which is more desirable ?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
which is more desirable ?
Hello to satisfy a discussion, which would be more desirable, I have a 1982 corvette I have the original cross fire engine with 60k on it, I also have a 454 from a 1974 vette that has been balanced and blueprinted. I would like to sell the car, one party suggests putting the original engine back in and keep the 454 for something else, I think someone would rather have the more powerful engine, what do you all think? of course I could just sell the car with both engines, right now it doesn't have any engine in, I no longer have the original tranny, thank you
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I would put the original engine back in. The car is only worth what it's worth with a running engine. Not likely you'd get much more for it with the big block in it.
keep or sell the big block separately.
keep or sell the big block separately.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,357
Likes: 1,592
From: Western NY
OP, do you have all of the necessary bits and pieces, to PROPERLY re-install the original engine? IIRC, the cross-fire engine's injector system was controlled by an early generation computer system. Do you have all the necessary electronics to get it back to proper working order? If so, then I'd restore it back to original condition. If your 454 was installed and running PROPERLY, then you'll probably have to go through a lot of work to get the car back to "stock", but it will most likely be worth it, in the long run.
Something else to consider, is that depending on where you or a potential buyer live and want to register the car, the 454 conversion would not, in any way shape or form, pass even a visual smog inspection, let alone an operational check. This could definitely limit your ability to sell the car "as-is".........
Something else to consider, is that depending on where you or a potential buyer live and want to register the car, the 454 conversion would not, in any way shape or form, pass even a visual smog inspection, let alone an operational check. This could definitely limit your ability to sell the car "as-is".........
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
Im going to agree with your friend and pretty much everyone else here.
These cars in general don't command a ton of money, so even though I would prefer any C3 with a 454 in it, regardless of whether it was born there or not, its not going to be enough of a value enhancer to make it worth your while.
Selling an engine that is not running in a car is difficult, so Im agreeing with your friend...save it for another project. Otherwise, your basically giving away two motors, one that happens to be a good piece.
These cars in general don't command a ton of money, so even though I would prefer any C3 with a 454 in it, regardless of whether it was born there or not, its not going to be enough of a value enhancer to make it worth your while.
Selling an engine that is not running in a car is difficult, so Im agreeing with your friend...save it for another project. Otherwise, your basically giving away two motors, one that happens to be a good piece.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 2,326
From: Central UT
Hi vcarluvr, I think you're wise to follow the sound advice of putting the original engine back. It's a long shot, but if the 454 still has the VIN on the deck you might check the VIN registry on this forum and see if that '74 is listed. If (by chance) it is, you could pm them and let them know you have their original engine. Just a thought.............
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
light duty frame
I won't even go into "handles like a rock on the end of a string'. Sell the BBC keep the SBC.
Unkahal