Original or crate engine? 1976 k5 blazer Cheyenne

[psyburn74]

I want to know if I Should I replace my 76' Blazer engine with a crate or keep the original and rebuild? My plan is to try to keep the value of the truck. Its all original, no modifications but it needs some work including an engine. Its planed as a project truck so it i plan to keep the rest all original, except what needs replacing eg. Carpet, dash. So should I replace the engine and transmission with a fuel injection crate and 700r transmission or rebuild the original carburetor engine and 350 transmission to get the most value when reselling? Thank you -Psyburn74

 

[Ricko1966]

I'd keep it a matching numbers car,or at the very least keep my original drive train and keep mods simple so it is easy to return to a matching numbers car.

 

[Shorty81]

I'd keep it a matching numbers car,or at the very least keep my original drive train and keep mods simple so it is easy to return to a matching numbers car.

^^^^^^what he said^^^^^^^

 

[75gmck25]

You have to decide on your priorities. Matching numbers engines add significant value when you have a special high performance engine, but I doubt it is as important for our trucks. The 350 they used is a mass-produced engine with no performance features or unusual capabilities. In fact, from a performance standpoint it really sucks quite a bit (just look at the low horsepower ratings). As soon as you start improving it with better heads, etc., you no longer have a true numbers matching engine.

If you have a long term plan for a full OEM restoration, I would pull and set aside the original powertrain, and then install whatever crate engine fits your budget. Pick a new engine with good heads, better compression, and probably a stroker. It will be fun to drive, and you can always reinstall the old smog-era engine when you sell the truck.

Do you also plan to keep your NP203, for a true original powertrain?

 

[fast 99]

Another consideration, is there a machine shop that can do the rebuild? Our city had 3 of the largest engine rebuilders in the nation, all have closed. Took a chance on a small shop I have never used during covid [they were the only one with parts]. Got lucky, engine runs fine.

GM no longer sells long blocks for early 350's.

 

[Grit dog]

I want to know if I Should I replace my 76' Blazer engine with a crate or keep the original and rebuild? My plan is to try to keep the value of the truck. Its all original, no modifications but it needs some work including an engine. Its planed as a project truck so it i plan to keep the rest all original, except what needs replacing eg. Carpet, dash. So should I replace the engine and transmission with a fuel injection crate and 700r transmission or rebuild the original carburetor engine and 350 transmission to get the most value when reselling? Thank you -Psyburn74

Well I’d give you less just because you put a 700r4 in it. Regardless of matching numbers. Lol
IMO depends the condition of the truck whether numbers matching would add any significant value. And unless you’re going to have an otherwise as close to 100% correct (like the seat material you probably can’t get anymore) and a fairly thorough and detailed resto, numbers don’t mean much on these trucks.
Besides idk what year they actually began stamping vins on truck engines. But believe it was mid 70s. Anyone actually know?

 

[TotalyHucked]

The value is in 2 places with these trucks. Either all original or all out modernized (LS/LT engine, computer controlled OD trans, AC, etc). Anything in between seriously narrows your buyer pool, especially if it's just halfassed or a weird combo of parts chosen (like so many flippers do). If the intent is to flip it, keep the original drivetrain and just rebuild/freshen it up.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Well I’d give you less just because you put a 700r4 in it. Regardless of matching numbers. Lol
IMO depends the condition of the truck whether numbers matching would add any significant value. And unless you’re going to have an otherwise as close to 100% correct (like the seat material you probably can’t get anymore) and a fairly thorough and detailed resto, numbers don’t mean much on these trucks.
Besides idk what year they actually began stamping vins on truck engines. But believe it was mid 70s. Anyone actually know?

Same. 700Rs suck.

This is also a good point. Numbers matching isn't really a big deal but I shy away from trucks that have newer roller motors/serpentine belt setups on them/TPI/TBI retrofitted/700R4s put in/etc just because 65% of the time it's a hack job/thrown together you're gonna have to do alot of sorting out before you get to enjoy the thing. Had too many buddies by a truck like that that I've helped them sort out. It's less and less fun each time

 

[Grit dog]

The value is in 2 places with these trucks. Either all original or all out modernized (LS/LT engine, computer controlled OD trans, AC, etc). Anything in between seriously narrows your buyer pool, especially if it's just halfassed or a weird combo of parts chosen (like so many flippers do). If the intent is to flip it, keep the original drivetrain and just rebuild/freshen it up.

If you’re talking VALUE I agree. If we’re talking just clean rust free K5, they hold a lot of value based on the overall condition and quality of work. Assuming the OP isn’t going for a high $ resto. IMO anyway.

 

[TotalyHucked]

If you’re talking VALUE I agree. If we’re talking just clean rust free K5, they hold a lot of value based on the overall condition and quality of work. Assuming the OP isn’t going for a high $ resto. IMO anyway.

Agreed. But I'd be willing to pay more for a tired original that's mostly unscrewed with (or a roller for that matter) than the ones you see with a OBS TBI/Vortec swapped in with a questionable fuel and wiring system and god knows what else done

 

[Grit dog]

Same. 700Rs suck.

This is also a good point. Numbers matching isn't really a big deal but I shy away from trucks that have newer roller motors/serpentine belt setups on them/TPI/TBI retrofitted/700R4s put in/etc just because 65% of the time it's a hack job/thrown together you're gonna have to do alot of sorting out before you get to enjoy the thing. Had too many buddies by a truck like that that I've helped them sort out. It's less and less fun each time

Totally. Agreed. Besides, anyone who’d “upgrade” to an OE TBI or TPI still listens to too much Motley Crue, probably has 2-3 broke down Camaros in their front yard and has a can of aerosol hair spray on their vanity… unless they’re bald!

 

[Grit dog]

Agreed. But I'd be willing to pay more for a tired original that's mostly unscrewed with (or a roller for that matter) than the ones you see with a OBS TBI/Vortec swapped in with a questionable fuel and wiring system and god knows what else done

1000%. Same goes for the rest of the vehicle as well, for me. Especially when it comes to electrical/wiring. The 86 K20 was the perfect example of hacked up fuel supply system with the Gen VI big block in a carb 350 truck. Idk how that truck lived for years the way it was plumbed and wired. Because it didn’t last 2 tanks of gas before crapping out on me. Fuel delivery is easy though. Better than the plethora of methed up wiring on so many old cars.

 

[Ricko1966]

I disagree that matching numbers Is NBD matching number cars are rare which adds to the value. Compare prices on matching numbers vehicles vs. not. I worked at Preston McCall Automotive Restorations matching numbers was always a bigger deal.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Totally. Agreed. Besides, anyone who’d “upgrade” to an OE TBI or TPI still listens to too much Motley Crue, probably has 2-3 broke down Camaros in their front yard and has a can of aerosol hair spray on their vanity… unless they’re bald!

Hey hey hey, I listen to Motley Crue just about everyday at some point

 

[TotalyHucked]

I disagree that matching numbers I'd NBD matching number cars are rare which adds to the value. Compare prices on matching numbers vehicles vs. not. I worked at Preston McCall Automotive Restorations matching numbers was always a bigger deal

Yes, you're right. We're just saying it's not AS big a deal in the squarebody market as it is with say, Hemi 'Cudas. Plus the factory didn't stamp numbers on stuff like they did for the cars so it's harder to prove anyway