[V8TV]

Well T,

Here's the dilemma.

A '71 S with a 350 / M20 is not really that spectacular of a car, but this one is so original that it makes me wonder. If it were a 442 / 455 / M22 ragtop, than the car deserves the respect of staying true to original form. If it were a base Cutlass with a 350 2bbl and a bench, than I'd say gut it and go whole hog. But this one is sorta 1/2 way between.

The only things that are not original on the car are the carburator, (replacement Q-Jet installed in the early '80's), the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points, condensor, belts, hoses, brake pads, and tires. It's got the original alternator, water pump, and everything it's supposed to have. It's even got the original clutch in the car.

Now I'm not really into concourse correct cars, but I've also never had the opportunity to own anything that was as unmolested as this car.

So I'm thinking that I'd like to do some cool mods, but keep the car in a condition that could be fairly easily returned to perfect original.

For example:

Shelve the original control arms, sway bars, springs, brakes, wheels, and rear end. We'd even restore all those parts. Then, we'd install all new tubular upgraded goodies, Baers, bigger bars, wheels, etc. These bolt-ons are a no-brainer. All could be easily switched back to stock in a weekend.

Next, I'm thinking we'll pull the motor and throw a little internal technology at it. It runs really nice now, so I'm reluctant to mess with it, but it's undoubtadly ready for a rebuild. So perhaps we add a hydraulic roller cam, aluminum intake, some mild headwork, MSD billet electronic ignition, balancer, carb, etc. to the original 350. Keep it pretty clean and stock appearing, but up the power level.

Inside, maybe we add some gauges - it's hard to tell in the photo, but the original owner built a gauge box back in '71... it's plexiglass, and it's lit from the perimeter aircraft-style. He's in to HAM radios and stuff. It's actually a neat old artifact. We'd probably keep the car pretty close to stock inside, maybe swap the seats for something a little more supportive, and have them stiched to match the originals.

We'd keep the color scheme and the hood, and we'd restore the vacuum operated air filter housing.

Just a clean, tight car. I'm up to my a** in EFI and electronics right now, so a carb'd 4-speed lo-tech combo is appealing for its simplicity. Maybe it gets a 5 speed for the OD.

I'm also unsure of wheels for the car... any thoughts?

- KO