For a ProTouring car you're planning on selling

[camcojb]

If you were re-doing a car, say a 69 Camaro with the intent of selling it when finished, what powerplant will be easier to sell with and value considerations?

Say a 69 Camaro with minitubs, Fikse, DSE 4 link, Wayne Due front end, T56, etc. A high dollar new car with excellent paint, body and full invoices and pics of the new sheetmetal etc. It already has a 700 rwhp ProCharged small block, but he's thinking of doing a n/a 540 big block (Dart iron block, aluminum heads) that would make say 750 hp on pump gas (crankshaft hp). He's thinking that the small block may scare people off even though it runs on pump gas also. It will cost him an additional $3K-$4K to swap over after selling the small block.

Besides the cost, would a naturally aspirated big block be an easier sell?

Jody

[Sales@Dutchboys]

I think alot of people like the big block because then they can say they have a "BIG BLOCK"
-Paul

[ProdigyCustoms]

Well, I personally would rather have the big block if I were selling it, not probably not be willing to do all the work. Let's face it, in general, men see BIG as virility, even if it is just a motor. A perfect example, as we speak I am doing a quote to build a engine package for a KILLER 4 X 4 Avalanche monster truck show vehicle, This thing will do nothing more then drive on and off the trailer, and possibly around the show grounds, yet the owner insist on having 632 inches of blown injected big block. When I explained we could save $10,000 on a short block doing a 454 which would look the same, he specifically WANTS to be able to tell admirers "It is A 632"

If it is only going to cost your friend a net of a few grand, which I think he is way off, then go for it. But I would do the math again if I were him. Will the car be worth more, yeah, will it me worth enough additional money to justify the work, I would not do it.

[Speedster]

I would definately go with the big block. Most people see Big Block = Horsepower. (Especially on pump gas) Don't get me wrong, small blocks are great, but a thumping BBC is a proven, simple, reliable, trouble-free operator. Hi-Tech small blocks scare many people.

I know this is not an apples to apples comparison - it is almost impossible to sell a good sized offshore powerboat with twin small blocks. Regardless of power. A big block means power with reliability.

[almcbri]

Big Block.

BB cars always outsell SB cars. Personally I like to see a small block vs. a big block in a camaro, but a BB in a larger car such as a chevelle.

I am not sure why this is, but thats how it works. I guess in your situation decided the pro vs. con factors. a BB might not make up the loss of the 3-4K.
I would prefer the pro-charged SB over a big block any day.

[XcYZ]

Now the motor? I thought I was bad. :willy: :lol:

[BC69]

The only reason I say BB is because it is being sold. I think alot of us on this board might choose a SB over a BB for weight or versatility, but as most of the previous posts have pointed out, when you are selling it to the general group of car people...I think a BB is apt to bring more money. The question is how much more, and is it worth it to make the change?

Tim

[camcojb]

Thanks guys. I think I'm close on the money as there's no exhaust change as he's buying a complete new exhaust anyway. This also assumes we can get what I think we can for his current setup.


Jody

[JV69z/28]

If this is a HIGH dollar show car (pro fairgrounds) I guess the big block is the way to go. If it is a true driver a Power Tour capable car I would go with a small block. As you guys say - is this a "poser" or the real deal? - if it's the real deal wouldn't it be a more pratical as well as more capable car with a small block? If it has to be exotic then how about a new ZO6 - Street and Performance is suppose to have everything to make it a simple swap - 505 net horse and 20+ highway miles per gallon should make it a true road warrior. The problem with all these real high dollar cars is you get the money if you find the right person. There is the right person for all these cars but timing is everything. I thought the guy that got Aluminator got a bargain. When you pay the BIG money for a car you have to like it pretty close to just the way it is. Chances are if you have that kind of money to start with you can either build or have your own built and pick everything out yourself. Than it's your car not some one elese's. Hey what do I know - I could be way off on this. Bottom line if it's a "looker" - Big Block.

[Steve1968LS2]

Well if you have the cash to spend then an LS7.. even more exclusive than a big block and you can run the 427 emblems on the fender :)

Gottsa think outta the box.. :)

[4mm]

Definitely a big block, and since it the car will be assembled with quality items, I would do an aluminum block. A car that caliber does not deserve to get penalized with an iron block. I bet the car would have much more value with an alum block and also more than offset the extra cost of the investment.

[clill]

Tell Don to do a new LS7. Or a C5R style 427 or anything with the new Generation smallblock.

[camcojb]

Tell Don to do a new LS7. Or a C5R style 427 or anything with the new Generation smallblock.

That'd be cool, but now the budget goes way up.

Jody

[Blown353]

Tell Don to do a new LS7. Or a C5R style 427 or anything with the new Generation smallblock.

My thoughts exactly, although a bit tamer-- LS1/LS2. A lot of buyers get all week kneed for some reason when they see "Corvette" on the coil covers.

A warmed over LS1/LS2 would be a good install and make the car appealing to a big audience, especially those who want an old car for the look but don't want to "work on it all the time"-- they equate modern running gear with very low maintenance.

The current Procharged setup would definately scare a lot of potential buyers away even though it is a well sorted, driveable, and reliable setup. A lot of friends and people I talk to at shows are intrigued by my setup but at the same time terrified of the perceived complexity. I 100% agree that by keeping the current Procharged combo you are really cutting down on the percentage of potential buyers. Their loss unfortunately.

Jody, I may have a friend interested in buying Don's complete Procharged 406. If so I'll let you know. If my friend does buy it I may arrange for my P1SCH to find its way onto Don's motor and the D1SC onto mine. :P

While you're at it, add A/C to the car-- you just made the car appealing to even more people.

I'm still amazed Don's wife hasn't killed him yet. :lol:

[Steve1968LS2]

Tell Don to do a new LS7. Or a C5R style 427 or anything with the new Generation smallblock.

Gee.. I wish I would have thought of that first :rofl:

[victionone]

Definitely a LSx engine. The majority of PT folks would rather much have a lightweight EFI engine up front. A LSx engine will also make the car more attractive. It's just something about new technology in old cars that get us PT guys excited... :unibrow:

[Stuart Adams]

If you are strictly going to sell it then swap out the SB for the BB. Sounds like the cost is not much for the swap. Put AC on it.

LS motors are a great choice, but more costly. Definately the choice if he was keeping the car.

Steelers :thumbsup:

[93Polo]

I would definately go with the big block. Most people see Big Block = Horsepower. (Especially on pump gas) Don't get me wrong, small blocks are great, but a thumping BBC is a proven, simple, reliable, trouble-free operator. Hi-Tech small blocks scare many people.

I know this is not an apples to apples comparison - it is almost impossible to sell a good sized offshore powerboat with twin small blocks. Regardless of power. A big block means power with reliability.
I agree a big block will have more curb appeal to the average guy with to much money.

For the guys on this board a LSx or turbo Small block.

The average guy who wants a good handling car is a larger market than the more hard core enthusiast. So do the big block 454, 502 crate motor or 540 can't loose. I would do a brand name crate motor to get the attention too.

[XcYZ]

And all aluminum 540. Jody, do you remember how much your Arias setup weighed? I'm curious of the weight of that vs. an LSx vs. an aluminum headed SBC.

[Stuart Adams]

It weighed alot in dollars, LOL. Cool motor.

[awr68]

I'll be the odd man out, I vote for the ProCharged SBC. It weighs less, looks sweet, and sounds awesome! And I'm guessing Don has been happy with it...it's been a reliable power plant for him, yes?

I think if someone is going to buy a car like Don's with all the right parts on it from bumper to bumper, they will appreciate all the benefits of the current setup...but what do I know? Now a faux-touring car would defiantly benefit from the BBC swap...

So what does he plan on building next???

[markss28]

SBC pro charged is the way to go. Not only can you pull off 600-700hp but it will still be lighter and get better gas milage plus it looks cool at shows.

I think you could build an engine for about 5grand with relativly cheap parts and then 3grand for the super charger.

[camcojb]

SBC pro charged is the way to go. Not only can you pull off 600-700hp but it will still be lighter and get better gas milage plus it looks cool at shows.

I think you could build an engine for about 5grand with relativly cheap parts and then 3grand for the super charger.

He already has a ProCharged 406 in there, making 691 rwhp. His fear (which seems to be re-inforced by many) is that it will be harder to sell with that vs a big block n/a or LSX engine.

Jody

[camcojb]

I'll be the odd man out, I vote for the ProCharged SBC. It weighs less, looks sweet, and sounds awesome! And I'm guessing Don has been happy with it...it's been a reliable power plant for him, yes?

I think if someone is going to buy a car like Don's with all the right parts on it from bumper to bumper, they will appreciate all the benefits of the current setup...but what do I know? Now a faux-touring car would defiantly benefit from the BBC swap...

So what does he plan on building next???

He's actually looking at buying a new Z06.

Jody

[MarkM66]

If it's already in there, I'd just try to sell it as it is now.

I agree that a n/a bbc might make it worth more, but I'm not sure it'd make it worth $3-4k more, not counting all your time to to the swap.

JMHO, :) .

[USAZR1]

The only substitute for cubic inches,is cubic dollars.