How much effect does CE engine code have on value?

[impalass]

I have a 1968 RS/SS Camaro Convertible that I believe is an L78 car. Unfortunately the originally MQ engine was replaced with the CE engine sometime within 3 months of the build date of the car. I assume this was done under warranty. The question I have is how much the the CE engine takes away from the value of the car. I've owned the car for 30 years, the car is rust free, repainted some 27  years ago, a new top 3 years ago. I'm contemplating whether to sell it or restore it so I'd like your thoughts.

Thanks     

[Ron C.]

do you have anything like a dealer receipt that the motor was replaced? or the protectoplate (warranty plate) If you have any of those I wouldnt think it would devalue the car that much.A HP camaro only had a single 3/8th gas line from tank and no return line. that also is a sign of a high horsepower car,375 396 and z/28 had it. The 68 is the most hardest to document because of no codes on the trim tag.Does it have a factory tach? if so what is the redline?

[JohnZ]

I think it depends a lot on the originality/condition of the rest of the car; my original, unrestored/unmolested and GM of Canada-documented '69 Z/28 also has a "CE" block, and I regularly get astounding offers for it. 

[firstgenaddict]

All 68's had single fuel lines.

[impalass]

The car was purchased from a guy in the Air Force while he was stationed in California. I don't believe he was the original owner which may explain why there wasn't a protectoplate or any dealer information. In comparing what CRG shows the car should have came with, it has much of the right stuff. The tach redlines at 6,000.

What is the deal with the fuel line. I was under the impression that the HP cars did have a single 3/8 fuel line. Is this not correct?

Appreciate you help.

Thanks     

[firstgenaddict]

68's did not have a return line (nor did 67's for that matter)... they either got a single 5/16 or a single 3/8.

[lakeholme]

It's just that some 69s did have a return line.
Look here: http://www.camaros.org/diffs69.shtml  --in the chart under return fuel line.

The 69 folks outnumber we 68s and 67s.  So, eventually references at least imply 69 stuff.  You'll get used to it.     In fact, learning the differences is very helpful.

It's great to have another 68 in the crowd!     

[GaryL]

I would rather have a CE block than a block with the wrong VIN stamp.

[firstgenaddict]

I'd rather have paperwork and a CE than no paperwork and "matching numbers". If someone uses the correct stamps with a gang holder and a virgin factory broached block there would be no way that 99.9% of us would be able to tell if was a restamp or not.

[Jerry@CHP]

Speaking as a licensed certified appraiser and Camaro master judge, a CE block is better than a restoration block (dated restamped correct block w/ original numbers) only if you have paperwork from the dealer showing the engine change.  Any first-gen high performance Camaro with an incorrect engine takes about a 33% deduct in value verses a car with its original engine.  For many enthusiasts, having a replacement engine is not a big deal, for others.....it is.  In today's market, the average person cannot afford a pedigree 1969 Z28.  If you want to have your car judged in the concours "Legend" class at the Camaro Nationals, it's about a 200 point hit for not having the original engine.

Jerry@CHP