[RA1John]

While RAII engine parts are certainly highly desirable, the RA (early '68) engine parts can be as expensive (or more). a good 2506 short block would go for $5k+, "31" heads, $2-$3k, then there is the 7028277 4spd carb. This is perhaps the rarest of all Pontiac production 4Bbl carbs (yes, more difficult to find than a RAII, RAIII, or even RAIV carb). Expect to pay $5k plus just for a good carb (which doesn't come up for sale very often).

Realistic value on a numbers matching '68 Firebird RA 4spd conv. in #1 condition would be somewhere between $100-$200k. They simply don't come up for sale in this sort of condition (color, options, condition of course are key).

Originally Posted by Mcronk

Lot less expensive to purchase RA parts than RA II parts. Heads, carb, block, distributor are big ticket items for RA II but much cheaper for the RA version. By the way there was officially never a RA I designation. That was started by enthusiasts. The option code in 68 for RA was code 347. The change from RA to RAII was treated as a production running change and used the same 347 code. The invoice/build date of the car determined whether it was a RA equipped or RA II equipped car.

Putting together a correct but not original engine would greatly enhance the value of this car. Most of the higher performance cars (RA II, RAIV, SD) do not have their original engine. These cars were advertised and sold new as high performance vehicles. Once they hit the used car market and depreciated to the point teenagers could buy them they were abused.

The recent Haggerty value guide has a 68 RA Firebird Convertible at $50k for a #3 car, add +15% for a 4 speed. There is lots of room from the purchase price to make this car as correct as possible and still be at or under market value in my opinion.

There is a difference in block code from a RA and a RA II. They could have the same casting number 9792506 but the engine code stamped on the front is different between the two.