ctjackster, you're right about including the HH block. You know this question of value get's a little tough to put your arms around. I could get hung up in my underwear thinking this one through. For example, my '5 has the following mechanicals that were in the car, to the best of my judgement (I will have owned this '5 23 years this July), when it was built:
3.36:1 Open Rear (AK) .... has a 3.70:1 posi in her now
M-20 4 speed (last 6 #s of the VIN are stamped on the case
Engine: 327/300 horse from pan to carb
So, she's pretty much a base car.
Exceptions: replacement GM water pump, upgraded master cylinder to a '67 dual type, added an MSD6AL box, upgraded to stainless calipers and flex lines all around, added factory side exhausts (were not on this particular car when built...had the tabs)
All of what I've taken off the motor in this conversion process is mothballed away with the exception of the water pump which is "long gone."
So, the question is when and if I sold, would the perceived value be enhanced by the fact that the original components would go with the car (for the purist who would want to bring it back to factory stock). Now, if the original block, repairable or not, is replaced....is the perceived value greater with a time built code "870" block verses any 327...realizing the original block with the VIN#s on it would go with car.
That's the "$64.00" question. Given all these facts, what would the car bring in the open market today? "Whatever a buyer and seller agree to", right? Maybe there is no additional value for having the original block, maybe usable, going with the car.
Another way of looking at this: How much value is lost if the original motor is not in the car?
and: How much, if any, value is there in having a correct date coded block?
and or: Is there no difference in the market place having a date coded correct block verses any 327 block?
Is it a fine line?
You tell me.
My whole approach to this '5 was Restofication. I put her together to drive her. I do have plans to add aftermarket air. I am not going to portray this '5 as a "real 365 horse" car. I am going to let people know that I enjoy the solid lifter route and chose to change the original, stock setup to "mirror" the 365 horse setup...within the limits of my backpocket ('cause you can go nuts on this).
Oh, almost forgot, I like that big block '5 & '6 look so much I put a big block hood on her...yup, the small block hood's in the basement, covered.
So the casual car lover will just drool over this while the purists will throw rocks at her. I'm trying to keep some middle ground where the "visuals" say 365 horse, knowing the pedigreed is 300 horse.
Hey ctjackster thanks for looking out for me. Some food for thought. Your thoughts?
Regards,
Jim