Hey guys. Factory Hugger orange 4 speed 69 X55 car worth nut and bolt resto? I asked this question on chevelles and got a big number. However i am seeing a decline in cars worth lately. i was shooting for around $30k asking price but it looks slim. No original drivetrain except factory 12 bolt. Engine would be a 406 with everything GM. Including Gm fast burn heads, gm dual plane intake, gm self aligning 1.5 rockers and gm valve covers. I talked with an avid camaro restorer and he says to put a close to stock 350 with no performance stuff. Make it original as possible he says. I also was debating on a saginaw trans since i am having a hard time sourcing a muncie. I am a very qualified builder and top quality is my goal. Not to brag but my stuff looks beautiful. Top notch. I am just getting into the resto realm on camaros in the 69 vintage as i have done only 3 so far and about 20 second gen f-bodies. Car is getting all new sheetmetal.

A fully restored, nicely painted NOM SS350 is probably worth $40. A hot-rodded motor will appeal to the pro-street group, but will be seen as a drawback to an "originality" guy.

I would not put a Saginaw in it. I think that will hurt value of the car more than the difference between the value of the two trannies.

anybody else? i have been watching projects on ebay lately and am seeing alot of decline. finished cars look strong as i plan to complete this one. paint will fairly flawless as i always color sand and reclear.

The decline in prices has affected the marginal cars and recreation/tribute cars, but hasn't hit the "real" cars as hard. Like Unreal said, a nicely redone, clean Hugger Orange X55 car is still going to bring good money.

From what I have seen, I think best thing to do for an engine if you are looking at re-selling right away is to find a GM crate engine rated similar to the original 350/300, drop it in and forget it. That way you can offer the buyer the GM warranty (have to confirm it is transferable), and it's not too over the top. Something like the 350/330. In my experience, there is a line on modified engines that once crossed, it becomes very hard to recover your investment.

As far as the trans, I would vote no on the Sag as well. If I came to buy a nice clean 69 with a decent small block and a Sag, I would be budgeting to replace the Sag before we even completed the sale. As a buyer, I think a new Autogear Muncie or even a TKO 5-speed would be more of a selling point. As a seller you will spend a little more on the trans, but I can tell you that a TKO would make the 350 feel like a 406 (nice ratios), and give OD to boot. If you looked at the kits offered by Classic Chevy 5-speed, they have a kit that requires no mods to the car, so it is fully reversible. With the way gas prices are going, even a "purist" couldn't complain about a nice 5-speed too much.

The decline in prices has affected the marginal cars and recreation/tribute cars, but hasn't hit the "real" cars as hard. Like Unreal said, a nicely redone, clean Hugger Orange X55 car is still going to bring good money.

From what I have seen, I think best thing to do for an engine if you are looking at re-selling right away is to find a GM crate engine rated similar to the original 350/300, drop it in and forget it. That way you can offer the buyer the GM warranty (have to confirm it is transferable), and it's not too over the top. Something like the 350/330. In my experience, there is a line on modified engines that once crossed, it becomes very hard to recover your investment.

As far as the trans, I would vote no on the Sag as well. If I came to buy a nice clean 69 with a decent small block and a Sag, I would be budgeting to replace the Sag before we even completed the sale. As a buyer, I think a new Autogear Muncie or even a TKO 5-speed would be more of a selling point. As a seller you will spend a little more on the trans, but I can tell you that a TKO would make the 350 feel like a 406 (nice ratios), and give OD to boot. If you looked at the kits offered by Classic Chevy 5-speed, they have a kit that requires no mods to the car, so it is fully reversible. With the way gas prices are going, even a "purist" couldn't complain about a nice 5-speed too much.
As owner of my shop i may just offer a warranty on the drivetrain myself. The 5 speed sounds good idea. Muncie possibly better.