Debating what to do on resto....
 

Just finished up a frame off resto on one of my LS6 CARS. At a crossroads on what to do. I do not have any of the original drive train motor/tranny. Have the original build-sheet it is documented.

Should I try to date code it all? or build a nice motor/put a 5 speed in it and cruise it around. I am actually losing sleep over this lol.

I searched everywhere for the motor and tranny but the shop went out of business where it was last seen. Was an CE block the 1st owner blew it up. I bought it from the 3rd owner and he put a automatic and descent 454. But anyways. Need thoughts guys and yes of course it is my favorite color Forest green. Sean

My suggestion/opinion for what it is worth and I deal with them every day is to build it the way you want. The car will take a big hit in value without the original drivetrain and if you put all numbers matching drivetrain back in it along with all the expensive engine peripherals you can expect to spend anywhere from $20k to $30k which you will never see. If you build it the way you want it then you will likely enjoy it more without effecting the value much. Again, just my opinion and I am a numbers guy.
Rick

I'm with Rick. I'm a numbers guy too, but if you try and date code everything, then yeah it'll be right, but along the way it could get frustrating and could end up wishing that you just put an engine together to go out and enjoy. Furthermore, when you have it all together and correct, you might not want to drive it as much because of all the work you put into it making sure everything is right.

Now with that said, since you have the documentation to back up what the car is, maybe just building it as an "era correct" drivetrain might not be as bad. That way you can still have it be somewhat correct, and still build it the way you want to.

But the bottom line is that you should build it how you want. It is your car, so it should make you happy.

Just my thoughts.

Alex

Since you asked...

I'd use a 502 or a 496 BBC, modern aluminum heads, and headers.

Green cars are awesome.

give it to me, then you will sleep better

I have a CRV motor

Sean - Like Rick and Alex, I'm a numbers-guy also. One of my 70 Zs I bought from the original owner and have docs out the kazoo...not to mention major drive train items and most peripherals are born-with to the car. On the other side, I am up to my neck deep in restoring another 70Z that only retains its' original rear....and I am working very hard for it to be a complete numbers-correct car with original items. Why?...because I want to...plain and simple. For me, this is a hobby, so the pleasure is in the build and achieving desired results...not how much I spend in that pursuit.

So, the answer, I think, lies not in what others think you should do, but what you want to do, what you can afford and what's important to you in the process and the final end result. If that means an aluminum headed 502 with a 5-speed...so be it. There really are no "wrong" answers...it's your car, do with it what you want.

If a buildsheet ls6 is not worth doing with date code drivetrain,then what chevelle would be worth doing right?

Sean,

I disagree.....you have a real LS6, a documented LS6.....most real deal LS6 Chevelles have either the original engine and or original trans long gone. As they were well abused and or raced. If you wish to build a nice fun Chevelle to your liking, with a fun engine and with a 5 or 6 speed trans.....build one out of a 6 cylinder or a 307 Chevelle.

Plus, to me it is refreshing to see a real deal LS6.....as most are clones today.
We all love these Muscle Cars....the real cars will always be the real cars, I say keep them real and accurate as they were born. Nothing wrong with telling the world as you have done so....that your real deal LS6 does not have it's original drivetrain, Integrity :)

Just my two cents.

Dan

Sean, I agree with Dan and Chuck (the427king).

Real deal LS6, make it right..

Just my .02

Rich