Which would you buy? OM L78 or NOM Z28 - 1967

[Zedder]

Originally Posted by Pro Stock John

@Zedder I'm curious, if you were looking at 2 L78 cars, one was the blue one that Napa was selling (all sorted, #'s matching except for trans, restored) vs the one you've talked about that would need cosmetic and maybe some mechanical / electrical restoration, which one would you buy? The one you have been talking about sounds like you'd have more in it and it would take 2-3 years to restore it? I'm just curious.

Tim's car is beautiful and if it was a 67, I'd consider buying it over the red one that I have discussed here. I'm just not into 68 Camaros.

As for the Red one that I have posted about, it is being painted right now. I think I can buy it and get most of the issues addressed for $65K - $70K total. The challenge will be actually getting a chance to buy it as the seller has drifted back and forth on that for 17 years now As of my discussion with him yesterday, he was planning on selling it to me if I want it when the paint is done. No telling how good the paint will be though...likely driver quality at best. Also no telling if he will change his mind again. I'm not sweating it until the paint is done and we talk.

[firstgenaddict]

Another vote for the addictive power of the L78...

The advantage I see with the Z28 is the stuff of my dreams... because it is not a numbers car... an absolutely wicked 302/first gen Z28 (12:1, long rods, short compression height pistons with narrow pin bosses, ridiculous solid roller)

[mprice]

Buy what makes you happy and don't worry about the keyboard jockeys unless you are just buying it to flip who cares what we think.

[ZiggyL78]

I would never even think about owning a Hot Rod without Hagerty Road Side Assistance. Unlimited tows. Ramp truck every time and drivers that know they are picking up something special, probably worth a lot of money and the owner is going to be a total ass hole LOL .
It took about 5 years before they realized I was getting more then my moneys worth. A number of times I would have my car picked up at home and dropped off at some shop and have it picked up at that shop and delivered back to my house. They finally called me and said they won't pick up any of my cars at a shop. lol
CAA won't pick up any cars that do not have plates, does not have valid plates, has any flat
tires or missing a hood or look like it hasn't ran in a long time.

Another thing. If you want someone to work on your car again, give them a tip.. I always throw a shop $20-$50 if it is a job over $300. It gives you VIP card and instantly puts you in the front of the line.

[DW31S]

Tough call as each car will have its own distinct personality. Investment wise, I think the numbers 375 will trump the home-brewed Z if both are in the same condition. I’ve waited out sellers before and honestly, looking back, the thrill of getting the car bought meant more to me than the car itself and I didn’t keep them long. I’ve had three spinal fusions and I’m getting a few years under my belt and what used to take me three hours now takes three weeks, but I still hang in there; idle hands are not a good thing. I beat the livin’ snot out of my stuff and it requires constant maintenance both under the hood and under the car, but I’m not even considering giving it up.
If you can really get the 375 car with a nice driver quality respray, that might make more sense as you can have some fun and not lose sleep if you get a chip or nick here and there. I can’t see where either of the models you’re considering would have more upkeep than the other. Holley’s are simple to rebuild and adjusting valves isn’t much harder.

[ryanchevelle]

I think the majority of members on this site are into originality so your poll is going to lean that way regardless. If you flipped it to a born with Z drivetrain vs a NOM L78 car I imagine the response would be the opposite. I voted for L78 as well.

[67since67]

No wrong answers here, I'd love to have either, better yet both, in my garage!!
Bill W

[Chuck_Burg]

I prefer the big blocks... even though the L78 doesn't really have the huge torque of many modified bigger inch/oval port big blocks, it's got enough and it likes to rev! The L78 is kind of like a small block in that regard. The problem is not wanting to drive it too hard because it's the original engine, that being said if you break it you can fix it. Usually spun bearings happen before thrown rods!!!

[Vortecpro]

Originally Posted by Chuck_Burg

I prefer the big blocks... even though the L78 doesn't really have the huge torque of many modified bigger inch/oval port big blocks, it's got enough and it likes to rev! The L78 is kind of like a small block in that regard. The problem is not wanting to drive it too hard because it's the original engine, that being said if you break it you can fix it. Usually spun bearings happen before thrown rods!!!

I like the BBC Chevy myself, but you can have a lot of fun with 67-68 302 Camaro with a 5.38 gear and a clutchless 4 speed as well.

[Chuck_Burg]

Originally Posted by Vortecpro

I like the BBC Chevy myself, but you can have a lot of fun with 67-68 302 Camaro with a 5.38 gear and a clutchless 4 speed as well.

Oh man, I bet you're right!! That sounds like a great time. I enjoyed watching your videos on 781/049 cylinder heads, looks like you got that figured out!