Replaced engine value
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Western MA
Replaced engine value
Hello,
I am about to purchase a 1977 that originally came with a 350. It was replaced with a 454. Does the value of the car decrease because it is no longer stock?
I am about to purchase a 1977 that originally came with a 350. It was replaced with a 454. Does the value of the car decrease because it is no longer stock?
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,034
Likes: 9,156
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
might actually go up for this car with a big block in it
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 895
Likes: 561
From: Central NJ
If you are the buyer then it decreases the value, The seller will say it increases the value, bottom line is the 77 is not all that collectable for some reason so it just doesn't matter. Did they change the front suspension, going to a big block usually requires different springs at least..
60
60
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 174
From: Deerfield Illinois
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Yes and No answer here.
if it is a L88, ZR1, LT1 or a really nice original example that is NCRS worthy then yes it does.
Being that your Vette is a 70s model with the poor 160hp engine, a 454 in my opinion makes you’re car more fun and in turn more valuable.
Also, they made a ton of these late 70s models so there is plenty of inventory.
if it is a L88, ZR1, LT1 or a really nice original example that is NCRS worthy then yes it does.
Being that your Vette is a 70s model with the poor 160hp engine, a 454 in my opinion makes you’re car more fun and in turn more valuable.
Also, they made a ton of these late 70s models so there is plenty of inventory.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,034
Likes: 9,156
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
If you are the buyer then it decreases the value, The seller will say it increases the value, bottom line is the 77 is not all that collectable for some reason so it just doesn't matter. Did they change the front suspension, going to a big block usually requires different springs at least..
60
60
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 53,844
Likes: 9,287
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
depends on what that 454 really is. most of them are RV and truck engines with no real power. sure, you can build them up, but it cost way more than a SB
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,398
From: SW Florida.
iff you put a 4.3 in it you may devalue it a little. otherwise it is the car, not the engine you are shopping for and evaluating. and there is no less pricey way to 500 hp than a truck 454-preferably a gen 6 with aluminum roval heads and a ZZ502 or similar cam.
Last edited by derekderek; Aug 21, 2022 at 01:58 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 923
Likes: 154
From: North Port, FL
I just put a GM ZZ383 Stroker motor dressed up to look like an LT-1 motor. in my 72 L48. What a difference. New 2.5" SS exhuast, Dougs headers, McCloud clutch. QA1 front coil overs and all new suspension rubber bushings. Rebuilt trailing arms, Wilwood brakes. New tires. This on a 1 owner 72 Calif car without a speck of rust anywhere and has been garage kept and Guildstrand serviced all its life.I have receipts and all paperwork to prove it. Even have all the reg cards and orig BOS from the dealer. I say my car is worth more now then when I bought it.. Plus I kept all the original stuff to pass on if wanted.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,163
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From: Napa Valley California
If the engine was built properly and the swap was completed with quality parts and workmanship, then I would believe it would increase the value.
If the engine was poorly built and dumped in then I would say it decreases the value.
One thing to consider before purchasing this car is do you consider it increases or decreases the value?
If the engine was poorly built and dumped in then I would say it decreases the value.
One thing to consider before purchasing this car is do you consider it increases or decreases the value?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,398
From: SW Florida.
post pics of the engine. try to get a pic of the flat pad right in front of the right cyl head. may have to angle camera around ac compressor to get it. they stopped using 454 in all passenger cars in 1974. it was truck only from 75 on up to 2002. even if it is the lowest compression truck motor with the smallest intake ports it is still a powerful engine. and Mass doesn't have emissions inspections so you most likely won't have any registration issues.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Western MA
I will get pics soon then…I am told this was a Florida car up until the last 2 years or so. Last 25 years have been garage years. The interior is in good condition, better than most I have seen. Thank you for your posts.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,398
From: SW Florida.
what matters most is how good the car is. engine smengine... running and driving is a good thing. but i will take a clean straight solid pretty car with a blown motor over a running driving rusty POS any day of the week.
Last edited by derekderek; Aug 24, 2022 at 03:13 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,163
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From: Napa Valley California