Should I keep original engine?

I have a 1984 Trans Am. Three years ago, I had a problem with the original engine whereas it was cheaper to replace the engine than it was to repair it. At the time the mechanic told me it might be a good idea to keep the original engine, so if I ever sold the car the buyer might want the original engine (which includes the matching VIN numbers) to repair it. I took him up on his suggestion and have been storing it in my garage ever since. Now comes my dilemma. I recently moved from a house with an oversized 2 car garage to a house with an extremely small 2 car garage (without enough room for the engine). There's a very good chance I will never sell the car, but if I do someday, would I be able to get more money if I keep the original engine? So, my question is, is a 1984 Trans Am (in very good shape I might add) collectable enough with it's original engine to keep said engine? By the way, I replaced the original with another 5.0L Chevy crate engine (pretty much the same engine). I'm looking for as many opinions as I can get before I make my choice. Thanks in advance for everybody's help!!!

You have almost the exact smae story as me! I have an 84 Trans am with the 5.0 litre H.o. A few years back it was having problems so we replaced it. Wew were going to go with a 5.7 fuel injected instead of a 305 carb. But for some reason my dad got another 5.0 ho :sly:. Anyway. Maybe you should buy some public storage and put the engine there.

I dont think a 84 t/a will ever be of real value. The 80's have more of a cult following then a collecter follwing. Id just try and sell it or scrap it or use as a boat anchor. I wouldnt waste money on storage or anything like that. The only reason I think the late 70's F body's are going for decent resale value is that they still have the muscle car look to them as the basic car was designed in 70 and just had lil changes till 82. Most other late 70's car have no real value ie novas,caminos,caprices since they just didnt have the muscle car look anymore. Most 80's F bodys and vettes will probably not be collecter cars except maybe the GTA with the GN engine and the 90-94 Zr1 vette and maybe the 5.7 F bodys. Sad but true. The young generation seems to be in to imports and older muscle cars and the young generation is what will decide on whats collectable or not :)

take it to a swap meet. see what you can get out of it. possibly if you see parts individually, you may get more out of it.

Sell it, the 3rd gens arn't much of a collector car the same way 1st and 2nd's are. Corporate power and all that. I don't think not having a #'s mathing car will harm resale on your car, in fact if you put in a better engine you might get a minimal price increase.