[jeffschevelle]

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As far as the "original" motor is concerned, some guy calls me a couple years ago and tells me the same story Jeff tells (maybe it was Jeff?). However, what good is an overpriced, decked and restamped block to me. I already have one of those. Besides that, how do I know this guy's telling the truth? Had he left the numbers alone I would have paid plenty. So there you have it.

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Wasn't me! Plus I'd never hold someone else's numbers hostage -- I sold the original block to another Z16 to the owner of that car for $3500 a couple of years ago, when IX blocks without living cars were bringing $5000.

I agree completely the original block for #54 is not worth NEARLY what it would be worth if it hadn't been restamped. However, it should still be worth some amount more than 'just any' early 962 block, since it can be proven that it is in fact the original block from #54. If I recall correctly, there are pics in the Chevelle Report from when the giveaway car was being raffled that show the pad stampings. I'll try to find one of those issues and send a copy of the pic to you.

So, as long as it could be shown that the block being offerred was the block from the giveaway car (which I guess would be shown by it having the restamped serial no. of the giveaway car on it), then I'd have to think hard about ponying up to purchase it to have it with the car (even if not installed). Black/black red is plenty rare enough (only 4 cars known based on the Registry list), but having the orig. block would be even better!

Good luck with the auction! Jeff