I have a 1978 Z28 camaro with all matching numbers.Does the value go down if you punch block,change the interior,put tilt front end on it,etc.This is are very first project car and we dont know a whole hell of a lot.My husband builds motors,but we want to keep the value as high as we can.Any ideas or suggestions on making this a sweet ride but keeping the value, and working on a limited budget.

In my opinion, keeping the car as close to original as possible would be the way to go. With your husband's experience in building motors you can save alot in labor costs. If you do any modifications keep the original parts. Detail under the hood with chrome pieces. When getting into other mods like changing the interior, tilt front, paint schemes, etc, it's all personal taste. Second generation Camaros have the advantage of having a long production run, so there are lots of available parts out there, salvage yards, private, and aftermarket. Some Firebird parts interchange too. You can get nice factory rims for a good price. Check out the Swap Meet section of the board. Value has two perspectives 1. How much you have invested in the car (time and money). 2. How much someone is willing to pay for the car ($$$$). If you are going to sell it rarely do you recoup your expenses. Hope this helps, have fun with the project.

I guess it all depends on what your taste is, but if you want to get the most resale value it's my opinion to keep it as original as possible. I agree with Jim, if your going to take parts off and replace them, keep the original parts (just in case the next purchaser is an original freak like a lot of us!). Also, I think it would cost more money to do the things your were discussing like tilt front end, change interior, etc.

So, in my view, keep it fairly original...

A car is only original once...

Keeping it original would help preserve the value, but with close to a million late 2nd gen Camaros built, it'll be a long time before these cars will realize any real value.

Punching a block will generally not destroy its value. As stated above, keeping everything you replace (if it's in good condition) is a good idea...unless your idea of "changing the interior" is custom fabrication and sheet metal work. And I would imagine a tilt front end could only involve custom work. You'd be getting into areas that would likely destroy the value of the car as it is now.

That's not saying any modifications you do would not inhance the value of the car as a custom. I guess what I'm saying is...you need to decide what you want to do with the car. "Keeping its value" implies not changing it a whole lot, to keep the value it already has. In the long run, custom work may increase it's value ($$), but then again...you are talking about a limited budget...and for the most part, it's unrealistic to expect a good return on your investment with these cars.

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'71 RS, '80 Z, '94 Z
My Camaros (http://gmz28camaros.homestead.com/gmz28_1.html)
NorthEastern Ohio Camaro Club (http://clubs.hemmings.com/neocc/)

[This message has been edited by SpltBmpr71 (edited January 17, 2003).]

, but with close to a million late 2nd gen Camaros built, it'll be a long time before these cars will realize any real value.

I understand your point however theres no where near that left. Take a look at some prices of 74-79 Z-28's. Ive seen them range from $5,000. to $16,000. for original low mileage cars. Were getting there!
Its not so uncommon to see a $5,000. 90K mile 78 Z-28. I would think this is more true on the east coast. I live here in the dry no-humidity states where you can leave a bare metal fender outside & it will only have a dusting of surface rust on it after a year, & STILL these cars seem to be holding steady in good to better than good category at $4 to $6,000.

I agree with the above posts about originality and price. Its your car, so do as you please!

Also, I have been surprised at the increase in value of later 2nd generation Camaros and Z28's. There were alot produced, but many of them are no longer on the streets or in great condition.

Anyway, I am glad this website exists to help all of us 2nd generation Camaro owners!


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1980 Z28, 1 owner, red with camel cloth, 4sp, gold stripes, N90 wheels