Original Engine, Value?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 534
Likes: 6
From: Cave Creek AZ
Original Engine, Value?
I have a 1971 Convertible. It has a ZZ4 in it now. I can get the original engine and trans (base 350 complete and Muncie 4-speed). I have no intention of putting the car back the way it was but clearly the car could be worth more to someone in the future if I have the original numbers matching drivetrain. What would the original engine and trans be worth? They both are in need of rebuild. i would just store them...
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
In my world a 350 needing rebuild is like a 50.00 core..I'm a modder.....but I am guessing in the ncrs numbers matching purist world the right engine is worth perhaps 1000's more at resell time if it's installed and running.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
Interesting question that ultimately only you can answer. I just pulled the original L48 from my '71 to replace it with a 350 I built. If I didn't already have the original engine and transmission, I wouldn't think twice about paying $2,000 for them.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
To me the original engine and transmission are worth nothing, in fact you would have to pay me to store them. I doubt a base 350 needing a rebuild will ever be worth replacing the ZZ4 now in the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
I pulled my original engine this summer as it needs a rebuillt, replaced it with a GM crate. Put the original in the crate incase I ever sell the car and the new owner wants the original engine.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,134
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From: NM
To anyone else they are just cores. To some future owner they may be gold.
The major part of the Corvette world is collecting and to them original is everything. Without the original engine, to the collectors (which is where the money is), a 71 Vette without the original engine is just 43 year old Chevy.
Tom...
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 323
Likes: 8
To anyone else they are just cores. To some future owner they may be gold.
The major part of the Corvette world is collecting and to them original is everything. Without the original engine, to the collectors (which is where the money is), a 71 Vette without the original engine is just 43 year old Chevy.
Tom...
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,976
Likes: 6,202
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
It simply doesnt matter if you care about originality or not. When the time comes to sell the car, that car will be worth thousands more if you have the original motor to go with it. Definitely, period. Especially given the fact you are talking about a chrome bumper convertible.
Unless the seller is trying to rob you, it is in your best interest to get the engine and store it. The car will be worth more immediately.
Unless the seller is trying to rob you, it is in your best interest to get the engine and store it. The car will be worth more immediately.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
A 71 ragtop is a nice car, a valuable car. Get that engine. Time has shown the more original, the more valuable. Additionally, someone restoring a 71 would like to have a period correct engine. My brother-in-law searched high and low for a correct block, heads, etc. for his 62 Fuelie. Not quite the same, but you get the idea.
I would take the original over the ZZ4 any day.
I would take the original over the ZZ4 any day.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 330
From: Indy Indiana
a base engine, needing rebuilt will increase your resale a couple of grand even if sitting on a stand in your garage. but the downside is that buyers wanting numbers cars will need to transport that engine/trans combo to their garage and then rebuild it and install it.. you would still be limiting your resale from the numbers purists due to that effort they would have to make just to restore a base engine car to its original engine..
if it were a big block.. that's another different story.
if it were a big block.. that's another different story.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Having the original engine may bring more money at resale time. I agree with that. But a well done resto mod can also bring more money than a stock version. Either way, if you have a place to store it and if you can get it for a good price, I'd pick it up.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 534
Likes: 6
From: Cave Creek AZ
Thanks for the replies, I am going to make arrangements to get the original drivetrain.
I have done original cars (1977 L-82 and 1972 LT-1) and am in no hurry to get on that train again. I love driving the 71 and don't fear a non-original part. The ZZ4 with the aluminum heads and the 5-Speed is like no other C3 I have driven. I would like to try an LSX C3 though...
I have done original cars (1977 L-82 and 1972 LT-1) and am in no hurry to get on that train again. I love driving the 71 and don't fear a non-original part. The ZZ4 with the aluminum heads and the 5-Speed is like no other C3 I have driven. I would like to try an LSX C3 though...
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
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From: Huntsville AL
