Restoring Dart GTS

[Mike H]

I’m in the process of restoring an original Dart GTS. The engine is not numbers matching. I found and bought a vintage correct 340 block to rebuild (block casting date is 12/10/68 and car production date is 1/9/69). I’m not sure if I should rebuild the engine all stock, balanced and blueprinted? Or keep the stock look outside but build it up inside with new technology and increase HP. Is there any value difference for this car, between an all stock engine or stock look and increase HP engine?

 

[jaws]

Stroke and poke it, you can't tell from the outside.

 

[HemiMark]

I’m in the process of restoring an original Dart GTS. The engine is not numbers matching. I found and bought a vintage correct 340 block to rebuild (block casting date is 12/10/68 and car production date is 1/9/69). I’m not sure if I should rebuild the engine all stock, balanced and blueprinted? Or keep the stock look outside but build it up inside with new technology and increase HP. Is there any value difference for this car, between an all stock engine or stock look and increase HP engine?

Being a NOM to begin with you should do as you like with it! The first suggestion from Jaws was a great one.

 

[George R]

I wouldn't worry about LOWERING the resale value of the finished car by modifying the engine at all. Especially if you plan to keep it looking stock.
The potential problem I see with this is that you could easily spend too much money on the engine, and in the end, you'll be into the car for more than you can sell it for.
If you can do these mods without being "upside down" in the car as a whole, go for it.

Good Luck!

George

 

[Mike H]

Thanks for your input. I don’t plan to sell any time soon. Just don’t want to lower the value in the future.

 

[thomasjkt]

I miss my 69 GTS!

 

[BB-Dave]

I'd say do whatever internally, but keep it stock looking under the hood! I'm biased, loving original cars, not all the resto-modified stuff people are doing these days. GTS's are sweet, tell us more and ad some pics! Colors? Auto or 4spd? Rear gears?

 

[68-GTS]

Best decide what your gonna do with it..
If its Show / cruiser no real need to go all out on internals 340s go just fine with lil work.
If your gonna race it then go all out , The cash you save might be well spent on body and visuals that make that baby really pop.
My opinion build it strong pretty it up and use the cash elsewhere. You'll need it.

 

[132068Dodge]

Here's a thought. Is it decent and original enough to potentially tout as a survivor car and not restore it? If so, there are people out there who favor an unrestored original. Just food for thought if it even applies.

 

[Mike H]

BB-Dave, the car has a 727 auto trans, 8 ¾ sure grip rear-end with 3.23 gears I’m not sure how to post a picture to this thread?

 

[BB-Dave]

Mike, sounds good! Column or floor auto? What are the colors? Is it in Frank's GTS registry? Have you ever seen his registry? One of the best i've seen and i've talked to him also. Check it out here http://gtsregistry.com/ Very cool, alot to read and see!