Does original engine add value?

[77BBGMC]

I think I know the answer but some feedback would give me peace of mind. It took me several years to track this pickup down and buy it from the guy that purchased it from my granddad. Pickup has a lot of sentimental value and I don't see ever getting rid of it. Everything is original and I'll keep it looking somewhat original but that's about it.

The plan was to go through the motor some day and freshen it up. My brother-in-law ran across a complete 454 that spun a bearing. Long story short that motor is now a 496 and ready to go in the pickup. I was going to keep the original motor but I really don't have the room to store it. Am I making a mistake by selling or should I make room in the garage and keep it?

So back to my original question, for some reason if I would have to get rid of it, does having the original motor add any dollar value? In my mind they are old pickups, if it was a vette or Chevelle it would be a different story.

[spudz]

If the truck is a very nice example of a original low mile truck then I would say yes to me it would.. If its a run of the mill truck restomod then to me it wouldnt matter. Its really up to the buyer... some like em untouched. And others including me....would rather have that big block!

[thepenguin99]

I tend to agree with spudz. I don't think the ORIGINAL engine ever really matters but some like the cosmetic appearance of a stock engine with year correct accessories. Some don't care. I personally fall into the don't care category.

[N2TRUX]

I say no, it's not going to matter. If you were restoring it to all original to sell, it might make a difference to a select few. In general, if your never going to sell it do what you want and enjoy it.

[bnb0221]

let the 496 loose

[KMK454]

Originally Posted by 77BBGMC

I think I know the answer but some feedback would give me peace of mind. It took me several years to track this pickup down and buy it from the guy that purchased it from my granddad. Pickup has a lot of sentimental value and I don't see ever getting rid of it. Everything is original and I'll keep it looking somewhat original but that's about it.

The plan was to go through the motor some day and freshen it up. My brother-in-law ran across a complete 454 that spun a bearing. Long story short that motor is now a 496 and ready to go in the pickup. I was going to keep the original motor but I really don't have the room to store it. Am I making a mistake by selling or should I make room in the garage and keep it?

So back to my original question, for some reason if I would have to get rid of it, does having the original motor add any dollar value? In my mind they are old pickups, if it was a vette or Chevelle it would be a different story.

The 73-87 may never be a big money vehicle. Too many were built over too long a period.

The trucks that bring the most money come in one of two forms:

1. An all original truck with relatively low miles that is either restored or a survivor.
2. A tastefully executed custom truck that will stand the test of time (meaning no cheeseball mods or overly trendy changes).

The catch with both is that it will cost more to restore a 73-87 than its worth upon completion, and it will cost more to tastefully customize a truck than its worth upon completion. This isn't like a 69 Camaro where you can do a half-baked restomod and sell it at profit.

Since you plan on keeping it, I would say do what you like. If keeping it like granddad had it is what brings the most enjoyment, do that. If hot rodding that sucker with a 496 is what you want, then go for it!

[85Bowtie]

Unless it's a rare model (Spirit of '76, Indy Hauler, Street Coupe, Gentleman Jim etc) it's not going to be worth anything extra just because of the original engine.

[sumran]

Even with highly collectible cars, original engines aren't always a big deal. With '55-'57 chevy's cars with different engines bring good money. Probably because the were very common and benefit from more modern gear. Much like our trucks.

[my4by2]

Really won't affect value of these kinds of vehicles one way or another - but I'd hold on to the original stuff in case you ever decide to sell it - that way it'll still appeal to the big block crowd as well as the original crowd!

[mooseknuckles]

hang on to it!...its allways good to have a bbc lying around.

[77BBGMC]

Thanks guys for the feedback!