68 Caprice 396 - rebuild engine or new crate?

[jeffery47]

I have a 68 Caprice, all original southern car with a 396, rally wheels, hidden headlights, AC, fiber optic lamp indicators on hood and rear deck, etc.

The 396 runs OK, but the car has about 100,000 miles on it.

I want to restore the car, repaint, new vinyl top, interior, etc. Does it make sense to rebuild/overhaul the 396, being a big block (numbers match), or go with a new crate engine, from GM or another source, but still a GM engine?

I've looked at some 68 Caprice auction results over the last few years, and the car is not overly desirable, but some like it.

My question is this - does pulling the 396 hurt the value much? Any? I don't want to resto-mod the car, or give it 500hp. This would be a car that will be driven during the summer, so I want reliability but I want the car to basically be stock. So that means improved cooling, better brakes, etc. But no 20-in wheels, or Foose-ing of it.

I would keep the 396 of course, and sell it with the car when the time comes.

I'm just looking for some input. I also may need a good machine shop to work in the 396 (in Michigan) if I go for a rebuild.

Thanks

Jeff

[Oldcar_Mechanic]

Welcome to the group Jeff

My opinion is to rebuild the 396.
1. You won't have to store it then if you changed to a different engine.
2. You will spend money to buy an engine so why not just put it in the original one.
3. If the car is all original, why not keep it that way.
4. The 396 is a great engine.

Just my 2 cents
You don't see many of these at shows and they seem to please the crowd around here.

Enjoy your stay
Ron

[MI2600]

I have to agree.

Staying with the original engine also does not require changing a lot of small things that always seem to crop up when you vary from the original.