Yeah, and I'm in Irving (not too far).....we all should get together...somewhere!!

[QUOTE=78silver] I just dont want to get together with you guys and someone say " OMG!  You Ruined This Car "[/QUOTE]

You can pretty well bet that will NEVER happen here. Most of us are open-minded enough to appreciate both sides of the hobby.
The only time I could see anyone complaining about what someone else does to their car would be if the car happened to be a historically important car...like an L-88, ZL1, or LS6, etc.
It's YOUR car...do it the way YOU want. If you keep all of the parts anyway, it really isn't a big deal to put it back.
Go for it!Adams' Apple2008-09-05 19:39:38

And I gotta admit, I am going to have a bit of custom paint when it's done.  Don't worry, you will see pictures.  My engine is no longer stock, but most of yours are still stronger.  75 was the most wussy year of all.  Had to do something.

I say lets all meet at Adam Apples place, bring a lawn chair and an icechest.  Sit back and watch him tune our cars.

You can get just enough bling with the chrome water pump, chrome valve covers, chrome air cleaner, chrome caps, and assorted chrome covers. After all the chrome stuff a nice clean painted engine and engine conpartment really sets it off nice without going crazy. There is so many things available for the C3 engine compartment in regards to engine dress up stuff. You do what will make you happy and enjoy showing it off!

Of course you could always beef up the guts of the motor and keep it a stock appearance. NCRS shows aren't going to have you tear it down. Bore, cam, larger valves, etc can be done for more of a kick in the pants if you so desire.... And she still can retain that stock appearance.

I wouldn't think you would have anyone in this group complain about what you do to your car.

And if anyone does, then when they give you the $$$ for it to own it, then they can do what they want with it.  Until then, it's your car and none of anybody's business what you do with it.

Joel makes a great point, if it were a historically significant car (and most of those are in collections today) then I could see not chopping it up.

I bought mine to drive and enjoy.  I've always "personalized" my rides, from my '68 Impala to the vette and don't see anything wrong with it.

Like williammoore2 says, Drive it like ya stole it!  And speaking of that, you could ceramic coat your stock rams horn headers rather than buying new headers.  Unless you are really going to stand on it, the factory ones breathe just fine.  I had that done to mine when I dropped the 270hp crate in her, along with an L-82 aluminum intake and some chrome.

Keep your old stuff and build it so you enjoy it, not so you have to enshrine it.

Don, I feel just like most others do, it's your car and you can do to it what makes you happy.   Like Dennis, I like to personalize my cars; why have one that looks just like everyone elses.  When I bought my car I got a pickup load of spare and original parts, and when (and if) I ever sell it, the new owner will receive a whole lot more.  Above all, just enjoy yourself, good luck and have fun!