Don't take everything I say completely literally......

In the last post when I said don't waste money on something weird, I didn't mean don't buy it if it's a good deal, I meant don't pay the same price as a more premium optioned version of the same model. For example: A 1966 GTO with a 4 bbl 389 and the two-speed Super Turbine 300 ( read Powerglide ) automatic is not worth as much as a tri-power, 4-speed version. Now, if you buy the lesser model for several thousand dollars less, then you've still made a decent buy. And, a three-speed TH350 will literally bolt right in. You can use the same driveshaft, and rear trans mount, and speedometer cable. You can even use the stock shifter, although you won't be able to manually engage low gear. If you use a B&M or TransGo shift kit-( that gives automatic kickdown to low gear below 15-20 mph ) it won't matter. And you'll have a stunning improvement in performance. If you want to sell the car to someone really anal who want's it absolutely original-it'll take about 2 hours to change it back. But it's not worth the same money as a tri-power 4-speed version. # 2. I mentioned the "Turnpike Special" GTOs and 442s of 1967-68 that had 265 hp two-barrel engines and salt-flats gearing. If you find one in good condition at a reasonable price, then by all means buy it. Even if your not a mechanic and have to pay a shop $100 per hour, installing a factory or aftermarket 4 bbl carb and intake and changing the 2.56:1 gears for 3.31:1 or 3.55s will cost you less than $1,500 with parts and labor. What I meant was-one of these is not worth the same as a Ram Air III GTO or a W30 442, or even a 350hp base model with 3.31 or 3.55 gears. I didn't mean pass up a rust-free, great condition GTO or 442, I meant don't pay the same price that you would for a more heavily optioned model in the same condition. # 3. The same applies-to cars missing some key component. For example- A 1970 Hemi 'Cuda that has a 383 under the hood isn't worth any more than a numbers-matching 383 model. In fact it's actually worth less in my book-because you'd need Donald Trump's bankroll to afford a complete 426 Hemi engine with 1969 or 1970 date codes. Sure you can buy a Mopar Performance 426 Crate Hemi for 15 grand and have the performance and driving feel, but it's still not original. And if you try to re-sell it, it's still not worth half of what an original is. The same applies to an LS6 Chevelle missing the LS6 engine or an SD 455 T/A sans the SD motor. On a lesser scale, like I said-a Six-Pack Super Bee is only worth big dollars if it has the original Six Pack engine in it. Any slob can go get a 440 out of a junkyard, rebuild it, and spend $2,300 with Summitt or Mopar performance and get the Edelbrock Manifold, Holley carbs, linkage and Air Cleaner. A Ram Air IV Judge is only special if it has the RAIV engine intact. If it has a 400 out of  a '75 Catalina in it, then it's not really an RAIV car is it? # 4. The same applies in reverse. Until 1991 you could buy a complete LS6 454 crate engine through GM Performance Parts. If someone bought one of these and stuffed it into a 1970 SS396 or LS5 SS454 model-again you have the performance, but it's still not an original LS6 car and not worth an ultra-premium price. If a guy totalled his Boss 351 Mustang and salvaged the engine and later put the Boss engine in another 1971 Mach 1 Mustang, yes it's worth a few more dollars than a garden-variety 351C model, but it's still not worth the same as a numbers-matching original Boss 351. A base-model, 307, three-speed 1969 Camaro that someone put a "DZ" code 302 and a Rock-Crusher 4-speed into is still not an original Z/28. #5. There's differences in the value of "Real Deal" cars as well. A pristine, immaculate 1968 SS396 Chevelle with bench seats, four-wheel drum brakes, no guages, no power steering and no a/c is not worth as much as one with bucket seats, front disc brakes, power steering, the rally guages, and factory air, even if the loaded one isn't as nice. A 1969 GTO with a three-speed stick and manual drum brakes and no guages is not worth the same as one with a 4-speed, front disc brakes, and a hood tach. # 6. Sometimes a "fake" is worth having. I know a guy that has a triple-white, fully loaded-a/c, tilt, cruise, power windows, everything 400 / TH400 1971 LeMans Sport Convertible that's made to look like a Judge. I'd rather have that than a numbers-matching, strippy Verduro Green "Real" '69 GTO. I know a guy that has a 1970 Challenger that was originally a 318 / 3-speed car that he's equipped with a 426 Crate Hemi, a Pistol-Grip shifted Tremec 5-speed and a 3.91 geared 8/34 rear end. It has an XV motorsports handling suspension with front and rear sway bars and laser-cut subframe connectors. It has 17" inch Wheel Vintiques Chrysler Rallye wheels shod with 275/40ZR17 BFG Comp T/A's. It's Alpine white just like the "Vanishing Point" car. I'd rather have that than a numbers-matching 340 or 383 model.  Hope this clarifies my position and helps prospective buyers make a good decision. Mastermind