New Guy
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Tx
New Guy
I am kind of new to the world of Corvette's but have always had a soft spot fro early C3 cars. I have a 69 Mach 1 and a 73 Z28 with a LS engine in it but know very little about C3 cars. I would really like to get a good driver that I could Auto X from time to time. I have noticed that it appears to be kind of taboo for resale to mod the car with a LS or other things. Unlike my Z28 and Mach 1 that in most cases seem to not hurt and even can add value to the car. I know that it all depends on who is buying the car. That being said what are some areas of concern for these cars? I really like the 71-72 cars and they seem to be a bargain for what you get? I already have a 6.2 ready to go is the only reason for a engine swap. Any input would be appreciated
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
Unless you are modifying an LS6, LS5, or LT1 car, I really dont think an LS swap will hurt the value, and possibly assist with some potential buyers on a 70-72 car...in the case of a 74-81 car it will almost surely add a significant amount of value to a wide range of potential buyers. Go for it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
If the car you buy is a NOM (non original engine), no harm installing what ever engine you like, you're not destroying any originality. NOMs generally sell for less than cars with original engines. If this is your first venture into Corvette territory, I can't emphasize enough the need to have a Corvette guy look over any candidate you may find. Rust is a big and very expensive issue to deal with on these cars. Unlike your Mach 1 or Z28, Corvettes may have serious rust issues which are difficult to spot if you don't know where to look. Repair can become a nightmare.
IMO condition of the car, rust, collision damage, etc, are the first items I'd be concerned with.
If pick up a 'numbers matching' car, you can always save the original engine for the next buyer. You'll likely pay more for the car vs. a NOM and will need to store the engine. It's another option.
If you lean toward a big block car, IMHO you'll do better finding one which was built with a big block from the factory, some parts are different.
BTW: My last steel body project car was a 69 Mach 1, always liked that year, style.
Good luck with your search, welcome to Corvette world.
IMO condition of the car, rust, collision damage, etc, are the first items I'd be concerned with.
If pick up a 'numbers matching' car, you can always save the original engine for the next buyer. You'll likely pay more for the car vs. a NOM and will need to store the engine. It's another option.
If you lean toward a big block car, IMHO you'll do better finding one which was built with a big block from the factory, some parts are different.
BTW: My last steel body project car was a 69 Mach 1, always liked that year, style.
Good luck with your search, welcome to Corvette world.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 143
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From: Tx
Thanks guys for the info!! I have only driven a hand full of C3 cars but really did not push them. How do they handle with bolt on mods? My Mach one is not even comparable to my Z28 and both have a lot of bolt on suspension parts. BBCorv70 you might have seen my Mach it was featured in popular hot-rodding in January. I would love to auto X in a C3 Vette!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 143
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From: Tx
I am really looking at one that is for sale on this site. The silver 71 from San Antonio area. I love that silver that is on the car. Looks like it might be a good driver for what I want it for.
