I have an extremely clean 67 SS 350 Clone. It was originally a Powerglide, 327, 10 bolt car. Now it is a 350, 4 speed, 12 bolt posi car. The paint, body, undercarriage, engine compartment, and interior are nearly perfect. Let's assume it is worth about $23,000 now.

How much will it be worth with the following new motors:
383 Stroker:
396 (1968 Passenger car block):
454:

Also, does it add value to make the motor look stock?

As you can probably tell, I am trying to figure out if I will get my money back out of a motor upgrade.

I think-and this is just my personal opinion-that adding a 68 model 396 will increase the value a little bit...maybe 3-4 K.

I don't beleve the 383 stroker will add anything. As for the 454, it wouldn't ad much value to me-maybe 2 k, but to the average guy that doesn't know alot about these cars they might be willing to pay more for a 454 powered car....

It will always come down to what the buyer wants. IMO a car would be worth more the more correct it is, and then in descending order a non correct engine that LOOKS correct and then the hotrod stuff.

probably because I can build the hotrod stuff, and I know it isn't all that expensive to do.

Finding early model parts, esp intakes, carbs, water pumps, etc takes some looking and a few extra bucks.

This is just my opinion and is not researched fact by any means. In my opinion I would go with the 396 as many people are looking for the big block cars. That being said I would follow the theme of your car when doing the engine. If you car is stock in appearance I would make the engine look as stock as possible. From the standpoint of a buyer there is nothing that turns me off more than a Camaro with a non original engine size unless it's being done mod or pro tour. If the car was an original 67 SS with the 4P cowl tag and non original 350 I would go with the 383 for extra horsepower and label the engine as a 350.

The major issue with going BB is both the cost of the engine AND all the other changes needed to put a BB in a 1st gen. BB front springs, BB engine frame stands, BB trans crossmember, re-drill the heater box cover and get a BB heater core, BB Z-bar and linkage. Then there's the tradeoff with the extra weight up front.

The ONLY reason my 69 has a BB is because it and most of the parts came with the car I bought. Having driven it a while now, and going through some chassis tuning to try and get the understeer to be more manageable, I can tell you there are times I wish there was a SB under the hood.

You would have less invested in a stroked SB, and therefore be more likely to recoup the most.

Don't forget the exhaust system as well. Manifolds (pricy) or headers then it depends on what the existing exhaust is as to whether this will be another big added cost. Personally I would like the BBC in there but I don't think you will even come close to getting repayment for this change and of course your time has to be worth something as well to do the whole thing.

I would pay 2500-3500 more for a NOM big block vs small block, the closer to original appearing, the more I would pay.
I would also pay 5k+ for for a new crate motor 454 or 502 with aluminum heads.
That is probably less than it would cost you to do any of it, but if you want to do it for yourself first and resale second, go for it.

383.....Nobody cares. Wont get you a dime more

396..... Just sounds right :thumbsup: SS 396 4 sp 12 bolt :beers: $$$$$$$$$$$

454..... I wouldnt waste MY MONEY on a 396, I'd go 454 all the way :yes: but the guy who may buy it might not want a 500hp truck engine in his 67 camaro :D



Just the way I see it




bob

I vote 454 or more labeled and made to look close to a stock 396. You'll never get close to recouping your money after all the conversion stuff is done.
My pet peeve is incomplete BBC conversions, especially when I see a SBC heater core...

I'm wondering what happened to the original 327? If it's long gone, then it's what ever someone who wants to buy it wants in it. But to me, the most value comes in having the original motor. I wish mine had it.