Seems much in the car world is relative and the value of a vehicle is based on what someone is willing to pay but here is my dilemma.
I purchased for $2000 a 1966 200 I-6 with a body in great condition and the interior in need of minor work. I originally thought I'd go to a V-8 with the long list of upgrades req'd, however I am getting a lot of feedback that the car will be worth much more with original components. I'd like to look at this purchase as a good investment but still have fun doing a rebuild and while installing some muscle. Should I keep this car original and look for another in less great condition for a work-up??

 

If you convert the car to V8 your investment value is no longer there. You should convert the car to V8 if that's what you want knowing you will probably never re-coupe your investment. It sounds like the car needs a lot of money for restoration. I would either do a quick fix and clean up and interior and do a Macco for the purpose of selling it to buy the car you want. Or, do it right and drive the car and save for your dream car.
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It's reallt all up to you, a 1966 in great condition will fetch about 10.5k with I-6 all origional, or you could build a 1966 resto while keeping it origional, if you give me until tom afternoon, i will have 1964-1967 done on the engines and ill post them year by year with all the options and everything, ill bust my *** tonight and get several done for you, so you can look at the differnt engines you can put in there wil still maintaining some origionality. now it is a hell of a lot of work to do a complete comversion on an i-6 the drive train will cost you about 5-6k unless you know how to junkyard shop, and the suspension will cost about 4k-6k with the minimal requirements being met.

 

Thanks! No hurry here but I'll look forward to it.

 

Investment = increase in return > amount invested to swap V-8. If you do all the work yourself, figure the pars to swap to a V-8 engine, transmission, rear axle, front 5-bolt and brakes and new wheels and tires. I don't think you'll see an increase in profit though you will likely get a higher sales price.

Good luck!
Jeff

 

+1>>> I agree.. I had this same question many years ago when I started the resto on a '71 Dart swinder slant 6 ... as to upgrade to a V-8 and all other necessary upgrades that go with v-8 conversions? and was advised that the car would be worth more as a resale with the v-8 conversion than it would be with an all original 6 cyl car. simply because of the fact that it had been "upgraded"
even though not an original car, we all know back when these cars were manufactured they were offered with upgraded options for an extra fee therefor
making these caes worth more, and to do these upgrades ourself 30-40 years later still make the cars worth more now, However! If you have a pristine 6 cyl car that has been kept under cover in a Garage with still all original with only 25k miles this car will be considered more valueble to a collector, But to an average person looking to by a classic car they do want more bang for there bucks,
this being a V-8 engine whether it has been converted or original V-8 car.
as long as the conversion has been professionally done.....

 

The real collectability of a one of one million, I-6 Mustang isnt that great. There isnt the demand for them, and will likely not be in the future. A tastefull modified or up graded Mustang will always have more street value. Just think, your looking to buy a Mustang, There are two to choose from. Both in the same good condition, both origionally I-6's, one has been converted to V-8, 5 lug wheels & front disc brakes.\ Which one do you want??? The large majority will choose the upgraded car. Thats the one with the greatest value.

 

+1 EFI,,,

I am not biased or anything,,, ummummu... (see signature), but if you have a clean I-6 it is a prime candidate for a V-8 swap IMO,,,, the cleaner the better....

 

honestly theres was alot of inline6 cars made look around the price doesnt matter what engine is in it most just want the shell. a restomod done right can be worth double what the cars worth factory that matchs the door tag.

 

dude, stick a v8 in it and do eveything else you want to do. enjoy it while its yours, and when you decide to sell it, (considering you only paid 2k for it) you will do just fine!