please post pics of the car for the rest of us to drool over, and let us know if you pull the trigger! 
Kelly
Kelly