Looking for advice

[Richard 302]

Hi. I'm a new member but an old guy. I really don't know what to do and am looking for some advice.  In the spring of 1977 I purchased a 68 Z/28 in Des Moines IA. At the time it had 72.000 miles on it.  It was smoking a bit and needed a some oil with every tank of gas as I recall.  My local mechanic told me it was tired and needed a rebuild.  He also informed me that Chevrolet was unloading their inventory of fitted 302 blocks at that time (77 or 78) and it might be a better idea to buy a new fitted block that to rebuild the original engine so that's what we did.  Soon thereafter I had a chance to buy a rebuilt M21 transmission so I bought it and stored away the original muncie along with the original engine.  Fast forward 45 years and I'm considering rebuilding the original engine.  However. in light of the fact that I'm an old man and getting older every day, I'm also considering selling the car.  Here's my question.  Would it be better to rebuild the original engine, reinstall it in the car with the original transmission and sell it that way or is it better to let some future buyer rebuild the engine and refresh the original transmission?  Thanks for you time and consideration.

[69Z28-RS]

If you need to sell it, and can't do the work yourself, then sell it as is but carefully list that you have the original engine and transmission to go with it..

[169INDY]

(My Opinion:) No if your future is a "sale", It would be best to keep your Sunk costs as low as possible. However the nitty gritty details of this Factory installed drivetrain portions would be best preserved and included for the next restorer to 'deal with' while (the Parts) being used to conclusively document the car and thus maximize your potential gains.

i.e. Say you get the work done and someone decks the block and removed important supporting data points.
i.e. Say you get the work done do you really realize Dollar for Dollar of expense.

Welcome to the Site.

As always we are F-body Car "FOAMERS" & enjoy even just photos of your long term vehicle.

wishing you the best.

JIM

[David K]

Sell the original with the car.
Sell the other block and make someone who’s doing a restoration happy. Spread the love of solid lifters.

[adjudimo]

The car is most valuable with the drivetrain it left the factory with and you have that. Now you have two options. Sell it with the existing drivetrain and offer the original for added cash, or sell it with the original drivetrain and then sell the other drivetrain you obtained in the mid 70's to them or someone else looking for a factory bore 302 and transmission. I would wait on others with more expertise to help guide you along, but DO NOT LET IT GO FOR CHEAP. You have a very desirable car and don't let anyone tell you differently. And as far as rebuilding the original engine. I wouldn't. Let the buyer be out that expense and that way if the numbers somehow gets ground off, then it's on them and you won't have to deal with lowball offers just because of it. Good luck and hate to see you get read of your baby.

[68camaroz28]

Hi Richard, imho the easiest and most practical since u mentioned being matured a couple times lol, join the club, is sell it as it sits with the original engine and trans. Let someone else go thru rebuilding cost and time to change over BUT you need to complete some investigation work to fully show what other important components car was born with. The original alternator, carb, and distributor can have a huge impact on value so complete that investigation work and prepare a worthwhile for sale ad. If u need any help send me a pm and will help with your date codes etc.. Good luck and welcome aboard....

[X66]

Always sell with the original engine. Having the original engine for your Camaro is a big plus.