Stock cars vs modified

[ck80]

Swap a 4.2 inline 6 from one of those trailblazers. Some originality in both directions.

Lol, no thanks.

I like the sound of the engine, the complete and utter lack of electronics and wiring, and the "it keeps running even if things are breaking on it" aspect.

Only engine swap I'd ever consider is a 292 inline... but it just doesn't seem worth the effort.

I have thought about adding an overdrive transmission though like an 84-86 full size truck 700r4 to keep the no computer aspect intact.

 

[Ribbedroof]

I like 'em mostly stock appearing (except wheels), but with improved performance. I do like "tasteful" exterior mods (see "hooniwagan" Hurst rendering).

Absolute biggest turn-off for me is late model wrong color seats that don't even match the rear seat. I like my office orderly

 

[dfast1]

Anybody can restore them. It takes a real man to cut them.

 

[DoubleV]

I'm with you !!

View attachment 126088

Dude you need to drop a Chevy crate motor in that thing and put in a Ford 9" rear end with 4.10's

 

[MrSony]

My thought is, it's your car. Do whatever you want. but, if you have even an inkling of "I might have to sell this some day" that's when you make your decision. Should I modify (sometimes irreversably) this pretty rare, but not super desireable car, or should I just keep it running for the next guy/simplicity's sake? It's a lot easier and cheaper to just keep a car as is if it works vs a whole drivetrain swap.

 

[MrSony]

And for abut the past... 10 years, there has been a resurgence in massively overpowered V8s in muscle cars. Sure, it's cool I guess you can spend $70k+ to buy a car that will pull the front wheels off the ground, factory warranty, air conditioning, airbags and all, but who is gonna use that day to day? I suppose people also said that back in the 60s when the street hemi came out. "What?! 425 horsepower? Who needs that much? My 225 /6 does just fine!"

G bodies are the last of GM cars that had any soul to them. It just feels different driving them, even from older 70s cars and later 90s cars. If you were starting with a roller with nothing, I'd say go for it. But since it's all original super low miles, AND it's a stick, I don't blame you one bit for keeping it the way it is.

 

[500/600]

I drooled over a Grand National in high school when they were new. I swore to some day own one. Now that I have more than enough funds to buy a no-mile example the desire is long gone. I do like seeing them out on the road, it just almost never happens. I’m just glad I’m not the 40 year old guy that paid $17K for one in 1987, then didn’t enjoy it for 30 years hoping it would increase in value as he only drove it 9000 miles after dreaming of owning the car for years, only to find out 30 years later that it’s only worth $30K. The were many different ways to make $13K in profit in the past 30 years that didn’t waste garage space. Pitiful really. Up until 10 years ago I always swore to buy somebody’s low mileage pride and joy and as I left their driveway proceed to obliterate the tires leaving them a black mark reminder of the fun that they didn’t have. I’m a jerk like that though.

I guess my original post should have read “stock sucks, unless you actually drive it”.......... Maybe..........

 

[lilbowtie]

There are always reversible "Day Two" mods so down the road it can go back to or near original. But most A/G's by this time have had some sort of change/abuse done to them so does it really matter just as long as you enjoy it they way you want it.

 

[Local Hero]

View attachment 126107
View attachment 126108
View attachment 126109

Gotta admire a guy who lets his pictures do his talking.

 

[565bbchevy]

I think tasteful mods like rims, exhaust, suspension and engine upgrades on most Gbody's will not only increase the value of the car but just make the whole driving experience that much more enjoyable.