Topic: original, vs. non original
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Former Member
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Royse City, TX - USA
Joined: 11/16/2007
Posts: 62
Vette(s): 1978 L48, p/s, p/w/ factory ac car factory manual trans has a 350 crate engine w/260hp, but also have original which may be rebuilt- we also have a 76 w/ a 454, and 74 350 in various stages of being rebuilt, plus an 86 and an 02....
OK- I have a question for you all- I'm not sure which way to go with this car. I'm helping to restore 2 cars- a 74 and 76- neither to original- one big block (76) other 350, but how they want it. My 78 is in pretty good shape. Has a crate engine in it now, but have original, just needs to be rebuilt. I'm torn, because I want to drive and enjoy the car, and if I take it back original, I won't want to put the miles on it...... but its a bit unique- factory ac, power, plus manual trans.... any input? please....
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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
It's your car and your money. Do whatever makes you happy.
My own attitude is the fun of owning the car is driving it. If I can't drive it, I don't want it. That doesn't mean I'll take it out and abuse it, but I don't want a garage queen either.
You can certainly compromise...keep the crate engine in the car and enjoy it and rebuild the original engine at your convenience and store it should you ever decide to restore the car completely.
My own attitude is the fun of owning the car is driving it. If I can't drive it, I don't want it. That doesn't mean I'll take it out and abuse it, but I don't want a garage queen either.
You can certainly compromise...keep the crate engine in the car and enjoy it and rebuild the original engine at your convenience and store it should you ever decide to restore the car completely.
Former Member
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Royse City, TX - USA
Joined: 11/16/2007
Posts: 62
Vette(s): 1978 L48, p/s, p/w/ factory ac car factory manual trans has a 350 crate engine w/260hp, but also have original which may be rebuilt- we also have a 76 w/ a 454, and 74 350 in various stages of being rebuilt, plus an 86 and an 02....
That was what I was thinking too. It has 95k original miles, and that was my only continuing issue- the tach rolls whichever engine is in it, but like you, there's no reason to have it if I can't enjoy driving it!! Thanks for the input
I had the same issue when I started to work on my vette. It's number's matching, but was in rough shape when I got it. I decided that since I want to drive and enjoy it, I would do what I want now, to have a much fun with it as I can. Later on if I ever get into the "show" mode, I'll put it back together the way it was when it left the factory. Right now I just want to drive and have fun with it.
Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
I'm keeping mine original with the engine in it and I DRIVE IT.......DAMN, IT'S TOO FUN NOT TO!
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2431
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
When I got my '74, it had less than 9,000 original miles on it. I've been tempted to not put miles on it, but I bought it to drive it. Mine's no drag strip racer either, but it's fun (love to hear those four barrels roar!).
I and countless others here have asked this group the same question you're asking, and invevitably, the answer is always the same - do what you want to do with the car. Keep it original, great. Modify the heck out of it, great (ok, to a point). The key is that you enjoy it and DRIVE it!!!
Have fun!
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
Do what ever makes you happy. I love to drive mine. It was all original when I bought it and in good shape for its age. I have done some mods but can take it back to stock any time. I bought it to drive not for an investment. So I say drive it and enjoy your time
. I love to drive mine. It was all original when I bought it and in good shape for its age. I have done some mods but can take it back to stock any time. I bought it to drive not for an investment. So I say drive it and enjoy your time
Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
I agree with Micki, DRIVE IT... its much more fun than just looking at it sitting in the garage
Former Member
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Cleveland, GA - USA
Joined: 11/4/2007
Posts: 152
Vette(s): 77 xtreme project,80 project,and a 74 L48/auto white with blue interior!
IMO I would leave the carte motor and drive it like i stole it. if or when you decide offer the orig motor with car.
Drive it. Enjoy it Personalize it as long as it can go back to original, if that is what the next owner wants.
You won't regret it.
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