Chrome Bumper C3 Fans....Which 1 would u like to see on May 2nd?

[mike229]

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I am having trouble deciding which to buy - I am completely torn!!!
Help - Opinions PLEASE!

1. 1970 L46 350/350HP 4 sp only 35K Orig. Miles - ALL #s match
has only PS - VERY CLEAN 2 owners, Brand new correct paint among mony other things

2. 1971 LS5 454/365HP 4 sp 155K(?) miles - Block is a replacement for the orig. 454 which was bored over and ruined by a previous owner - replaced with a correct 71 LS5 built to spec...all other #s match - has PS,PB,Tilt/Tele, Factory AC (not working) - Also Clean but not quite as clean as the '70
Only a few thousand miles on rebuild motor/trans/etc.

[Black396]

Mike,
I wish I had your dilemma. Both cars would be nice to have. It probably really depends on what you want to do with the car. The 70 sounds really sweet and would probably be a great show car.

Unfortunately, I really like to drive my cars hard and I would be afraid to put miles on the 70. On the other hand the 71 sounds to me like it would be a great car for cruises, shows, rallyes, etc. It also has that wonderful big block.

Personnally, I would have to take the 71.

[:D]

[Black396]

BTW, if you decide to pass up the 71, how about listing price, location, etc. I sure would like to take a look at her.

[StompAndGo]

I'd have to go with Mike on this one - do you want a driver or a show car? But I may not agree with which car is which [:-?]

The Big Blocks are good for one thing, but it's generally NOT driving. They are best at appreciating in value and being the central figure in a car show. With an original A/C BB 4spd car, it's money in the bank - but not if you drive it.

The small-block, however, even though it has low miles, would be a much more reliable, easier to repair/restore, and fun car to drive. They don't overheat, and with the proper modifications can run just as good as a BB. Plus it'll weigh less, cost less to maintain, all while still holding its value (albeit not appreciating as much as its undriven cousin).

The caviat to all this is that the BB is just "non-original" enough to simply buy and drive if you're really just jonesin to thrash around in a BB for a few years - just keep your expectations in check if you do.

As is Mike, I favor driving these cars like they were designed to be driven. So it would be great to see that BB out on the Drags spanking the *hit out of some nitrous four-bangers! Just call me when you want to install that 4.11 rear!!

Not sure if this helps you any, but hey, you asked !! [:>]

[EbVette]

You got a problem there that only you can decide as we all have different tastes and different reasons that we buy our cars.

The Chrome bumber cars are increasing in value, especially the 427 cars. The 70 L46 car is proven, reliable, parts are rather reasonable for the engine, and a good driver. HP is very respectable and car handles much better then the big block cars.

The 71 454 is a beast. Its heavy in the front, and does not handle as well as the smaller block. But if you are into car shows or considering NCRS, only one way to go for value, a matched number car. The big block although I am sure is nice, is NOT a matched numbered car. The factory air will cost you around 1500 dollars to repair, the condensors are very very expensive...

The 70 is match #'s and would bring more in time then the non matched to a collector.


One think you must doe is run the VIN numbers of both cars to see a couple of things. First to make sure the care in not stolen or engine is not stolen. Second, depending upon the prices, I would suggest getting a person who is an apprassier to assure you the car is authentic. Many cars have matching numbers that were applied after the fact and are not factory matched.

Now to the personal end. If you are a hot rodder and speed is the name of the game and you like to modify, run your car on the strip, or just plan cruise with a lot of noise, the big block car is for you.

If you are seriouslly into shows, like to cruise, but are very true to factory originial, then the 70 is you car.

Either way you will not lose, but I think overall the 70 is a better looking and much more maintainable car then the big block. Those 454's were monsters and they did suck down the gas.

My vote would be the 1970 350/350, because it has matching numbers and is very clean....I take it for granted having two owners you will get the originial paper work which is worth its weight in gold.....

But again its your preferance...mine is the 70 because of the condition, history, matching numbers, and everything works.[B-)]

[mike229]

Guys - you ARE helping some thank you - I enjoy reading your responses very much - please keep em comin!

What I would do with either car:

Drive it on sunny days around town and to local shows for fun - not to compete. I wont be taking it to the strip. I plan to put maybe 1000-2000 mile a year tops on it. I will be stomping on the gas to throw my head back a few times :)

70 L46 - I would mod the motor slightly (Cam, Heads, Intake, Carb, Exh, thats about it...) Leaving the original block fully intact and storing all original parts.

71 LS5 - I would prob do the same thing to it pretty much

So really I'll end up with a non matching badass BB....

or a badass and very clean beautiful low miles, plenty of HP and Peak Torque SB, which could be restored to original easily, BUT will NEVER have the Low end torque so much desired on the street!! (which I may always regret not having)

So you see where I am leaning although I think the SB is the better car / better buy!!! (they are the same price BTW - I will post both once I decide :))

Thanks again! This decision sucks!!

[LilRedCorvette]

My vote is for the 1970. I prefer numbers-matching/original paperwork 'vettes. [:D]

[EbVette]

If you plan to mod the car....from what you post, headers, cam etc., go with the big block car. It would be almost a sin to take apart the match numbered stock motor to mod it for cruising.

The big block would be a meaner and much nicer engine to mod with the types of things you talked about.

So understanding what you want, I would go with the big block and let somebody else buy the other stock small block.

[mike229]

Guys - I went with the BB! Thanks for your help..!

It came down to the wire where the BB owner was on vacation and the 70 L46 Owner was about to take the car to a Daytona swap meet

Well, I could'nt in good faith buy the L46 without having the BB inspected out in CA so I waited, and the L46 was sold.

Luckily the BB checked out OK - it needs some cosmetic work but nothing crazy.

So it was picked up by an enclosed trailer today and I should have it by 4/15!!

Unfortunately I cant make it May 2nd after all, but if it rains I should be able to make the rain date!

In the meantime, someone onthe C3 forum was kind enough to post a few of the pics sent to me by the seller...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=787163

Thanks again
Mike

[Black396]

Dayum Mike, that is sweeeet looking! There is nothing that sounds quite like a big bad BBC unless its a big bad BBC running through Lake Pipes.

Congrats on the new ride, I KNOW you will enjoy her!

[Blue72]

Glad you got the BB! That would really have been a tough choice, but I think you got the right one. A stock, low-mileage, numbers matching car is great, but you really don't own it, you're just the current babaysitter. It would be almost a sacriledge to modify it. I own a SB 72 convertible that is no where near a numbers matching unit, so I don't feel the least bit of responsibility towards keeping it original. That makes it all the more fun since I can make all the modifications that I want on the engine, suspension, etc, without spoiling it. I think you'll appreciate that feeling with the BB. Congratulations, and Have FUN!