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Restore a BB C3

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Old May 3, 2017 | 06:34 PM
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Default Restore a BB C3

I inherited a C1 resto-mod from my father and love the car. My son isn't interested in wrenching on it because it was basically a completed project when I received the car. It has a ZZ430 with a M21 and 4:11. My son has an interest in building a car with me that is a bit newer than a 60. Thus my question to you C3 folks. I recall my dad going through 3 C3, all 454 4speed cars, in 1970. I'm considering a 454 C3 to build with my son. I'd like your insight as to which model would be a good investment build. Thanks.
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Old May 3, 2017 | 07:36 PM
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From: YANKEES UNIVERSE 70 454-LS5 500 ft-lbs Torque
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I would say 454 LS5 1970 but I am biased
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Old May 3, 2017 | 07:48 PM
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I would say 454 LS5 1971 but I am biased.
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Old May 3, 2017 | 07:51 PM
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do you like chrome bumpers or not.
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Old May 3, 2017 | 08:12 PM
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Nothing wrong with a 68/69 if you want a 427. Or stroke a 427/454 to 496.

Because looks are deceiving LOL.
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Old May 3, 2017 | 08:23 PM
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From: YANKEES UNIVERSE 70 454-LS5 500 ft-lbs Torque
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Old May 3, 2017 | 09:49 PM
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If you've narrowed it down to a 454 C3, then 1970 is the best year as far as "investment" value is concerned. The '70 has the lower production numbers (strike year) and highest horsepower (10.25:1 compression) of the 454 cars.
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Old May 3, 2017 | 09:54 PM
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From: YANKEES UNIVERSE 70 454-LS5 500 ft-lbs Torque
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Old May 4, 2017 | 07:59 AM
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Hi 1960,
Are you thinking about building a modified car or restoring an original car?
If you're going to modify the car I don't think it matters whether you chose a 70, 71, or 72 to begin with.
If you're going to restore the car then the 70 likely has the highest potential valve.
In either case buy the absolute best, most complete, candidate to begin with that you can find.
The thought of EITHER being an 'investment' is pretty much a pipe dream. Which ever course you chose you'll likely end up with a lot more dollars in it than it could be sold for….. and, you will have given your time for free.
Right now it seems the only good automotive investment is Tesla stock.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Old May 4, 2017 | 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
...The thought of EITHER being an 'investment' is pretty much a pipe dream...
"C3 investment" is probably an oxymoron.

Last edited by Easy Mike; May 4, 2017 at 08:15 AM.
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Old May 4, 2017 | 08:19 AM
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It's amazing and only because WE all chip in.
Elon Musk's growing empire is fueled by $4.9 billion in government subsidies
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...531-story.html
And that doesn't include the tax credits given by the IRS for a purchase.
I guess losing $13,000. per car sale is a model for success as long as the tax payer picks up the tab.
And everyone complained about the GM and Chrysler bail outs.
Buy more of that stock!
Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi 1960,
Are you thinking about building a modified car or restoring an original car?
If you're going to modify the car I don't think it matters whether you chose a 70, 71, or 72 to begin with.
If you're going to restore the car then the 70 likely has the highest potential valve.
In either case buy the absolute best, most complete, candidate to begin with that you can find.
The thought of EITHER being an 'investment' is pretty much a pipe dream. Which ever course you chose you'll likely end up with a lot more dollars in it than it could be sold for….. and, you will have given your time for free.
Right now it seems the only good automotive investment is Tesla stock.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Old May 4, 2017 | 08:25 AM
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The price paid for the resto mod, gives the PO a great start for a 100+% return....minus the loss of his father, May he rest in Peace.

There are plenty of men and cars, that have returned HUGE dollars to the restorer.....Of course the majority do spend more than the cars monetary value, but the sentimental value/return on investment, is in those cases, much higher than the mighty dollar.

A matter of point of view?
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Old May 5, 2017 | 01:33 PM
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Default 68/69 awesome years for the Vette

Originally Posted by ddawson
Nothing wrong with a 68/69 if you want a 427. Or stroke a 427/454 to 496.

Because looks are deceiving LOL.
Absolutely nothing wrong with a 68/69 427 car. Building up motors is something I'm very familiar with. Dad was into Drag Boat racing back in the early 70's. He once had a ZL1 engine that started out in a vette but was bored and stroked to 496. The motor was so light compared to other engines he raced against such as the 426 Hemi's and iron block BB Chevy it gave him a big advantage and he won many races with that motor.

That is an awesome pic of your engine bay.
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Old May 5, 2017 | 01:53 PM
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Default C3 Build

Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi 1960,
Are you thinking about building a modified car or restoring an original car?
If you're going to modify the car I don't think it matters whether you chose a 70, 71, or 72 to begin with.
If you're going to restore the car then the 70 likely has the highest potential valve.
In either case buy the absolute best, most complete, candidate to begin with that you can find.
The thought of EITHER being an 'investment' is pretty much a pipe dream. Which ever course you chose you'll likely end up with a lot more dollars in it than it could be sold for….. and, you will have given your time for free.
Right now it seems the only good automotive investment is Tesla stock.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I don't know about that Tesla stock tip as an investment....lol. This car will be a driver. Mileage will not be a concern...when the build is done at least there will be something of monetary value...not into polishing turds anymore as I once did with a Prostreet Vega. I love the chrome bumper...but I also have a strong attachment to the 70 as I was literally scared stiff after just one ride with Dad in his 70. We are going to make it loud with side pipes and a cam that thumps so hard it makes your heart skip a beat. The exterior with exception to the side pipes will look stock as will the interior. One of dad's 70's had chrome Hooker side pipes and I loved the way that thing sounded. Plan to do suspension and brake up grades...might use a close ratio M22 with a Gear Vendor overdrive unit or a 6 speed tremmie. This will definitely be in the resto-mod category..but we are definitely not going to build something that collects dust. The build will honor my memories of some of things dad did with his cars...now get in shut the door and hang on.
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Old May 5, 2017 | 03:03 PM
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I like my '73, 454, TH-400, 3.36, AC, power everything Corvette. I'm planning to do a complete body off resto/mod. So far I've invested over $7,000.00 in new suspension, brakes, wheels, new gauges, and other misc parts, but haven't even turned a wrench yet. The 496 stroker kit, engine mods and OD trans are next up on the list. Will I ever get my money back if I sell it? NOT. Will it be awesome when I finish it? ABSOLUTELY. Worth it to me? YOU BET!
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Old May 5, 2017 | 05:33 PM
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Tesla is a carbon trading company that builds cars on the side
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