Keep it stock or modify?

makeitfit

I just picked up a numbers matching, un molested, 1970 Impala 2 door notch back with a straight 6 and 30,000 original miles. The research says there were only about 6,000 of this configuration compared to 600,000 V8's. The car is fairly rust free and straight, but the interior is trash. It needs work no matter what. The simple question is, is it better to restore to original because of the low production, or build it the way I would like since it is just a 6 cylinder? I want to try and squeeze a 454 into it, if I wouldn't be ruining the value. Thanks for any feed back!

Mr_Shiftright

I would modify it. Just because something is rare doesn't mean it is particularly valuable. By modifying the car you will actually increase the value of this automobile, and have a better chance of recouping some or all of your money. If you restore a 6 cylinder automatic 2D sedan, you'll be buried in it financially with no chance of gaining back much of your investment.

Before you think about that big honkin' engine, consider that the car needs to be strengthened to accept all that torque, so you'd best think about suspension and brakes and a stronger differential, driveshaft and axles before the engine goes in. Plan your entire build before you start. They even make "dummy" fiberglass small block and big block engines so that you can work out the fit and the mounts before you attempt to install a real engine.