Here’s the question I need help with the most. I’ve got a 1968 Chevelle SS 396 4sp project car (minus engine and trans). I want to put it back together original as possible for the “value” aspect.

I know I will never find the original engine and trans. My question is what engine do I find for it to keep the “value”. Will I be better off sticking with the 396 or will it not matter if I stick a crate 454 in it?

I know I can find a 68 396 but it will not be the original. So I will never be able to say it’s “all original”. What would “you” do and why?

Thanks for the input
Bill

Bill I had to make this decision myself. My 69 project came with a 454 needing a build. The motor was the only original part of this SS car not there. I found a correct date 396 motor and installed it.

It is all about personal taste. For me I prefer the correctness of the original style motor. For some building a 454 to resemble the original is their preference. That will hold true to people that might want to purchase the car.

The quality of the build will effect the value more. If you build the car to a strict course of correctness the original style motor should add additional value. The more you modify it the less effect it will have on value.

Do what gives you satisfaction.

Bill, I also had to make that choice. My 69 396 SS also had no motor or transmission. For me it was a matter of cost. Yes I would have lovedto find the "correct" motor, but when looking for one I found people that wanted way more money for them then I was willing to pay. Most of them were empty blocks with no crank. I searched some salvage yards and found a 402 out of a '72 Chevy for 400.00, that after rebuilding I have about 2K total into it. I didn't buy my car to make money it, I bought it to restore to as close to original as I can. I hope that if I ever decide to sell it I will at least get the money back I have in it. Having a correct car, in my opinion doesn't always mean it will bring more moeny should you want to sell. It all depends on what the buyer is looking for. Good luck

I purchased my '69 with the date code correct and of course decked orig. engine ;) (partial stamp). The whole time I was inspecting the car the seller was trying to convince me it was the orig. engine and my reply was 16345. That said, I bought the car and took it to the track (manifolds and all) and ran a blistering 16 second pass :boring: to say I was a little :o

would be a understatement. I came across a LS7 454 (rebuilt it and installed it), long story short, the 396 has been in the basement for 10 years and the 454 that appears to look

like an L78 :D has great street manners and has run a best of 11.80@115. If and when I sell the car the 396 or the 454 will go with it, makes no difference to me as the car is a

Canadian documented frame off restored SS and I believe as far as value is concerned it will stand on build quality, just my 2 cents. Good luck with your build. :thumbsup:

LS7 or L78 :D
16346

If you are interested in the value of the car, or having it as an investment, I would start with a 2 door car. A 4 door will never have similar value, and I'm pretty sure even in mint condition the market for a 4 door is pretty small. It's tough to make $$ on a restoration, and with a 4 door I would bet it's near impossible.

That said, if YOU love the car, and are building it for your own enjoyment or to show, I would go with a date correct block and be honest to any buyer about the original.

Rob, I may be missing something, but I think you misread the 4 speed for 4 door. 69SS=2 doors
jim