VNTs - Modify or Rebuild Stock?

[Whorse]

I've been in this discussion with a few friends before, and kind of wondered about this:

Other than the CSX, should the VNT cars (Daytona Lebaron and Shadow) be left stock as they are rare and semi-collectible, or modified and tuned for the fun they can be on the street with their great driveability?

[cordes]

I would mod it, but only something small, as I would want to keep a VNT car very origional.

[Whorse]

Does Upgrading to a VNT28 or a Super-60VNT count as small?

[Tony Hanna]

I'd count that as small since it can always be put back to stock.
I'd just avoid any modifications you can't undo later.

[turbovanman²]

I doubt it will every fetch any decent money so screw it, mod as necessary,

[cordes]

Does Upgrading to a VNT28 or a Super-60VNT count as small?

To me it does. I like the idea of it too. Of course the turbine housing will still be a restirction, but it's the price you pay.

[JuXsA]

these cars aren't worth a damn. I say just modify it what ever way you want and have as much fun with it as you can. The only cars that *might* be worth anything 10-15 years are the shelby cars and even then I doubt it.

[Whorse]

What about the small prestige of being able to say that only 132 of my car were ever made and less than 40 exist today?

[Garret]

How about a 1 of 5 black VNTs in Canada

[contraption22]

Stock sucks... especially VNT's. Rip that turbo off and put something substantial in there.

[thx138]

How about a 1 of 5 black VNTs in Canada

How did you figure that one out? Were you able to get the production sheets for the canuck cars. I have been trying to locate them and could not.

[cordes]

While I don't think that the VNT cars (CSX VNT excluded) will never reach the same level of value, I do think that the VNT cars would be more collectable than most other turbo dodges in the future. I know that I would love to find a VNT shadow with the competition package being sold by someone that does not know what they have.

[Tony Fields]

Why would you say these cars aren't worth a damn.
Just wondering why you are so negative about any future value on these cars.

I must have missed something.

[thx138]

Why would you say these cars aren't worth a damn.
Just wondering why you are so negative about any future value on these cars.

I must have missed something.

I remember when 340 dusters and demons were throw-aways. Try to find one now - you will have to pay decent, even for one that needs much work, it is worth more now than when new (isn't inflation wonderful). I will hang onto my vnt for a while as well.

[Whorse]

Stock sucks... especially VNT's. Rip that turbo off and put something substantial in there.

I'd have to disagree. I've yet to drive a turbo car that spools up as fast and blows away tires as easily as my lebaron. Sure they lack top end, but the fun factor on the street is tough to beat.

Still tough to say what they'll hold in the future, but the bank did rate my car at 6000 based on worth, which is about 2500 above the blue book value here, and I haven't done much at all to my car, so I was impressed. Doubt I could resell it for that much, but glad someone thinks so.

[BadAssPerformance]

You can modify any car as long as you do it carefully without cutting or drilling anything and making sure to keep and preserve all of the original parts. Taged bags and detailed notes and pictures of how it is supposed to be helps with this.

[Whorse]

What if your car has been painted and you want to have the decals either removed or added, depending on situation? My car has no VNT decals anywhere on it.

[Tony Fields]

What if your car has been painted and you want to have the decals either removed or added, depending on situation? My car has no VNT decals anywhere on it.

Are you looking to buy the orig. decals for the car?

the Chrysler and LeBaron GTC for the deck lid are avail from Chrysler:

"Chrysler" part no. is T402JD8
"LeBaron GTC" part no. is T403JD8

The "Intercooled VNT" headlight door decal is avail. from www.arizonaparts.com

Part no. is BE29JD8 (He gets $15.00 each) for these.

After my restoration I also installed an "Intercooled VNT" below the LeBaron GTC on the deck lid of my convertible. Chrysler should have done this in 1990
in addition to the headlight door. In my opinion it was needed.

[Whorse]

I wouldn't mind the door light decals, but for the rest I'm not too concerned. Keep it hidden as to what's under the hood.

[Tony Fields]

I wouldn't mind the door light decals, but for the rest I'm not too concerned. Keep it hidden as to what's under the hood.

Most people in my town don't have any idea of what they are looking at
anyway when the look at one of my rides. Even with all the correct emblems or decals installed they still don't get it. More people laugh and point at my Turbo Mini with the Hemi Dart hood scoop and 5" Tach and boost gauge on top of the dash. "They have no idea what they are looking at"
or what lies within.

I do prefer that the GTC VNT with the correct labels. In the proper crowd
the "Intercooled VNT" decal alone will net you a 30 to 40 minute conversation
about the car and what makes it tick. And after all, that's what most of us want to do...talk about the cars.