What do you think I should do?

[SLICKMAN]

I’m thinking about installing headers, mostly to get the engine to breathe better because these babies were choked. My 78 SA only has 28,000 orginal documented miles and is not only numbers matching but also original.

I have two questions;

1) If I keep all the original parts, do you think it would hurt the resale?

2) If this hurts resale, if you were me, would you just sell it and get a Vette that would not be hurt by mod’s like this?

 

[DkBG]

Since you asked : I would keep what you have and leave it the way it is . JMHO . Cliff

 

[Rab563]

SLICKMAN,

If this a Top flight car then I would leave it alone. To install headers the exhast pipes must be cut and repositioned. Even if you put it back to the original position the weld marks will still show. Whenever you do engine work there is a chance that something else will need to be taken off and this leads the chance for damage. It looks like a nice car.

Ron

 

[chevyaddict]

I agree - if the car is all original with that low of mileage keep it all original and just buy another one to modify!!

 

[78SilvAnniv]

I was going to say...

...do what you want and keeping the original parts would not hurt re-sale.

However, on reading about having to cut the original pipes and then weld marks would show if they were ever put back on...ask someone at NCRS and see what they say?

Myself, I'd be inclined to help the engine breathe better. I love my chambered exhaust!
Heidi

 

[Tom73]

There are so few original cars out there that I would vote to keep it original. If you want a hot rod, sell it and buy a non-original car.

tom...

 

[ChuckG]

I think that the incidental horsepower gains you would realize would be minimal without other modifications. You'll never make a "hot rod" out of the car without other engine modifications. I'd be perfectly happy with it the way it is. NICE CAR. Chuck

 

[Interceptor430]

Yea, it's your car so do what you want to....but if it was mine - I'd not mess with headers.....

 

[SLICKMAN]

Thanks guys, I feel better now. I did not want to mess with it but I felt like I should. She is going to stay original..

 

[L82Dan]

Headers will increase the underhood temperatures too. You may have to create ways to help remove that heat. Also, are your feet warm when driving during the summer time? They'll be hot after headers. I don't believe headers are all they are cracked up to be on a street stock car (in my opinion). They are best left to race car usage (again, in my opinion).

 

[Stallion]

I agree, keep it original. I'm not planning on doing anything to change my 100% stock () 78 SA, anything big. Then with some time I'll get another Shark so I can Mod and fool around with. Not that I plan on buying this second one in the next 4 years.

 

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

-dido! Unless you were going to install Sidewinders, i'de best leave her be; --the stock cast-iron exh.manifolds aren't so bad as the rest of the C3's exhaust system... ~Bob vH

 

[patsnitrovette]

Well im far from the person for keeping things original,But in your case id keep it original.

 

[Guy]

Leave it alone and go for NCRS Bowtie :cool.


Guy

 

[Rowdy1]

Smart Move

IMHO, you have a rare car that's already NCRS judged and that's a rarity in itself. Ever read some of the horror stories and expense people go through to get that plaque? Not to mention your resale value should you ever decide to part with it. My 62 wasn't matching when I got it and it never will be, I'm not into that but I'm not saying I wouldn't want a #'s car. I agree with the others, save your $$$$$ and buy something you can modify as a driver/"Hot Rod"

 

[Eric]

Leave it alone and go for NCRS Bowtie :cool.
Guy

I'm with Guy, imagine that!

 

[Pappy]

Slickman,

I would leave it all original if it was me.

 

[hotrodd]

The header's turned into a complete hot rod motor for me,that is what got the ball rollin and it just won't stop.But don't get me wrong I love every minute of it.I kept all orinal part's and the only thing that wont go back stock is the exaust because of so much cutting and some bending for the pipe.I would be willing to bet that going back original will never happen anyway for me cause that just is'nt as much fun! But each his own,I put alot sweat and tear's in it and have so much enjoyment drivin the car. Boy am I windy tonight!