I have a 1979 fully restored Corvette C3 chassis. It has a brand new 454 that was the grand prize at an auto show. Owner became ill before restore. What is the value selling separately vs competed?

Based on my current resources, today (6/26/2015) the value(s) for a 1979 Corvette are as follows: Condition #1 (Mint): $30,100 Condition #2 (car could win a show): $21,400 Condition #3. These cars are not used for daily transportation and in GOOD condition: $14,800 Condition #4. #4 cars are daily drivers with visual flaws – FAIR condition: $7,800.

"Fully restored Corvette" minus the new 454 engine?? See if you can trade the engine to someone who will drop in a year correct rebuilt Corvette engine and you will get more money for it. To add s super High Output Engine, people will not want a hot rod that may have been abused or otherwise not drivable. In this case if you are wanting to sell it for the most you can get, the closer to original the better. Since you will not have "matching numbers" what ever that means, you will not see the $30,000 range. If the "full" restoration puts it in showroom condition and you have the paperwork for it, you could get close to $20,000 but expect offers around $15 to $18,000. If you want to keep it, and show and drive it on weekends, drop in the 454 and enjoy. Here is my "not so stock original motor 69 Corvette" with the 350 but built motor that is faster than the stock 454 engines offered in later years.