numbers on pad say 335 hp impala engine. intake manifold sez rectangle ports. could be bolted on to oval port heads. could be rectangle heads. so what we KNOW is 50 years ago that block had cast crank, pistons and 3/8th rod bolts in it with oval heads. it could have been left alone except for putting a bigger intake on and wearing it out. it could be a very special highly upgraded engine. most likely is orig crank-probably .010 cut, re-ring or 30 over rebore with new pistons. pull a valve cover and post pics, do a compression test. and we can mebbe see what kind of valve lift which will provide some guesses what type of cam is in it.

 

Number of the heads appear to by 6272990.

 

Mercruiser rectangle hi-perf heads. Or 70 454 service replacement heads. The mercruiser 365 hp magnum. Is a 71 LS6 with iron heads.and a crappy marine cam. But them Heads are good chit mon. Odds are that bottom end has been rebuilt too.if orig pistons, probly around 9 or 9.5 to 1. Even the lopo 427 was around 10:1. Lopo 427. Oxymoron. Kinda like jumbo shrimp or military intelligence.

 

Thanks all! I'm really trying to determine if my car is worth restoring. Off body frame/chassis powder coated, repainted back to factory red, and interior needs carpeted and new seats.

 

Rectangle heads and intake do not devalue the car in any way. Better hi perf NOM than 69 impala engine NOM. And you knew it was NOM when you bought it. So far engine value is trending upward from your orig thoughts.

 

I remember seeing your car on Craigslist a long time ago if its the same blue one as in your avatar. It looks like a really fun vette to drive. The flares are done nice. it just looks right. Its only worth restoring if you want to drive a restored car for yourself. Not for resale.

I would not go too crazy restoring your car unless you want to do it for yourself. If you thinking of restoring it to try to sell in the future I guarantee you it will be a losing proposition. Repaint it only if the paint on it is not making you happy. Going back to the original red is not going to increase the value. Its already not original and the "original buying crowd" will not be looking at your car anyway. Make the car the way you want it.

The car as it sits will attract buyers. I like it. I would turn it into a really nice LeMans race car inspired build. It has great flares. Its a roadster. The motor is probably pretty hot or at the very least has parts on it to make it run.

I love original matching number cars. But my next 69 Corvette build will be a non original 69 roadster LM race style car. Your car would be a great starting point. I have no room now but I am getting ready. And it will be a car that I can beat on a little. Who cares if the motor blows and it needs to get decked!! It makes driving fun....

 

is it worth restoring? What do you mean by restoring? NCRS? No. Too much missing and flared rear fenders have to go unless it was an L88 car. BUT... the diff between NCRS and every nice big block 69 is the casting numbers and date codes. On EVERYTHING! Alternator, water pump, exhaust manifolds, and actually you can't powder coat the frame. You lose points. You have to leave frame bare so it will rust away right after factory warranty runs out. Now, I assume you don't even know if this was originally a big block car. And which big block if it was. In reality, it does not matter. It is now what it is now. Looks to be a very nice car. Does it need the body removed? I didn't think so either. Can you justify the time-expense and having your car take up twice the storage space for a year? You can justify anything if you try hard enough. What I would do is go over it looking for the big block-small block details. Sway bar, rear axle caps and ratio, tach redline, ignition and cooling system details. Any holes in engine compartment stuff used to attach to. Then decide if anything you find wants upgraded to match that engine. And which-if any-engine option you want the car to appear to be. Or if you want it sitting on 18 inch wheels with seats that feel better to your old *** and a color you want instead of what the trim tag said 50 years ago. You won't devalue or increase the value much either way.

 

You can definitely powder coat the frame and not lose points. Kevin Mackay does it on his and I am friends with the man who he uses to get it done and he does not lose points for it. As long as it looks factory your good.

 

I should have specified the type of restoration but definitely not NCRS. Just between having fun with a 50 year old "survivor" or doing an frame off resto. I know this is for me to decide but certainly don't want to invest $60k in a car that will only ever be worth $25k (or whatever the numbers are).

I'm going to at least obtain estimates for frame sandblasting and powder coating, repaint/bodywork, and interior replacement. Interior I will probably do myself but I have very little experience in fiberglass bodywork and painting.