The numbers posted are NOT for a
factory warranty engine. Those ALL had a "CE" in the stamp. What you
might have is an engine that a dealer installed("crate" engine, sold over the counter) that they in stock at the time. Makes no difference, really....it's still not the original engine for the car. Hopefully, the spare engine you get WILL turn out to be the original....then you can have it repaired, and re-installed back where it belongs.
As far as colors, Ontario Orange was not available in 1970...it was only on the '71-'72 cars. The '70 color was called "Corvette Bronze", and was quite a bit darker, iirc. Changing colors will effect the end value, if you decide(or need) to sell, whether an interior or exterior change...or both. This is really a choice you would need to make yourself. It's your car. If a different color combo suits you better, then go for it. Being a big block, '70, 4 speed car, makes it more desirable than a base engined, automatic car...plus, the '70 production
total was a lot lower, due to the '69 model running longer because of the strike.
So...the question is, do you plan on keeping this car for quite some time? Plan on having it judged(NCRS/Bloomington) at any point? Or are you looking to flip it and make a few bucks? If you're gunna keep, and enjoy it, then do what''s makes you happy with it. If trying to go the Judging route, then it'll need to be as close to factory as possible for the best results. If ya wanna flip, and make some cash, then all bets are off....you'd just have to see what is selling in the marketplace.
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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"