tough choice

Hello

I would like to buy a C3. Two cars are in a challenge.

A 70' NOM with a new engine GM performance 350 330HP with a 4 speed, fresh paint.

The car could be see at :
http://www.mcjackscorvettes.com/70BBAriel.htm

The other one is a 71' with a 454 Matching number with AT. The price is around $22000.
I would to change the AT with a 4 speed. It matchs better the european way of drive.
The engine maw habe been restore in the 90' and the odometer indicate 2400. I wonder if the mileage is realitic regarding the date of restoration.
http://www.gmdownunder.com/9295-71vetcp.html http://www.gmdownunder.com/9295-71vetcp.html
Outdoors, the colour looks a quite tan but the sky was covered.

I do not know the 2 Californian dealers and their reputation. Maybe someone could help ?

The comsumption is also important because the fuel is verw expensive in Europe. What can I expect with a 454 and a new 350 ?

I would like how can resist a clutch with a BB and a 4 speed.

Thanks
Thomas.

[GTR1999]

$20,000 is high for a NOM sb coupe. You can build a car for less.
I wouldn't swap the TH400 for a 4 spd in the other car either. If you want a BB 4 speed then find one. There are still a lot of C3 out there including a lot of overpriced junk. I like SB cars myself but it's your money.
The problem I see when buying a C2 or C3 or any old car for that matter is, you really don;t know what was done to it and by whom. Countless times I checked out vettes for friends and the cars were no way in the condition as represented. You really have to look at the car and drive it. I must have heard the expression "the car is stock" or "stock motor,rear end, tranny.etc" In fact most of the time the person saying that is really unaware of what "stock" even was. Case in point,last week looked at a 65 coupe at big new car dealership. It was the car of one of the owners. when I called on the car the salesmanager told me it was a 4 speed,NOM 327 car. "Ok, what 4 speed was in the car?" "Dunno, it's the owners car" well I take a look and it's a powerglide,nom 327 car. Price was firm at $37,000 and it still sits in a wharehouse today. It hasn't started in over a year so count on the brake system needing some attention and oil leaks to appear. He could have turne dthe car over for $25k and still made a buck,but it's a corvette,it's golden.
Ok enough of my rambling,just be carefuk when buying and don't take anyone word on the car unless you know the owner and the car.

[CQRT]

You've obviously done some good research and half the fun is looking, right? The people at Mcjacks were nice when I've spoken/e-mailed them, but I am concerned about the number of cars they have that all seem to be freshly painted black - - what do all these repaints hide and why always black?
A California or Southwest US car is a good pick because of the general absence of rust, but I would rate the orange big block much higher on my list and respectfully suggest that you not change it to a 4 speed! If that's what you really want, then I'd suggest you keep looking.
Check the sale listings within this board-- these folks know their C-3's !
Best wishes-
CQRT in AZ