I'm just curious what some of you think regarding my restoration. I'm struggling with how "correct" I want to restore my Z with regards to the carbeurator, exhaust and smog. The car is in very good shape as it is and with the exception of the headers, exhaust and carbeurator, is numbers matching and original (even original paint). I want to show it eventually and I enjoy driving it whenever the weather's nice, so it won't be a concourse/trailer car. With the car this close to original, I'm wondering if I should make the leap and dedicate the money to making it correct, or since I'm not planning on making it a concourse car, should I enjoy the extra punch the headers, no smog and 3" exhaust give and make everything else look good? Would I still be competitive in shows with these mods?

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1971 Z28
Classic Copper w/ black stripes
Matching #s (w/ exception of carb and headers)
M-22
Owned: 69 Z/28

Bion, What I think.....hmmmm, A restoration is just that, Restored back to ORIGINAL. Now if you only mostly original looks and the additional performance go with the "Restified" program......heck its your car!!!!!! From a judging point in Stock I would believe you'll lose points for the misc changes. If I were you I would work to make all the misc "little things" correct and temporarily leave your exhaust in place.
Another thing to consider replacing that smog system is going to cost some serious money (???). The exhaust manifolds not sure what theyre going for (ask Bob R) and the undercar exhaust system is yet another cost......regards,chuck

There is a broad range of show structures, generally they break down to 3 different types.
1.)Local Show/Cruise - These shows typically have 50 to 200 cars, many different makes models, particpant or peoples choice awards and the classes usally break down by decade (ie 60's, 70's 80's, and maybe a musclecar class). A clean car with headers, and carburetor holds it's own with a stock restoration, most of the judges don't know enough about a specfic model to know what is stock. These shows are alot of fun because you get to meet local enthusist, along with some interesting people from the general public.

2.)Regional shows - These shows can range from 200 to 500 cars, they can be either mixed with other makes or make or model specific. Judges can come from a local sponsoring club or professional. Classes usally break down by model and year ranges, most diffrenciate between original, modified, and pro-street. If your car has headers, and carb changes you are showing against like modified cars, If its orignal your showing against other original cars (and a majority of those will be trailer queens). These shows can sometimes be frustrating, for instance if it is sponsored by a Mopar or Ford club the judges will be biased towards those makes and it really piss's me off when I lose out to a car that is not as clean as mine just because it's a Mopar or Ford. (Found the same thing out with the Corvette crowd too). I also include the Super Chevy shows in this category, they break the cars down by years and by original, modified, heavy modified, the judges are professional, knowledgble and fair. A car with headers and carb change can do very well at a Super Chevy show.

3.)National show - These shows can range from 100 to 500 cars, usally model specific. They have alot of different classes, Dimond (definatly Trailer Queen), 100 or 1000 point class (mostly trailer queen, but ocasionally a driver will do ok), and Show and Shine. Each class is then broken down by original, modified, heavy modified, and then broken down again by year. The Judges are professional and really know the specifics for the cars they are judging. In the Dimond and point class they are going to crawl thru, under, over and go thru your car with a fine tooth comb, even looking for correct bolts, tags, markings. The Show and Shine class's are pretty good because your only judged on fit, finish, and cleanleness.

My 74Z28 is fairly stock appearing but I do have headers, and carb, it is not #'s matching. I've shown at all 3 types of shows over the last 5 years and have been competitve. I don't take a trophy home everytime, but usally manage either 1st or 2nd. I have been grouped into class's with original cars, sometimes I've come out on top sometimes they have, it just depends. I tell people that my car is restored to the conditions you would have seen on the streets. Back in the 70's we thought nothing of driving a car off the show room and straight to the garage for headers, holly carb, and different wheels. My personal opinion is that you will get just as much enjoyment and satisfaction if you leave the headers and carb on, and it would only hurt you in a Concours type of show.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm leaning toward keeping it as it is and just making sure everything is solid and clean. I like the way it runs and I think the coated headers look good and set the engine off nicely. I'm hoping to have it done and repainted by the time the Super Chevy show in Richmond, VA rolls around next October. I live about 2 hours away. Thanks again for the input.

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1971 Z28
Classic Copper w/ black stripes
Matching #s (w/ exception of carb and headers)
M-22
Owned: 69 Z/28