Modifying a true survivor 1970 Monte Carlo

[NavyCPO]

So I've been going back and forth about modifying my 1970 Monte.  My car is a true survivor currently all original 2bbl 350 car with factory points distributor, single exhaust and 2 bbl carb that was originally purchased right off of the factory assy line in Van Nuys, CA by a man that worked there and never saw a dealers showroom.  He owned it and kept in in a garage its whole life until he passed.  The wife kept it until she passed then the daughter ended up with it and sold it to me immediately after her mothers passing, so essentially a one owner or at least one family car.  I was going to drop a 383 that I have on a stand in her but decided not to do that.  I keep going back and forth on how much I want to modify this car since it has a unique history and a true survivor w/ only 69k miles on it.  I have decided that I am going to go ahead and do dual exhaust and an HEI Distributor at least (I'll keep the points distributor in case I ever decide to sell the car).  My dilemma is do I want to go ahead a upgrade it to a 4bbl intake and carb or leave it with the stock 2 bbl and just rebuild the old Rochester.  If I do go with a 4bbl intake and carb, then I will most likely go with a mild camshaft like a Comp Cams 262 or 268.  I am going to pull the motor for a re-gasket/re-seal in the not too distant future.  I like hot rods and would love to make this car my own, but out of respect for the history of this car and it's excellent condition I'm really hesitant to modify it much.  I've decided to save my pennies and buy another car (hopefully soon, as I ain't no spring chicken...LOL) that I can go crazy on and build my hot rod from that platform, maybe an ElCo, Nova, Chevelle, Camaro or even another Monte.  So I am curious as to what some of your thoughts are about not molesting this car more than dual exhaust and an HEI Distributor, or would a 4bbl intake/Carb and a mild cam be taboo for a car like mine and too much modification from it's original condition?  Your Thoughts...................

[Jared Richey]

Buy a Petronix 3 module, and  install in place of the points, run a 10 gauge wire from the IGN terminal to the positive side of the coil.  No need for the Ugly Fat HEI distributor. You can also upgrade the coil but its not a have too.

Id prefer the 4 barrel also and dual exhaust but otherwise id leave it alone and still get 20 mpg 

[Dtret]

Another option is to just pull the engine and replace it with what you want and store the original. Yes costly ( cheaper than another car) but if you go to sell eventually you’ll have the original. Any an other parts you change save them also. 

[Whons]

I would just change the intake manifold, put a 4 barrel carb,and dual exhaust. No headers or hei distributor. 

[Scott S.]

If you've already got the 383 ready to go, then pulling the original engine and storing it would be the easiest way to preserve the car if you want to back one day.

I'd consider a transmission swap as well, just to preserve it as well. 

Just my 2 cents though....   

[willie]

Bottom line Wilbur, its your car do what you want, but as long as you keep the original parts and if there ever is another owner they will not get upset!!!

[Tonka Man]

I'm curious why you are hesitant to make modifications to the car?  I understand the history of the car has certain value and that survivor cars are popular in today's market but tragically, first generation Monte's are not worth much either way.  You can keep it all original and it will be just about as valuable as if you swap engines, dual exhaust etc...  Now if it was a Chevelle or GTO or Camaro or just about any other GM muscle car of similar vintage, it would make a difference in the value.  Also, it is unlikely to bring a higher dollar at a Barrett Jackson sale because it is a survivor - at least not that much of a higher dollar.

The reason I ask is if you are planning to drive it to enjoy it, then do what makes the car enjoyable for you to drive.  Under hood modifications you talk about would be great upgrades to the drivability to the car IMO.  If it was my car for my personal use, then I would definitely do those upgrades.

If you are wanting to resell it soon, then I would say leave it as is and go after your other project car you were talking about.  

[overdrive]

Sounds like a great car. I'd probably put the 383 in it and save everything I took out. The problem I'd have with just changing the intake, carb, and cam would be that I'd much rather use a roller cam than take a chance with a flat tappet cam. If I was going that far, I might as well just use the 383. 

If you're just wanting the car for a cruiser, adding dual exhaust and the ignition upgrade would be enough. The 350 with a 2 barrel will run great. 

Dan

[Robnhood]

On 6/20/2025 at 11:11 PM, NavyCPO said:

So I've been going back and forth about modifying my 1970 Monte.  My car is a true survivor currently all original 2bbl 350 car with factory points distributor, single exhaust and 2 bbl carb that was originally purchased right off of the factory assy line in Van Nuys, CA by a man that worked there and never saw a dealers showroom.  He owned it and kept in in a garage its whole life until he passed.  The wife kept it until she passed then the daughter ended up with it and sold it to me immediately after her mothers passing, so essentially a one owner or at least one family car.  I was going to drop a 383 that I have on a stand in her but decided not to do that.  I keep going back and forth on how much I want to modify this car since it has a unique history and a true survivor w/ only 69k miles on it.  I have decided that I am going to go ahead and do dual exhaust and an HEI Distributor at least (I'll keep the points distributor in case I ever decide to sell the car).  My dilemma is do I want to go ahead a upgrade it to a 4bbl intake and carb or leave it with the stock 2 bbl and just rebuild the old Rochester.  If I do go with a 4bbl intake and carb, then I will most likely go with a mild camshaft like a Comp Cams 262 or 268.  I am going to pull the motor for a re-gasket/re-seal in the not too distant future.  I like hot rods and would love to make this car my own, but out of respect for the history of this car and it's excellent condition I'm really hesitant to modify it much.  I've decided to save my pennies and buy another car (hopefully soon, as I ain't no spring chicken...LOL) that I can go crazy on and build my hot rod from that platform, maybe an ElCo, Nova, Chevelle, Camaro or even another Monte.  So I am curious as to what some of your thoughts are about not molesting this car more than dual exhaust and an HEI Distributor, or would a 4bbl intake/Carb and a mild cam be taboo for a car like mine and too much modification from it's original condition?  Your Thoughts...................

I can appreciate wanting to preserve the unique history of the car especially with it being a true survivor.

My father once said that he was most impressed by this one guy he talked to about his car.  His car was truly his.  He could tell you about every little detail that he worked on, and the changes he made to the car.  From what I understand, it started out as a real basket case.

My car is far from perfect, and I have changed quite a few things.  It certainly isn't orginal, and probably never will be.  I can tell you about the things that I have worked on and the people who have worked on it with me.  I can tell you about the memories with different people that I have with the car.  That is what makes it perfect to me.

My biggest suggestion is to make it your car.  Make the changes/upgrades that you want to make to it, and don't change the things you don't want to change.  Build the memories that make that car truly your own.  Don't let it be someone else's car.

[Leghome]

13 hours ago, Robnhood said:

I can appreciate wanting to preserve the unique history of the car especially with it being a true survivor.

My father once said that he was most impressed by this one guy he talked to about his car.  His car was truly his.  He could tell you about every little detail that he worked on, and the changes he made to the car.  From what I understand, it started out as a real basket case.

My car is far from perfect, and I have changed quite a few things.  It certainly isn't orginal, and probably never will be.  I can tell you about the things that I have worked on and the people who have worked on it with me.  I can tell you about the memories with different people that I have with the car.  That is what makes it perfect to me.

My biggest suggestion is to make it your car.  Make the changes/upgrades that you want to make to it, and don't change the things you don't want to change.  Build the memories that make that car truly your own.  Don't let it be someone else's car.

Well said make it YOUR car

[NavyCPO]

I appreciate all of the valuable input I received from everyone.  I didn't respond to everyone, but I have read your comments and am taking it all in.  Thanks again for the great participation from everyone in this fantastic Monte Carlo Club!

[72 Monte Carlo]

If you plan on fixing up the Monte and selling it, then I'd keep as close to stock as possible, because there are those people who are looking for an original car to buy.

But, if you plan on keeping it forever, then why not modify it to fit your wants and needs and keep the stock parts that you've removed if you want, or you could sell them and make some extra money to buy the next part you want for the car. 

[NavyCPO]

On 6/21/2025 at 9:06 PM, Tonka Man said:

I'm curious why you are hesitant to make modifications to the car?  I understand the history of the car has certain value and that survivor cars are popular in today's market but tragically, first generation Monte's are not worth much either way.  You can keep it all original and it will be just about as valuable as if you swap engines, dual exhaust etc...  Now if it was a Chevelle or GTO or Camaro or just about any other GM muscle car of similar vintage, it would make a difference in the value.  Also, it is unlikely to bring a higher dollar at a Barrett Jackson sale because it is a survivor - at least not that much of a higher dollar.

The reason I ask is if you are planning to drive it to enjoy it, then do what makes the car enjoyable for you to drive.  Under hood modifications you talk about would be great upgrades to the drivability to the car IMO.  If it was my car for my personal use, then I would definitely do those upgrades.

If you are wanting to resell it soon, then I would say leave it as is and go after your other project car you were talking about.  

Well I'm hesitant because it has been bone stock it's entire life, and if I start modifying it, where do I stop?  If I put a hot engine in it, then I need to modify the tranny and probably the 8.2" rear end and gearing, whereas if I get another car (that may already have an upgraded tranny and a posi rearend) that I can put a much hotter motor in, then I could have the best of both worlds.  I don't plan on selling this car, but you never know, I don't think we plan on selling our toys but sometimes we get wild hairs and do stupid things that we regret later, at least I have. I wish I had my '68 Camaro back now as well as my '71 Nova.  Both which were really nice cars.  I still don't know how far I may go with this ol' girl but the feedback I've received here makes me at least not feel so bad if I give her some breathing room with a 4BBL and a cam.  I'll have to pull the engine out anyway because it needs the heads worked to put hardened seats in as I don't think they've ever been off of the car, and while I'm doing that I'll replace all the gaskets and seals and would be a good time to drop in a cam and switch to the 4BBL intake and HEI, (I'll also look at the cost of the Petronix 3 that Jared suggested).