What Would You Do?

[Brandi]

Ok, you have a 1976 Corvette Stingray, you already invested a lot of money and time into a new interior. The motor runs but smokes and obviously is in need of a rebuild. Now...would you keep the original numbers matching engine and have it rebuilt with performance upgrades or...say "screw it" there's no real value keeping the numbers original and buy a performance crate engine? This is my bff's car and neither one of us can decide so we are asking opinions here, especially since we have several "vette" people here.

 

[BadgeBunny]

You sound just like GC and his vintage VWs ... Lord have mercy, it's a C.A.R. It's supposed to get you from Point A to Point B ... everything else is incidental ... LOL (Guess you've figured out I've had the conversation more times than I care to remember ... )

I say sink as little money into it to get it running and reliable as you possibly can ...Then drive it ... Point A to Point B ...

 

[Blinocac200sx]

I'd get a Nissan RB30ET with a RB28DETT head, slam that in there and make it a really sweet ride.

 

[oklaccer]

The other option is rebuild it to original specs and keep the numbers matching. If you are dead set on the performance upgrades, go with the crate motor. Another question is How long to you anticipate keeping it. If it is an old age investment, keep the thing as original as possible. If it is an expendable asset, go with what makes you happy, crate motor.
I an neither a lawyer nor a auto mechanic, but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

 

[Rumur]

Screw it....build it how you want. It's not like it's a '63.

 

[TwoForFlinching]

Numbers matchin is only worth dollars to a collector... Splurge the crate/blower combo and plan on selling to some high school kid down the road

 

[AKJ20]

Run the vin, if it a high end car , rebuild the stock motor.

If it's a low end car, crate engine and have fun!

 

[murphy j]

The other option is rebuild it to original specs and keep the numbers matching. If you are dead set on the performance upgrades, go with the crate motor. Another question is How long to you anticipate keeping it. If it is an old age investment, keep the thing as original as possible. If it is an expendable asset, go with what makes you happy, crate motor.
I an neither a lawyer nor a auto mechanic, but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

Run the vin, if it a high end car , rebuild the stock motor.

If it's a low end car, crate engine and have fun!

I think these 2 statements hit the nail on the head.

 

[daytomann]

Run the vin, if it a high end car , rebuild the stock motor.

If it's a low end car, crate engine and have fun!

This. Keep it matching only if its WORTH it to keep it matching. If the car is meant for fun, it doesn't matter IMHO

 

[oldkar]

put whatever motor in it you want, keep the original in case someone wants to go original later.