68 question
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
68 question
New to Corvette forum!! I am a huge Corvette nut and i am looking at a 68, non-numbers matching (now has a 468, was orig a 427), auto, side pipes, new interior, ...basically, the car is great minus the orig motor. Question is, how much does the replacement motor reduce the value of the car?? Also has tons of work dont underneath... Guy is asking $17400 and i think it is a great deal. No rust at all anywhere and in great cond.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,459
Likes: 13
From: Phoenix
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'09
Question is, how much does the replacement motor reduce the value of the car?
I think it's more of, How much would the original motor increase the value of the car? Which still may not be much, depending on varying factors with the car.
If you have done some homework, you will see pricing for small blocks a little less than big block cars, then factory options, then overall condition. History always helps, these are factors.
Last edited by Scratch; Sep 18, 2012 at 02:18 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,459
Likes: 13
From: Phoenix
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'09
Learning from those that own these cars, by just browsing threads is useful. Find info that pertains to your interest or 68 cars specifically. There is a thread on buying C3's somewhere here 
So you know, 68 was it's own year, C3's that followed have different parts that do not inter-change.
Browse web sites that have these cars listed, look in the for sale section and see what is being described, pictures and info. That is the homework.
Where are you located, maybe a local member can help you out...remember, the search is part of the fun, as frustrating as it can be.
So you know, 68 was it's own year, C3's that followed have different parts that do not inter-change.
Browse web sites that have these cars listed, look in the for sale section and see what is being described, pictures and info. That is the homework.
Where are you located, maybe a local member can help you out...remember, the search is part of the fun, as frustrating as it can be.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Generally speaking I hear the big block Corvettes are more sensitive to having numbers match than the small blocks. However you want to state it, a numbers matching big block brings more of a premium over a non numbers or a non numbers is a bigger deduction from a numbers car. The market has been soft. Without pictures nobody can offer much of an opinion on that particular car. If it's a convertible, from what I hear, that's about a $5K plus over a coupe. For a NOM (non original engine), I'd say $17K should be buying a car which needs nothing major like paint, interior, chrome, rust repair, etc. I'd guess it's getting near the top of the market for a NOM, impression I get from following similar threads related to numbers matching vs NOMs.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
Have you driven it? What has the car been used for? Check the FRAME. This is a must!
Is it a convertible? Check as much of the birdcage as possible. I just bought a 68 and it is not perfect. NOM engine. It has a 468. I am having to replace the clutch, flywheel, and go through the vacuum system. I also took the gas tank to the radiator shop and it it repaired. How is the rubber underneath the car?
Be prepared to spend some cash.
Is it a convertible? Check as much of the birdcage as possible. I just bought a 68 and it is not perfect. NOM engine. It has a 468. I am having to replace the clutch, flywheel, and go through the vacuum system. I also took the gas tank to the radiator shop and it it repaired. How is the rubber underneath the car?
Be prepared to spend some cash.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,972
Likes: 6,197
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
The cars that are "generally 20-26" (maybe 15-35) might not be remotely comparable to the car you have landed on. Help us compare apples to apples.
Is it the right color? What does the bodywork look like? Some people might deduct a bit for the automatic. How about options? A sharp, good condition roadster with an NOM big block "might" be pretty good if we knew more about the car. A mediocre no-option NOM coupe probably would not be pretty good.
There too much range here and not enough information.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
You guys are awesome and i appreciate the responses. I drove the car today (coupe, not a conv) and it was 8/10. Looks like there are a few chips in the paint that need attention (the entire hood needs a repaint), but everything else seems great. The undercarriage was sandblasted and powdercoated. Looks great. Motor was blueprinted and balanced (no docs to prove the work was done...guy who did the work is old and does not like to detail the info on paper but has a great reputation in the area). Auto trans was rebuild as was the rear end.
I am also looking at a 73 454, auto, coupe, orig motor and just had a $8k paint job. 0 rust and is in Cali. Same asking price. I am leaning toward the 73.......
I am also looking at a 73 454, auto, coupe, orig motor and just had a $8k paint job. 0 rust and is in Cali. Same asking price. I am leaning toward the 73.......
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,459
Likes: 13
From: Phoenix
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'09
You have to set your sights on what type C3 you want. I wouldn't jump at the first one, compare that one, to others for what your money will get you.
Then again, you hate to see, the one that got away
Then again, you hate to see, the one that got away