NEED GOOD HONEST ADVICE ON 1981 YENKO,,,, PLEASE

DSYenko · #1 01-05-2003, 04:25 AM

I need some good straight advice from some of you guys that I think can help me.(I have faith in you guys)I just bought a 1981 Yenko Turbo Z out in California. Complete original "real deal" car. The bad news (no drivetrain)motor/turbo/trans.Other than that the car is complete with the water injection set up still there ect. The question is Do I put in a correct year/date engine and look for a turbo or should I put in one of the old Yenko/COPO 427's since it will never be original again anyway?? I really would like your guys input on this.What will make this car hold it's value??I don't want to sell it, I want to save it, but at this point I feel im darned if I do and darned if I don't.
Reply to this post or email [email protected]
Thanks in advance and do give me your input please. Duane [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

**chads454Ls6** · #2 01-05-2003, 04:58 AM

My advice would be to sell it,unless you want to put it back to stock,perfect,original,superb,sell it! this web site only wants to see perfection,except if you talk to those who do not agree,which would be the people that make up there own rules. just remember,the overrestored cars far outweigh the factory flawed cars.So when you bitch about vettefest,there would not be enough factory flawed cars to pay for the show.BTW just my opinion

DSYenko · #3 01-05-2003, 05:36 AM

Chad Back off buddy I have never even been to Vettefest,let along bitched about it.DID YOU MISS THE POINT OF MY QUESTION??? It will never be original.The original motor is gone,,,,, forever!!!!Is there not anyroom for second best around here??I think we all want to see perfection but we have to start somehwere,,this is where im starting .What do I do now with the "original" engine gone.Maybe I should just cut it up for scrap steel since it can never be "perfect again.Thanks for the advice!!!

**Charley Lillard** · #4 01-05-2003, 05:55 AM

DS...Congrats on your find. My vote would be to try to restore it back Stock. Chad seems to be a little Cranky tonight.

DSYenko · #5 01-05-2003, 05:58 AM

Thank You

MotownMadman · #6 01-05-2003, 06:04 AM

Duane, I agree with Charlie, Congrats and do your best to put it back to stock with a date coded block etc. If any of us found a 69 Yenko Nova missing the 427 we would put it as close to original as possible. Ten more years and your car will be a similar situation, take your time and find the correct parts and bring her back.
Motown. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

DSYenko · #7 01-05-2003, 06:23 AM

Thanks If thats the case then I need a 350 block 14010207 dated June,July,August of 1980 6--/0,,7--/0,,8--0 as my car was built 9/80 Sept/1980.I would sure like 7th or the 8th month.Also head numbers 462624 with the approximate same casting dates.They were in 80-81 full size vehicles/some light trucks.Please email if anyone has the parts I need.I will spend fair money and can travel or have shipped to my business by freight.Help me if im wrong on the block/head codes but I think im correct.1981 Z28 Camaro Thanks again

Fhakya · #8 01-05-2003, 08:04 AM

In the Meantime though...If you've got a big block laying around by all means put it in there and have fun w/ it. That was an interesting idea too! Build it to 67 Yenko specs et al. Just don't blow up the orig rear..heh

JoeC · #9 01-05-2003, 01:14 PM

I vote for restoring it to original condition. What color is it? Is it Stage I or Stage II?
Sounds like a fun project.

**92646** · #10 01-05-2003, 02:37 PM

DS, Go look for a complete 81 Z/28 with the right date code. In 1981 these cars were everywhere out here in California and I have seen them for sale now for less than $1,500 many times. But do your best to put it back to original now while the parts cars are cheap and still available. But if not how about a stage IV with a twin turbo 427 small block.

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.