63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

[Sebastian S.]

I bought my SWC back in November of 2015. The car is very solid unfortunately the original motor was removed back in the 80's and replaced with a 350 crate engine. Going forward with my restoration I would like some feedback as to what direction I should take. I am currently debating if I should find a period correct block and assemble a motor that would replicate what was originally in the car or do I go the way of a new crate motor. The car was an early 63 build. November 7, 1962 to be exact. From a cost perspective rebuilding a period correct piece (engine wise) vs new how do they compare?

Thanks for the feedback

[Joe R.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

I see you are in Ontario, Canada. There was a place in Wisconsin that would supply correct blocks and maybe stamped as per your spec. but can't find the number of the supplier. Maybe someone else could look in Hemmings as they advertised there.
As far as replacing the engine with a crate engine the price of finding and restoring a period correct engine should be about the same or less if you can buy a block reasonable.
You should contact someone local or someone willing to travel to your home or shop and help you with restoration and advice on a 63 SWC. Not just any volunteer can help you but you should check out the person you are using with references. Start with the chapter in Canada for advice. Check with the Region II Director Paul Oslansky in Cicinnati, OH. at 1 513 965-8009 for directions.

JR

[Joe R.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

I bought my SWC back in November of 2015. The car is very solid unfortunately the original motor was removed back in the 80's and replaced with a 350 crate engine. Going forward with my restoration I would like some feedback as to what direction I should take. I am currently debating if I should find a period correct block and assemble a motor that would replicate what was originally in the car or do I go the way of a new crate motor. The car was an early 63 build. November 7, 1962 to be exact. From a cost perspective rebuilding a period correct piece (engine wise) vs new how do they compare?

Thanks for the feedback

Sebastian,

What are your goals for the car? If you're planning to have it judged, a period correct block is likely the way to go. If you just want a nice driver, a crate engine would be fine. What's wrong with the crate motor that's in it? The crate motor is probably going to be cheaper, especially considering it will have a much better warranty.

Joe

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

Yes, the crate motor (if running well) could be dressed up as a facsimile of an original...
As stated, if the car isn't heading for judging that would be my route.

[Sebastian S.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

Thanks for the prompt feedback. I would love to have the car judged and here is where the confusion lies. Without that original motor could the car still score well enough to justify the time and expense. The question here and really just looking for clarity is that as a judge how is the car looked at with a period correct engine vs a crate motor...

[Joe R.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

Thanks for the prompt feedback. I would love to have the car judged and here is where the confusion lies. Without that original motor could the car still score well enough to justify the time and expense. The question here and really just looking for clarity is that as a judge how is the car looked at with a period correct engine vs a crate motor...

Sebastian,

If you haven't already, I would recommend downloading the judging sheets from this site. You can judge the car yourself at home and get some idea how it will score. The hit for not having the typical factory production engine block casting number is pretty significant. It gets a lot better if only the VIN number on the pad doesn't match the car's VIN.

Joe

[Sebastian S.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

Will do...thx Joe

[Carmen R.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

I believe this is the place that Joe Ray is talking about in post#2.

http://engineslimited.com/cms/

[Steven S.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

I had a '63 coupe that sounds a lot like yours. Mine also was wrong color paint. Judged as 3rd flight. Had car painted correct color and paint. Moved it to being 2nd flight. If incorrect block in car, automatic 350 point lose out of possible 1440 or so points.

[Rick A.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

My "prior" 1963 Z06 did NOT have the original block and is a Duntov car with the period correct block

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

You'll do better with a period correct, but non-original engine block than aftermarket A/C in '63 judging...
Don't ask me how I know...

[James G.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

A good friend just restored his 62 fuel injection car with a 62 ''original'' FI block with its vin number 350 cars later than the car. It will judge well, as it is original, just not ''the original''

[Bob W.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

Rick Did you have to inform anyone that it was period correct motor before it was judged ? If so who and what was the point loss ?
Thanks Bob

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

Rick will answer, but the answer is no. The owner presents the car, the judges judge the car as presented. The process of judging the engine is rather straight forward. Check the casting information, check the pad. There are standard deductions for the engine. Other items are judged like paint color etc, but that's not important to this discussion.

[Paul D.]

Re: 63 SWC Restoration Feedback Needed.....

I think what Rick means by "period correct" is that casting number and date is correct for the build date of his car. If they are, judging then moves on to the pad. If assembly date and suffix code also lines up in relation to car and build date, and broach marks are judged OK, then the only point loss is the VIN number being incorrect. Even if you only got a correct block as far as casting number and date and rebuilt it, you would only loose pad points. Without decking, you may even salvage the broach mark points. I think this a great course of action for those uneasy about restamping or not wishing to endure the scrutiny brought on by a restamped block.