My 71 coupe was totaled with 24k on it and garaged for the last 40 years by the original owner. I bought it and now I am resurrecting itusing a 79 frame modified to chrome bumpers. Also I have a 1971 CJL code 350 that needs rebuilding to put in it. My big debate is how the value of this car is best protected,  problem is it was a base 350 auto and I have the tank sticker to verify it being a minimal equipped base coupe. I want to go original with it and not do a restomod, but I want more power that might become a little pricey. Is the best route to go a crate?  Maybe if I could afford it a 383 stroker or do I go with this 71 CJL 350 and have it worked either a 383 stroker or build it as a 350 and settle for around 380 horse and about 380 torque???  I've seen 383 stroker crates putting out 450/450. Being a body paint guy for 30 years I never really got into engines and power issues since all my customers were mainly stock restos. But with finally getting my 71 Vette I've always wanted I want to have fun but keep the stock appearance.  I'm trying to keep the budget realistic AND try and keep her within a pretty decent value and not get upside down in this thing, within reason anyways.

|UPDATED|4/17/2016 11:00:21 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Just an opinion here, so take it as such.
Since the actual car was a total, and you're modding a later model frame to use, I can't see what possible difference using a non-"stock" engine would make....it's NEVER going to be an original '71 car again at this point, even with the original engine. So, money-wise, the original engine will probably not add to the net worth of the car in the future.
That being said, you can build/buy a crate engine that LOOKS stock easy enough. There's a tons of early cars out there with high powered crate engines that look close enough to stock to fool 90% of the folks looking at them. If you're building this car for yourself, and for your own pleasure, then you can certainly do whatever you want to do with it. So....go with what makes YOU happy!

I don't have the original engine, it's one I bought really low from a 1971 4-speed Vette. Mine was built in September 1970 and the engine I have is dated for March of 1971 so it's pretty much for novelty I think at this point. I could probably fare better selling it off and using the money towards a crate engine or a 4 bolt 350 rebuild-able engine. Just a shame the car was barely broken in at 24,000 miles and stored since only being on the road for I am thinking about 2-3 years judging from the miles and it being a 1 owner car.  I think those two facts of it's life make for an interesting story to go along with the car when finished. Thus, if anything could add ANY value to it over another 71 base auto coupe it might be that.  Taking a left for dead C3 bumper car and resurrecting it to live it's life out as it should have.  I do have a really nice collection of original interior from it. About 75% of it's interior and all the mechanicals from the rear half of the car are still undamaged and barely broken in.  And quite a few of the original front brake and wheel components are still undamaged. I got this car for 50% of what the good parts are worth all together. And the original 1970 dated title signed off by the one and only owner of it. 

I agree with Adam's Apple. Make the car for you to enjoy! Compare the engine choices and go with the one that gives you the most bang for your buck. If the car looks good and drives good it will have a certain value. A lot of people get hung up with keeping everything all original and end up putting more money into the car than it will ever be worth.

It would probably be worth more as a resto-mod, it's a perfect candidate.  If you are going to have to replace the hood and fenders, I'd get rid of the wiper door.  Vintage Air, Borgeson steering, upgraded suspension, overdrive tranny, etc., etc.

I have sentimental reasons for wanting a 1971 over any other year. Back in 1970-71 my father worked at the local Chevy dealer and I spent time with him there one Saturday. He worked while I roamed the showroon, It's like yesterday and he's long since passed. Anyways, I've restored lots of cars over the past 30 years for mostly customers. I want to experience the car as it was when brand new, but I will make an exception with engine and performance that's a little better than back then. Just manage to keep up with these rolling vcr's they're selling now.  LOL

I have to agree with the others, its not going to be an original car, and while nothing wrong with that, build the car and have fun with it....  crate engines now-a-days tend to have better performance and longevity than motors of past.  Unless its a pristine original no milage car, the best return on investment is the feeling when you stomp the gas pedal and involuntarily grin... :)  

That being said, you can build/buy a crate engine that LOOKS stock easy enough. There's a tons of early cars out there with high powered crate engines that look close enough to stock to fool 90% of the folks looking at them. If you're building this car for yourself, and for your own pleasure, then you can certainly do whatever you want to do with it. So....go with what makes YOU happy

Adam/Joel, Clean up in aisle 3, SPAM spill (above).

|UPDATED|5/24/2017 7:19:15 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|