Classic/Antique Car Repair/Engine Swap..HELP!

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Expert: - 3/9/2008


Question
 Hello im having my dear old best friend that I neglected for too long restored, Shes a '62 Chevy C-10. It has the original 283 in her. I'm having the gas tank relocated and a bunch of stuff done. The restoration mech. says i should change the motor out to a small block 350. I'm wondering if thats the way to go. He said to redo the motor would be close to the same price as a new motor? I remember the 283 giving me no problems except when I wanted to get on it, she didn't run so fast. Anyway, in your opinion If i swap the motor would the resale value diminish? He says no, but i think maybe so? You would be of great assistance to me in the matter as far as going forward on my limited budget. Thanks for al your help!

Answer
You are asking the wrong guy. I like vehicles the way that the factory built em. At least the way they look. The 4.9 liter V 8 in my Pontiac has been modified internally to be a 400 CID but outside it is a 4.9. If you change the engine you have cut out of the potential buyers the guy looking for and original.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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