What would you do?

[Jeff70]

Hey guys,

I have a nice original "grandma" 71 Cutlass conv. that I bought back in 05' and we have enjoyed owning and driving it. I've been collecting parts to do a LS swap almost since I bought it. Fast forward to now and these parts have just been sitting around collecting dust the car has been on non-op since Aug 2013 because it needs some things freshened up like suspension, the transmission is leaking at the pump seal & the radiator has a leak. I don't see myself doing the swap on this car mainly because I plan to give it to my son when he gets done with college in 2yrs and is secure in life. I could save it for another project but thats probably 4-5yrs down the road.



What would you do, sell it or save it?

[Motorcitydak]

I'd say sell off the ls parts, fix the car as you can and but something else you can enjoy on the road. I have a good newer car that i could dd but prefer something that i actually enjoy driving

[Jeff70]

I have been collecting some suspension parts like Hotchkis sway bars, Lee box & possibly a few other things. I would drive and enjoy the Cutlass until the day i gave it to my son for sure, but it definitely needs some of these things addressed before I can put it back on the road. I'm mainly just trying to decide if I sell or keep the LS stuff.

[csouth]

If you're genuinely going to consider doing the swap and you have the space, keep it. The only thing is if its an early LS the value will decrease if you decide to sell it later.

[Bonehead]

Once you go to the modern performance, drivability and fuel economy of an LS, you'll wonder why you waiting so long. Swap it, enjoy it, give it to the youngster to drive.

[Jeff70]

I forgot to mention the swap itself is beyond my skill level & I still would need to buy quite a bit of parts. So after talking to a few shops in my area I figure another 10k is what I would need to spend for parts needed and labor. To spend that kinda coin to hand the car down is hard to swallow.

[BMR Sales]

I forgot to mention the swap itself is beyond my skill level & I still would need to buy quite a bit of parts. So after talking to a few shops in my area I figure another 10k is what I would need to spend for parts needed and labor. To spend that kinda coin to hand the car down is hard to swallow.

I think you answered your question. Sell the LS & fix the little things that will make the car a good present for your Son. As someone else said the longer you hold on to the Early L, the less it will be worth. I've seen the late 5th Gen Camaros with LS motors come down in value in the last year.