I just passed my last emission check for my 79 here is GA. Now the fun begins! Do I keep it stock or make her rumble?

 

I think the stock vs modified is a decision everyone has to make at one point.
It all depends on your tastes, and if you're going to drive your 'vette 3 times a year on sunny sundays, or drive it like you stole it through floods and thunderstorms.
I guess it also depends on if you ever decide to sell your 'vette.

To have a daily driver, you might find it hard to keep her 100% stock.
Or in my case, with a 165hp L48, you find it hard to keep it stock.

I don't know how much differant your emissions test are from mine, but with my current combo, I was able to lean out the carb just enough to pass the emissions test without catalytic converters. I have them, but before I scheduled a visit to my exhaust buddy to put them in, temporarily, I decided to see if I could pass by tuning alone.

I had my exhaust buddy custom make me a set of 2.5" duals, with a set of walker 3-way high flow cats. Two days after the emission test, I was back at his shop, where he removed the cats, and replaced them with straight pipe.

I've heard stories of guys pulling out their wimpy stock engine and exhaust, and keeping them in oiled garbage bags for two years. Once they get the invitation for the emissions test, they pull the "fun" engine out of the car, and put back the old, wimpy one for the emissions test.
I almost went with this idea, but I'd have to rent a storage shed to store a engine and exhaust in, 'cause I don't havethe room at home.

Another option is to go for an aftermarket fuel injection system. Get the gas mileage as well as the torque and driveability.

I think this all depends on how much work you are willing to devote to your car, and how much money you are willing to spend on your car.

Good Luck!
And Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Keep it stock and leave the fun stuff to the rest of us. :D