Topic: Is a '68 L-79 327ci 350hp worth anything?
in Forum: C3 Engines
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I bought my '68 numbers matching vette last Oct. with 76,037 miles. The car is stock and I plan to keep it that way through next fall. I'm struggling with keeping it stock or starting to modernize it. I know the numbers matching ramifications of modernizing my care and that is part of the struggle. I just love the '68, but would love to have updated brakes and engine.
First thoughts is nothing special just a GM crate 350 for reliability and economy and I was wondering if my L-79 would be worth anything and how to market it.
God Bless, rick
'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
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Well, personally Rick, I would keep your 68 just as it is. You have a great looking car and it does have 350hp, how much more do you want? I know it only has 76,000 miles, but if it needs rebuilding, I'd do that. If you do decide to put in a crate motor, I would keep the 327 as that would be something a new owner would want if you ever decide to sell it. Good luck. Larry
The difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys!!
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Gotta agree. That advice is as good as it gets.
If I had an L-79 I wouldn't change it a bit - just for the sound! (Love the sound of that motor, I've even searched on YouTube for them just to listen). And if I had to rebuild I'd do it stock as much as possible. (repro L-79 cams are available). Now, regarding my '76, I don't mind changing a few things up from the way GM originally put it together. 
Good luck.
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
Rebuild what you have. Make sure they do not grind the numbers with the redecking of the block. Put a new cam in it ... maybe bore it .030 over and put bigger pistons in it ... lots of options to keep you numbers matching which will absolutely make your value greater than a NOM crate motor.
Have fun !
Lifetime MemberAsh Fork, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/18/2007
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior
I had a 327, 350 hp motor in the 67 Camaro I restored. That engine was a blast. plenty of get up and go and a top end that didn't want to quit. If I was a jerk(keep it quiet you folks in the peanut gallery) I'd tell you the engine was worthless and buy it from you. That was my favorite engine I ever had in a car.
Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!! Long and short term leases available.
In the words of Zora Arkus-Duntov "Is your seat belt fastened? Alright, Let's go"
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
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New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe /
Snowcrest White /
L48, 350 /
Comp Cam /
Edelbrock Heads /
Cyclone Intake /
Holley Carb /
Holley Fuel Pump /
Patriot Headers /
Dual Exhaust /
Magnaflow Mufflers /
1964 Coupe /
Riverside Red /
L76, 327, 365hp
I've got the L76, 327, 365 hp engine in my '64 and I absolutely love it!
If I were you, I would keep the L79 and simply upgrade it like most folks seem to be suggesting.
Chuck
OK guys thanks for your feedback on the L-79.
I knew it was a sound engine from a previous '68 I had 40 yrs ago(my first corvette). Should I swap it out I'll keep it since it's numbers matching, but for now I'll just drive it until it needs a overhaul.
They is no current problem with it now and for running in the Colorado Springs 6,100 ft altitude, it hauls pretty good and everyone comments on the special cam and the loaping idle. Also it's cool to have the '68 first year of a body style and the last year of that particular engine.
I've only put about 600 miles on it since I bought it in Oct. Maybe a few round trips to Denver will boost my confidence in the engine and car in general. Thanks guys for the sound comments and support.
God Bless, rick
'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
'Is a '68 L-79 327ci 350hp worth anything?'
Naw....it ain't worth nuthin. I'd get rid of it if I were you. I'd be happy to help ya find a new home for it here in Texas......
I'd have to agree with the others here....keep that puppy, whether you swap in a different engine or not....keep the original with the car.
Naw....it ain't worth nuthin. I'd get rid of it if I were you. I'd be happy to help ya find a new home for it here in Texas......
I'd have to agree with the others here....keep that puppy, whether you swap in a different engine or not....keep the original with the car.
Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Thanks, should I swap it and my wife says the engine is taking up to much room and has to go,
...........I'll get a new wife!!! 
Nah! couldn't find a better one (I have 2 corvettes).
...........I'll get a new wife!!! Nah! couldn't find a better one (I have 2 corvettes).
I'll be sure and let this community know if I ever want to get rid of it 
especially if there is anyone wanting to do a 427 390 hp and hood swap.
especially if there is anyone wanting to do a 427 390 hp and hood swap.God Bless, rick
'75 Steel Blue Stingray Coupe
'75 Hot Red L82 Stingray Convertible
in Forum: C3 Engines
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