should I change the engine

[50dodge]

Hi: I got a problem. Would like some feed back on the following question. I have a 1955 Bel Aire 4-door sedan with the 6cyl. 235 engine. I wanted to change the engine for a chev 350 but was wondering if this would effect the selling price of the car. A few people told me that the car would be worth more with the original six. What do you think. Thanks Pat

[Guest Oracle]

What do you want to do? Customise and go for external retro look or go for complete originality? Changing the engine is definitely going to have an effect on value but as I said what do you want to do? There seems to be precious few 6-cylinder cars these days as so many seem to have had engine transplants.

[Macs65SS]

Same question! I think you must decide what you want. As a guy who stayed with the 6 in my 65 Nova SS, it depends on what you plan to do with the car. Mine is basically for show, so having a V-8 isn't a big deal; but many people thumb their noses at a lowly 6. This was my first true restoration and I felt like going all the way! With all the muscle cars out there and beautiful tri5's the 6's don't get too many nods. If you plan to cruise and drive this a lot, the V-8 is probably the better choice. If you want to be a purist, say with the 6.

[ronvb]

Change the engine--make a sleeper out of it.Besides the four door model is not the most desirable for collectors compared to the 2 dr or conv.What could the top value be for the 4dr? Maybe 5-7k?

ronvb