Original motor vs. replacement

NCGuy68 · #1 08-07-2005, 03:15 AM

The "68 Z28 whats it worth" thread raised an interesting question. Namely, does a non-original motor detract from a car's appeal, numbers matching status or value? I'am defining the original motor or block as follows:

1. The one it was born with from the factory.
2. The one installed by Chevy Dealers such as Yenko, Motion, Dana, etc., that went to the first owner.
3. The one installed as a warranty repalcement.

All opinions welcome Gents - feel free to chime in.

mr396 · #2 08-07-2005, 03:50 AM

I think that it would.

NCGuy68 · #3 08-07-2005, 04:53 AM

Thanks for your reply Lester. Are you basing your thoughts on a particular car?

mr396 · #4 08-07-2005, 05:45 AM

well,Lets take my car for example.It is a 1968 RS/SS L34 396 vert.it has the original engine.It is pretty much all original and the smog equipment has never been off the car.The serial number on the block matches the POP which proves it's originallty.and being one of the 1015 mr code L34's.It has a certain value as an orig car. someone with a 6 cyl camaro vert can put a 396 in it and increase it's value but I would rather pay more for the original..I think the original's should be preserved for future generations to show what the factory's in the good ol USA were doing.But then look at the prices of the clones.

427TJ · #5 08-07-2005, 05:48 AM

If you're in it strictly for investment purposes then I'd say that the car has to have its numbers-matching original motor (entire original drivetrain, for that matter). Anything less equals less money, in my opinion. If you're in it for fun and for the thrill of driving and enjoying the car, then the importance of the original engine, etc., decreases. A '67 435-hp Stingray with a 454 and mag wheels is still a cool car, it's just not as valuable as a numbers car with its original engine/trans.

(That sounds like the "No $hit, Sherlock" answer, huh.)

**njsteve** · #6 08-07-2005, 06:26 AM

The value also has to do with whether the car can be documented as "real" without having the original engine. Mopars tend to retain their high value without the original engine block. For example, a Hemicuda convertible is still worth $4,000,000 whether it has its original block or not. The main reason is that Mopars are easy to document as the 5th digit in the VIN says what the engine is. Compare that to a Camaro you think may be a COPO, but isnt on the COPO VIN list- you cant confirm its status as a COPO because there is no corresponding VIN engine code to prove it and the original engine is gone. That is one of the reasons Chevy supercars really need their original drivetran or some heavy documentation to maintain a high $$$ value.

**Rick H** · #7 08-07-2005, 06:45 AM

I agree. The value of a documented "real" car with original factory installed numbers items such as the motor is more then say the same car documented "real" with a NOM. It is still a "real" car but the value would be somewhat less of an investment vehicle then the complete real numbers car.

Any car that can not be documented as real even though it may have what seems to be the correct motor would have a substantially lower value.

And any vehicle that can not be documented and does not have any correct drivetrain components would be considered the lesser value vehicle.

Rick H.

**69LM1** · #8 08-07-2005, 07:27 AM

Interesting.

I just put a brand new, unopened (other than for pics) 1969 396 (350hp or 325hp) warranty exchange block kit up for sale (Ebay item:4567196870). (Going to look at a Yenko)

What are you guys thoughts on worth with a warranty replacement, at least on a car that say has a (real) X66 trim tag?

Don_Lightfoot · #9 08-07-2005, 07:41 AM

This is very interesting and I'll provide my "two pennies" worth which has really not changed in the 15 years or so I have been back in the hobby.

I have what most would consider a very rare car. There is no original documentation with it and the block is a "CE" unit. In addition, the transmission and the rear end are not original to the car either. I have been able to trace the history back to the second owner who passed away last year. I also have good confirmation from a reputable individual stating he knew of my car from day one and was able to provide to me the original selling dealer. However, there is no confirmation available as to what "the original drivetrain" might have been as they were probably scrubbed or broken during the early drag days of the car.

Now, would this information I have satisfy a proposed purchaser? I really can't say and don't care to be honest, that would be up to them obviously. I would never attempt to misrepresent the car in any way as my ethics would not allow me to do that. All I could do is provide the history I have, let the quality of the car speak for itself and go from there. Let's face it, there are people out there that want the original numbers in addition to documentation. There are also people out there that want a quality car that just happens to turn their crank. The latter example is why I bought the car five years ago. I don't lose any sleep over things I can't control like numbers and documantation - I just enjoy the car which is what the hobby means to me.

Having said all that, to answer your questions I will provide the following responses:

APPEAL - I don't think the fact my car does not have the numbers and documentation lessens the appeal one bit.

VALUE - Most definitely effected by the circumstances mentioned. However, I care more about "fun factor" than "value" as I am not what would be considered an investor, just a hobbyist.

Guess I rambled on a bit here, sorry about that.

mr396 · #10 08-07-2005, 07:47 AM

here is the ebay ce engine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MakeTrack=true

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.