Big Dilemma
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 4
From: Rochester New York
Big Dilemma
My father, now in his later years, has decided to give me his Silver Anniversary. This is a stored, hardly driven complete numbers matching car. She has had minor 'gas station' work done to her but no hacking and no mods. I own a machine shop and have been a mechanic all my life, being in my 50's I cut my teeth on first gen 'somggers' and know most of the tricks to getting then to run... at least as well as they can being from that era. My big issue is deciding if I should modernize the old girl, put a decent cam in her, headers intake and a cat back. I have stayed step for step with modern tech. I understand and appreciate what proper engine management can do for performance, reliability and mileage. I'm fully outfitted with the skills and facilities to do a first class job.
I'm asking the forum; If I update this particular rig and make her run like I know she can, does that make me a bad Vette owner or is that respected?
I'm asking the forum; If I update this particular rig and make her run like I know she can, does that make me a bad Vette owner or is that respected?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,657
Likes: 3,117
From: Shamong, NJ
From my point of view, if it's just a tired old Vette, no big deal, but if it's a low miles, original car, it would be a shame to modify it.
At the risk of bringing down the wrath, of all the Silver Anniversary owners on the Forum, on me; I will say that I don't think the world will miss one Silver Anniversary. There were over 15,000 built. A third of all 78's built had the SA package, so there is nothing particularly rare about them.
I think the bigger question is: How will your father feel about you modifying his car? As a gift to you, does he have any expectations of how you will treat his car, or what you do with it. Many times, people have made a gift of a car (or something else), only to be hurt by how it was treated, by the receiver.
Before you modify it, I would ask your father what his wishes are, for the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
My father, now in his later years, has decided to give me his Silver Anniversary. This is a stored, hardly driven complete numbers matching car. She has had minor 'gas station' work done to her but no hacking and no mods. I own a machine shop and have been a mechanic all my life, being in my 50's I cut my teeth on first gen 'somggers' and know most of the tricks to getting then to run... at least as well as they can being from that era. My big issue is deciding if I should modernize the old girl, put a decent cam in her, headers intake and a cat back. I have stayed step for step with modern tech. I understand and appreciate what proper engine management can do for performance, reliability and mileage. I'm fully outfitted with the skills and facilities to do a first class job.
I'm asking the forum; If I update this particular rig and make her run like I know she can, does that make me a bad Vette owner or is that respected?
I'm asking the forum; If I update this particular rig and make her run like I know she can, does that make me a bad Vette owner or is that respected?
It sounds like this car has quite a bit of sentimental value, so I'm thinking that you will be holding onto it, but if the car is low milage, and original, it is most likely more valuable that way.
Some people like our cars because of the curves, but there are lots of newer cars that have nice curves also. Some people like our cars because of their speed/power, but compared to today, they aren't that powerful. Some people like our cars because the were the pinnacle back in a time when cars were still made by highly skilled laborers, and that's why originality matters.
My opinion is, you can make lots of modifications to increase horsepower, but save everything that is original. If you ever sell the car down the road, you will want to be able to put it back to as close to original as you can.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Why not enjoy the car for what it is; an unmolested original. Your father owned the car all this time without trying to make it something it isn't.
You can find any number of less original cars if you want to update one.
My .02.
You can find any number of less original cars if you want to update one.
My .02.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,979
Likes: 6,207
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
While Ive always felt that its fine to update the entry-level cars provided you keep the original parts, in this case it just seems like such a mistake.
As a previous poster said, I wonder what Dad thinks of this. Isnt there a sentimentality factor?
Besides, an original, untouched Silver Anniversary survivor is simply worth a premium over any driveability upgrades (also known as "value deductions") you can do. As a Corvette Guy, I'd almost rather see you sell it to someone who won't ruin the car, and go pick up one of those dime a dozen cars to modify.
As I type this, I wonder if you really mean "Silver Anniversary" as in the actual special edition from 1978, or you just mean a generic garden variety '78 that happens to have the badging they all have. If so, the value discussion in the previous paragraph is lessened considerably.
As a previous poster said, I wonder what Dad thinks of this. Isnt there a sentimentality factor?
Besides, an original, untouched Silver Anniversary survivor is simply worth a premium over any driveability upgrades (also known as "value deductions") you can do. As a Corvette Guy, I'd almost rather see you sell it to someone who won't ruin the car, and go pick up one of those dime a dozen cars to modify.
As I type this, I wonder if you really mean "Silver Anniversary" as in the actual special edition from 1978, or you just mean a generic garden variety '78 that happens to have the badging they all have. If so, the value discussion in the previous paragraph is lessened considerably.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 4
From: Rochester New York
Both. There are Vette people who are purists and there are those who are butchers, ok I'm just kidding, there are those who like modified/customized cars. There are also some, like me, who enjoy either.
From my point of view, if it's just a tired old Vette, no big deal, but if it's a low miles, original car, it would be a shame to modify it.
At the risk of bringing down the wrath, of all the Silver Anniversary owners on the Forum, on me; I will say that I don't think the world will miss one Silver Anniversary. There were over 15,000 built. A third of all 78's built had the SA package, so there is nothing particularly rare about them.
I think the bigger question is: How will your father feel about you modifying his car? As a gift to you, does he have any expectations of how you will treat his car, or what you do with it. Many times, people have made a gift of a car (or something else), only to be hurt by how it was treated, by the receiver.
Before you modify it, I would ask your father what his wishes are, for the car.
From my point of view, if it's just a tired old Vette, no big deal, but if it's a low miles, original car, it would be a shame to modify it.
At the risk of bringing down the wrath, of all the Silver Anniversary owners on the Forum, on me; I will say that I don't think the world will miss one Silver Anniversary. There were over 15,000 built. A third of all 78's built had the SA package, so there is nothing particularly rare about them.
I think the bigger question is: How will your father feel about you modifying his car? As a gift to you, does he have any expectations of how you will treat his car, or what you do with it. Many times, people have made a gift of a car (or something else), only to be hurt by how it was treated, by the receiver.
Before you modify it, I would ask your father what his wishes are, for the car.
He wanted to get this car right 'some day' as well, but felt conflicted about what do with her. That someday came and went for him. He said go for it, and I do intend to drive her every day in the summer. I just don't know if I can pull the trigger on this one.
I have done plenty of cars and would do this one proud. And no, she is not a rare bird, just one with a broken wing. Maybe I'll start mixing plaster.
Last edited by ThePabst; May 24, 2011 at 10:23 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 4
From: Rochester New York
While Ive always felt that its fine to update the entry-level cars provided you keep the original parts, in this case it just seems like such a mistake.
As a previous poster said, I wonder what Dad thinks of this. Isnt there a sentimentality factor?
Besides, an original, untouched Silver Anniversary survivor is simply worth a premium over any driveability upgrades (also known as "value deductions") you can do. As a Corvette Guy, I'd almost rather see you sell it to someone who won't ruin the car, and go pick up one of those dime a dozen cars to modify.
As I type this, I wonder if you really mean "Silver Anniversary" as in the actual special edition from 1978, or you just mean a generic garden variety '78 that happens to have the badging they all have. If so, the value discussion in the previous paragraph is lessened considerably.
As a previous poster said, I wonder what Dad thinks of this. Isnt there a sentimentality factor?
Besides, an original, untouched Silver Anniversary survivor is simply worth a premium over any driveability upgrades (also known as "value deductions") you can do. As a Corvette Guy, I'd almost rather see you sell it to someone who won't ruin the car, and go pick up one of those dime a dozen cars to modify.
As I type this, I wonder if you really mean "Silver Anniversary" as in the actual special edition from 1978, or you just mean a generic garden variety '78 that happens to have the badging they all have. If so, the value discussion in the previous paragraph is lessened considerably.
I mean really??? Vacuum heat risers?! Vacuum secondaries?! Stove pipe air box?! And I'll bet the inside of that vintage cat looks the floor in reactor 4 at Fukashima. Most of it leaks, it has too, because the only flaw I see so far is the headlight actuators, no biggie at all to fix up, but if they leak, well, all of it must. I could spend hundreds, if not thousands on nickel and dime issues, and end driving a rolling bandaid.
I am going to pick her up next weekend, OH GOD I bet it even has an AIR pump!!! I need to sit down... Honestly, we all can agree that most of that stuff truly does belong in a dusty box marked Vette parts, not on a daily driver.
I'm thinking that we should crack a few eggs and bake this cake.
Last edited by ThePabst; May 24, 2011 at 10:24 AM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 4
From: Rochester New York
I hear that too.... awesome thread, and it's really great to be in this loop with you guys. I'm a huge Olds guy and have reserected plenty of em' from Cutless to Alero but this one is different somehow.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
In pristine condition as you describe, I would hate to see this one changed up.corvettes in this good of originality are hard to find.
I am in no ways against modding a car v to suit your personal tastes but some cars just deserve to be left original. I have a'78 that is being modded from its original state but it was further gone than what you describe.
Atleast save the original motor and put something else in for it's value down the road. Save everything that you change so a later owner can out it back in.
I am in no ways against modding a car v to suit your personal tastes but some cars just deserve to be left original. I have a'78 that is being modded from its original state but it was further gone than what you describe.
Atleast save the original motor and put something else in for it's value down the road. Save everything that you change so a later owner can out it back in.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,415
Likes: 291
From: dayton oh
Is he SELLING it to you or GIVING it to you ??
How much mod'ing do you want to do ??
If giving, use the money to go buy a basketcase and mod away
PS - I love modifying them, but a pure original should be kept MOSTLY pure (OK, take the AIR and Cat off)
How much mod'ing do you want to do ??
If giving, use the money to go buy a basketcase and mod away
PS - I love modifying them, but a pure original should be kept MOSTLY pure (OK, take the AIR and Cat off)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 4
From: Rochester New York
He has given it to me, it's a gift that has value beyond words. I DO have a tired 2001 Vortech 350 with all the plumbing and majic boxes that makes it run. And I already did the MFI conversion on it. It's just sitting under the hood of my dear destroyed Silverado. A few gaskets and 10 hours on a Brigdeport, a cam and a chip.....hummmmmmm.... just thinking out loud.
Last edited by ThePabst; May 23, 2011 at 03:10 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 45
From: Middlesex NJ
I say take the best shape car you can start with and mod away.
Who the hell wants to work on a basket case for 3 yrs....+. You mod this the way you want and then take pop for a drive and get to enjoy the gift he gave you and he can be sitting next to you while you still have him around.
You can be modding this thing and driving it while you do so. Not starring at an unfinished basket case for years on end.
Who the hell wants to work on a basket case for 3 yrs....+. You mod this the way you want and then take pop for a drive and get to enjoy the gift he gave you and he can be sitting next to you while you still have him around.
You can be modding this thing and driving it while you do so. Not starring at an unfinished basket case for years on end.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Well, since Dad gave it to you, it might be nice if you asked him if he wanted the car kept as it is or if it would be OK to mod it some. Since he was the 'curator' of that 'museum' for so many years, it would be a nice courtesy to ask him first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 10
From: Palm Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
He has given it to me, it's a gift that has value beyond words. I DO have a tired 2001 Vortech 350 with all the plumbing and majic boxes that makes it run. And I already did the MFI conversion on it. It's just sitting under the hood of my dear destroyed Silverado. A few gaskets and 10 hours on a Brigdeport, a cam and a chip.....hummmmmmm.... just thinking out loud.
Drifting
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta Ga
I am torn...but leaning towards the Mod Direction. Bring some new life into her and like Mysixtynine stated take Pop along for a ride he probably has always dreamed of. I do understand the importance of an all original car though...but a local dealer where I live has 3 78 anniversary editions.. they might not be as pristine as yours...butttt still they are not that hard to find
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 99
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Both. There are Vette people who are purists and there are those who are butchers, ok I'm just kidding, there are those who like modified/customized cars. There are also some, like me, who enjoy either.
From my point of view, if it's just a tired old Vette, no big deal, but if it's a low miles, original car, it would be a shame to modify it.
At the risk of bringing down the wrath, of all the Silver Anniversary owners on the Forum, on me; I will say that I don't think the world will miss one Silver Anniversary. There were over 15,000 built. A third of all 78's built had the SA package, so there is nothing particularly rare about them.
I think the bigger question is: How will your father feel about you modifying his car? As a gift to you, does he have any expectations of how you will treat his car, or what you do with it. Many times, people have made a gift of a car (or something else), only to be hurt by how it was treated, by the receiver.
Before you modify it, I would ask your father what his wishes are, for the car.
From my point of view, if it's just a tired old Vette, no big deal, but if it's a low miles, original car, it would be a shame to modify it.
At the risk of bringing down the wrath, of all the Silver Anniversary owners on the Forum, on me; I will say that I don't think the world will miss one Silver Anniversary. There were over 15,000 built. A third of all 78's built had the SA package, so there is nothing particularly rare about them.
I think the bigger question is: How will your father feel about you modifying his car? As a gift to you, does he have any expectations of how you will treat his car, or what you do with it. Many times, people have made a gift of a car (or something else), only to be hurt by how it was treated, by the receiver.
Before you modify it, I would ask your father what his wishes are, for the car.
