I'm getting down to the last 2 months of a restoration and have the first of several questions. The car has its born with engine, transmission,and rear. Anyway I'm missing two pieces as it goes back together, the original carb and exhaust. The rest of the car will be for the most part a very correct restoration. I'm not a big car show guy, but the car is so nice now I might try one or two. I might have the car judged next year, but that will be about it, then it will be strictly for enjoyment.How important is a date coded carb gonna be versus just a correct carb. If I need a date coded carb and have no core, who is the best source out there. Also trying to decide between exhaust manifold (repo) and an air pump (or not) or just putting headers on with a nice aftermarket exhaust. Thank you for your thoughts.

For carb questions contact Eric at http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/
I've read nothing but very good responses about his work.

As for the exhaust, if it isn't going to be a 100 point show car I would go with a good set of headers and aftermarket exhaust for the performance gain.

Keep in mind this advice is coming from a purist. An original driveline 69 Z/28 deserves the most correct parts that you can get. This is true especially if you plan on showing the car for judging purposes. Also keep in mind the repo exhaust manifolds are readily identifiable by the casting date since they only come with one date.

Post the dates you need for the carb and exhaust manifolds. Then plan on buying a complete smog system from a reputable source like Jerry McNeish.

Yes, this route will be more expensive but the satisfaction of having correct parts will justify it.

Question for the purist: ... I have an original unrestored Z28/RS.. which has all the correct parts, including major/minor mechanical components, but... Z28's didn't stay original for long.. I have 'removed first day' exhaust manifolds, but they won't be used. I bought new coated headers to replace the old rusted Hedmans. I have the original distributor, but I was running a Mallory Rev-Pol with a Judson Electronic magneto.. I will continue running those.. Do you think that disqualifies me from having the car judged in an 'original unrestored category next Spring??? if everything else, including interioir and paint is factory original?? It's been in my garage for 32 yrs, but now I'm wanting to bring it out... so people can see a 'real' one....

I'm getting down to the last 2 months of a restoration and have the first of several questions. The car has its born with engine, transmission,and rear. Anyway I'm missing two pieces as it goes back together, the original carb and exhaust. The rest of the car will be for the most part a very correct restoration. I'm not a big car show guy, but the car is so nice now I might try one or two. I might have the car judged next year, but that will be about it, then it will be strictly for enjoyment.How important is a date coded carb gonna be versus just a correct carb. If I need a date coded carb and have no core, who is the best source out there. Also trying to decide between exhaust manifold (repo) and an air pump (or not) or just putting headers on with a nice aftermarket exhaust. Thank you for your thoughts.

It is up to you but it could be down the road you will have wished you completed and obtained the dated carb and ex. manifolds. IMO, it is very worthwhile and now is as good a time as any. With whatever you do you will still have a great car. Hey, look at it as your Christmas gifts. :yes:
:beers:

Thanks for the advice. I'll contact Eric. I'm just guessing that it will be hard to find a set of good original exhaust manifolds. That's why I thought I would have to go the repo route. The set that came off is not tapped for the air pump so I know they are not right. I haven't looked for numbers on them. Were the original manifolds common to many Chevy models? I'm on the road right now, but I think my cars build date was the 3rd week of October. I'll revisit the header issue once more. Are there any qualified camaro judges here that could weigh in. If headers were avaiable as a GM part and you have a correct repoduction set do you still lose grading points? Would the same be true for chambered exhaust while we are on the subject?

Thanks for the advice. I'll contact Eric. I'm just guessing that it will be hard to find a set of good original exhaust manifolds. That's why I thought I would have to go the repo route. The set that came off is not tapped for the air pump so I know they are not right. I haven't looked for numbers on them. Were the original manifolds common to many Chevy models? I'm on the road right now, but I think my cars build date was the 3rd week of October. I'll revisit the header issue once more. Are there any qualified camaro judges here that could weigh in. If headers were avaiable as a GM part and you have a correct repoduction set do you still lose grading points? Would the same be true for chambered exhaust while we are on the subject?

Just bumping this up for a response. My VIN is 124379N698802. Does anybody know of a good source for exhaust manifolds or have an answer to the header question above?

I'm getting down to the last 2 months of a restoration and have the first of several questions. The car has its born with engine, transmission,and rear. Anyway I'm missing two pieces as it goes back together, the original carb and exhaust. The rest of the car will be for the most part a very correct restoration. I'm not a big car show guy, but the car is so nice now I might try one or two. I might have the car judged next year, but that will be about it, then it will be strictly for enjoyment.How important is a date coded carb gonna be versus just a correct carb. If I need a date coded carb and have no core, who is the best source out there. Also trying to decide between exhaust manifold (repo) and an air pump (or not) or just putting headers on with a nice aftermarket exhaust. Thank you for your thoughts.


without a doubt go with original dated parts. its well worth it down the road , both for you and resale vaule. you are this far along , finish it right. J M O

And Jeff,,,,,,,, did you really expect any other opinion? Or did you want any other opinion? You are in the Restoration Corner after all.;)

And Jeff,,,,,,,, did you really expect any other opinion? Or did you want any other opinion? You are in the Restoration Corner after all.;)

True! I should have been clearer or started a new post. I really bumped it cause I need to find a source for correct date coded exhaust manifolds. I think I've made the decision to go that route. I don't have my build date here, but I should have it by the weekend. Just wondered were to look for a pair, and what a fair price is...

You can get reproduction manifolds here for example: http://www.rickscamaros.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=RC%2D620&dept%5Fid=3244