Gents: I need some guidance and feedback. I have owned 3 nice Vettes and many 70s vintage muscle cars. Yet, I have always wanted an iconic 1967 big block. I currently own a solid 9 1966 L79 rally red roadster. I have been thinking about trying to trade up towards a 1967 BB. Two questions for your consideration: 1. Should I do this? Many of my car buddies say that my current Vette is far more drivable and too nice to pass along. 2. If I took this new path, what would be the most prudent path forward (e.g., Call Corvette Mike, Pro Team, NCRS Classified, Craigslist, or ad in my local Sam Houston Corvetter Club)? I know that this is a bit of an odd question, yet, I'd sure appreciate some guidance from the Corvette Brain Trust at NCRS. Many thanks. Best, Ned
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
I came to a similar decision some years back, and wanted to go with a '67 L71, since it was King Kong of its' era and I won't live forever. I also thought it should be a solid investment, as I probably wouldn't lose too much when I sold it, it turned out that was the only valid assumption I made.
I bought what I thought at the time as a "numbers matching" ProTeam car. After the first judging and some good car detective work by Bill Gould, it turned out it was a "restoration" motor and so "numbers match" but not the "real deal" in ProTeam jargon. It also had side exhaust, which were very loud and not good for highway driving, it overheated frequently, but help from Duke and others cured that after a year or so of efforts. It rode rough (F41), and my wife refused to ride in it. It was an original L71, the tank sticker validated by NCRS, but had been rode hard and put away wet most of its' life through numerous owners.
Long story short, I now have only small block cars, life is too short to put up with all the issues that come with a '67 big block, especially an L71, an L36 might be a better way to go, but do all your homework and have inspections by people that know, you can't trust any dealer or person out there selling a '67 BB, too much money to be made. Just my 2 centavos.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New Mexico -
Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
Ned
Mike has given a good example of not uncommon experience in this hobby. In regard to your questions: 1. Should I do this? Many of my car buddies say that my current Vette is far more drivable and too nice to pass along. This is a question that only you can answer after weighing the pros ad cons of all variables & considerations. 2. If I took this new path, what would be the most prudent path forward (e.g., Call Corvette Mike, Pro Team, NCRS Classified, Craigslist, or ad in my local Sam Houston Corvetter Club)? When try to locate that "right" car any and all paths are prudent (including word of mouth); however due diligence and examination by persons with expertise to independently validate any car is mandatory. As an example, my 1965 L76 coupe was found on ebay but was a local car only listed there. I gave it a preliminary look, and then had a local expert inspect to confirm.
PhilComment
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
I think you have to decide what you want. A BB driver or a NCRS correct Corvette. I love my 390 AC conv. with PS & PB for driving with no problems even in the AZ. heat. I also have a 435 Conv. that is a pet rock & gets driven very little. I would suggest that if you decide to get a BB I would try to sell the SB rather that trying to trade so you can buy from private owners rather than being stuck having to trade at a dealer.65 350 TI CONV 67 J56 435 CONV,67,390/AIR CONV,70 454/air CONV,
What A MAN WON'T SPEND TO GIVE HIS ASS A RIDEComment
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Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
There are good 1967 big blocks out there if you take your time and find some guidance. It's best to find someone you trust to help you sift through all the bad stuff. Be open to a good 427/390 horse car. I have all three engine option '67's in the garage and the 390 horse is the best all around car. You pay way less and get the cool hood with a 427/390.
Wish you were closer, we have a good group here in Austin that would be glad to help.Comment
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
Michael et. al.: Many thanks for the thoughtful responses. I had to laugh out loud when I read them. We're all pretty similar (big kids) and think the same way (i.e., I wanted the biggest and badest and I knew life was short ...etc.). At the end of the day, it must be pretty darn cool to pull into a cruise night on a beautiful June evening in a '67 big block throbbing and rumbling). Truth be told lots of folks in the non-Corvette civilian word don't know the difference between the engine series. Lots to think about. I took today off and ran some errands in the '66 L79 (and it's hot today). She ran smooth and cool with the AC on. Great car and with the rally red and side pipes it illicits lots of positive commentary. I think that I'll keep her for now, yet, still keep my eyes open for one of the bigger preditors. Guys keep me in mind should anyone need to find a good home for one of theirs. Tim, we get up to Austin frequently, please let Julie and I know of any good upcoming events. Thanks again guys. Best, NedComment
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
Good plan Ned. Don't get me wrong, like when I had to have a Cobra so I could say I did, a '67 BB is in the same category, but like the Cobra, a pretty impractical toy in many ways, but as long as you know and set your expectations accordingly, it is a great toy.
Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
BTW, in my NCRS photo collection I have a shot of a big block Buick 455 GS convertible that I bought from my Dad in 1977. It is a super neat car, yet, I have had her in several parades (Texas and Cape Cod). By any measure, it's like sitting in a sauna!Comment
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
Ned, I have a 69 L71 that I bought in 1998 and it is a pleasure to drive with a couple of exceptions. On a hot summer day it gets pretty hot in the car and the other is it didn't like the 10% ethanol 93 octane pump gas and would knock under any heavy load.The solution was Avgas or a 50-50 mix of 110 racing fuel both of which worked very well but that's a real pain so I finally lowered the compression ration and it runs fine, doesn't overheat and has never left me stranded. I also have had small blocks and now have a small block FI car which I like very much but the BB is my favorite.
Make sure you drive before you buy.Comment
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
I agree with Tim. Real 67 Big Blocks are out there, where most people get in trouble is that they want instant gratification or are value shoppers thinking that they got a deal.. Real deal cars with no issues are not cheap. Another consideration is that most buyers simply don't know what they are looking at. They would be way ahead of the game by hiring someone knowledgeable and trust worthy to help them find the right car. Hope this helps and good luck! Signed a 67 BB nut
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
Love the machismo and gut wrenching torque of the BB...owned a '69...ridiculous power. My current '67 L79 is much more user and driver friendly. Stick with your L79. Of course, just MHO.Leif
'67 Coupe L79, M21, C60, N14, N40, J50, A31, U69, A01, QB1
Top Flight 2017 Lone Star RegionalComment
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
This question reminds me of the situation faced by many of my clients who have lived their entire lives in the northeast and develop a yen to move South. They sell everything here, move, and find that the grass is not necessarily greener elsewhere, but when they try to return they find they can not purchase anything equal to what they had for the same money. My advice to each and every one of them contemplating such a move is now the same: Rent a house in your intended location for six months to a year and see if you really like it before giving up everything you have here. That rental cost will be the best investment in your future happiness that you will ever make. The same rationale applies to a "move up" to a big block. By hook or by crook gain access to one of them for a period of at least several months to make sure that you really want one before you get rid of what you have presently. The money you spend in making such a pre-purchase experiment is an investment that will repay itself many times over.Comment
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
I have several BB a/c cars that I drive. All are a pain to drive in the summer. Stay with the 350 HP for a road car Probably the best overall engine Chevrolet ever madeFounder - Carolinas Chapter NCRSComment
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Re: Move'n on up to a 1967 big block - Guidance Sought
Ned,
I have a 66 L72 convertible. Back when it was running I had a lot of fun with it. I agree with the others, test drive one first. I have not driven a small block car, so I can't compare the two.
JoeComment
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