Value affected on conversion trucks?

[Randall12v]

What's people's opinions on value of engine/trans swaps in square bodies? Say take out 400 small block and th400 and replace with something more modern and powerful...LS, Cummins, Duramax, etc.

For example...On a 1980 K30 Cab Chassis truck with no rust and ~16k original miles...will it significantly hurt or help the value? The truck will not be one I plan to sell anytime in near future but rather make into something enjoyable.

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[87scotty]

Don't think there's much change in value on motor and trans stuff most guys buy in em do what they want

 

[skysurfer]

For most vehicles it depends on the quality of the work. The powertrain doesn't matter if the installation is a hack job.

The Plattville truck is in another catagory though. It's not the sort of truck you would dd and it's a true survivor. The value is there because it's unique, low mileage, and unmolested. If I saw that in an auction I would pay more if the description said "all original" than if it said "LS swap".

 

[Randall12v]

For most vehicles it depends on the quality of the work. The powertrain doesn't matter if the installation is a hack job.

The Plattville truck is in another catagory though. It's not the sort of truck you would dd and it's a true survivor. The value is there because it's unique, low mileage, and unmolested. If I saw that in an auction I would pay more if the description said "all original" than if it said "LS swap".

That's kind of the predicament I'm in...it's a true survivor if you want to call it that. Original paint code was midnight black, but it was a Pierce Mfg. fire truck with the skyjacker lift and red/white paint from the Pierce factory...paint code and stamp stickers in cab. I plan to pull the box off and install a bed of some sort. It won't be DD by any means but car shows, cruise nights, nights on the town.

 

[skysurfer]

It will get more attention on cruise night just as it sits. Besides, if you party too much you can always crawl in the back for the night.

 

[Randall12v]

It will get more attention on cruise night just as it sits. Besides, if you party too much you can always crawl in the back for the night.

Haha this is very true. Has an electric heater in the back too.

 

[Georgeb]

I thought the same thing. That would be cool to cruise as is.

 

[Randall12v]

Well if no one buys the box...it may be on there a while haha

 

[DoubleDingo]

Yeah I'd keep it stock (as-is). But it's not my truck.