[Bolt]

I bought a 67 RS/SS 396-325 H.P. 4 speed deluxe interior Camaro. I wnated to hear some Camaro enthusiasts opinions. The camaro does not have the original eng. or trans. I would be bored with a 396-325 H.P. eng. I was thinking of installing a date code correct 427-435H.P. eng and setting the car up like a dealer installed package with a stinger hood. Do you think if I went threw all that it would ad or subtract from the value of the car compared to installing a date code corect 396-325 H.P. eng?

[pdq67]

I sure ain't worried about it b/c I lost my original motor years ago!!

pdq67 and now with a 496

[deejaygee]

Since you're missing the original engine anyways, I don't think the car's value will be hurt by using a more desirable period-correct engine.

No matter what you put in, the cowl tag will always testify to the car being an original big block car (assuming your cowl tag's pedigree is unquestioned, or you have other documentation). You wouldn't get away with that in a 68.

Another good starting point is the fact that your car is already equipped for a big block (eg. spring ratios, frame mounts, radiator), so you have less work to do compared, say, to a six-banger.

Worse of all, in my opinion, would be to try to clone the original engine by restamping a date correct 396/325 block. As soon as it's discovered, the car becomes tainted and everything is questionable.

The presence of A/C outlets in the passenger compartment will raise eyebrows if you try to pass it off as an original dealer conversion. You'll perpetually have to deal with the "Is it real" question.

If I were in your shoes, I'd install a stout vintage Corvette block (eg 396/425, 427/425, 427/435) and restore the rest of the car using vintage speed parts, just like a dealer or individual owner would've used in a conversion back then -- Lakewood bars, painted Hooker headers, aftermarket wheels fat in the back, Hurst shifter. The trick is to use vintage aftermarket parts and repaint/restore the aftermarket parts too if they're not NOS.

[Bolt]

Thankyou for the input! I did the research on the trim tag before I purchased the car. I deliberately purchased a 67 for that reason. The car is georgeous. The previous owner installed a 540 CU. IN. Eng. and the car could not hookup. So I made him an offer he couldnt refuse so he wouldnt cut the car. I am going to repaint it to the original color MM (Madera Maroon). The car is black now. I will post some pics as soon as things take shape. For now I will be in seach of a 427Eng. thanks

[firstgenaddict]

Love to see that... it is going to be a nice ride with a 427 435 in it...

[Bolt]

I finaly figured out how to download apic. in my profile check it out let me know what you think Thanks

[thorpe67RS]

Originally Posted by Bolt

I finaly figured out how to download apic. in my profile check it out let me know what you think Thanks

I think i like it very much! But one request...lose that hood in a big hurry. Just my opinion

[Zedder]

If you don't care about originality that much, I'd go with a 502/502 crate motor and have a little fun on pump gas! An originally cofigured/date coded 396/325 hp motor will always be the most valuable for resale even if it isn't the original...and I agree, lose the hood (and spoilers)! Looks great in black as it is though

[thewebb1]

If you're going to be bored with that 396 I will come and take it off your hands. I second that about the hood. Nice Nice Nice car though. I love the black. No matter what you do with that car, I don't think it will subtract from the value.

[Bolt]

Thank's I have already sold the hood. I am looking for a stinger hood for it. They are a liitle hard to come by. Hopefully i will find one. I appreciate any input. I really want to go all out on this car. If I cant find a date code correct 427 eng. by the time I get it repainted I am going to put an all aluminum big blok in until I find the 427.

[heatsinker]

I really like the way the car looks as is, I don't blame you for wanting to go all out with it. I have had mine since February and wonder why I waited so long to put one in the driveway. It is your car and do with it what you want (except cut it up). Our cars are with-in a couple weeks of each other but yours has a dlx interior and console. Good find and I hope we can put them together sometime.

[Bolt]

Thats kinda cool that our cars were produced so close together. Beleive me I can not wait to take it for a ride and it would be sweet to cruz with you. It will be a while though.

[Bolt]

Thanks to everyone @ team Camaro. If anyone heres of a stinger hood thats available please let me know.

[gypsy_lady405]

i have the exact same car with the exception that mine came with a turbo 400. put a502 502 in it with 355 gears perfect combo.marina blue with white deluxe .

[Bolt]

That must be one prety Camaro I would love to see a pic of it. How does it hook with the 502? My freind put a healthy 509 in his 68 He had to mini tub it and use cal tracs before it would hook. I really dont want to cut mine, so thought I would go with cal tracs and keep the cubes down so the Eng. wont produce a ton of torque and blow the tires off of it.