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I want to start off by saying THANK YOU to everyone on this site for being so welcoming and helpful. I've learned a lot from this group in my short time here and I'm certain our 64 frame-on restoration will turn out much better because of it.
I've got yet another question. Many of you may already know from other threads I've posted that we've pulled the engine that was in the car when we bought it to make room for a date coded 365hp 327. We thought we had a good line on what the old engine was worth and put it up on Craigslist in hopes of finding a local buyer and eliminating shipping hassles. Well, given the general lack of interest in the ad I'm thinking our asking price may out of line. Would you guys mind looking over the ad and giving me an idea of what you believe the engine may be worth? Here's the link:
No matter how credible the seller, used engines are a hard sell, given that performance crate engines come with a warranty for not a whole lot more money. Even if this was an original Corvette engine, the fact that the car's VIN is indexed to the engine, makes it only a "find" for one specific car.
The price 40 years ago for a modern (at that time) motor, was $1/cu in.
, with inflation, the price for new, modern motor is probably $4/cu in, but an old 327 isn't modern, the $500 + range is probably about right. If it had desirable heads, and Corvette manifolds, probably somewhat more.
Well, thanks for being honest. I won't lie, that kind of sucks and we were sure hoping for more. Do you think we'd do any better selling the parts individually?
If you want to sell it, take it to a swap meet and have it on an engine run stand. Preferable to have a radiator hooked to it, and basically, fire it up once in awhile during the meet.
The running engines seem to always get the interest. Too many people have bought "good running engines" only to have them spin two or three bearings on the first trip around the block.
Not saying yours would, but people are gun shy of those they can't hear run.
Also, sadly, the LS-x swaps have become so popular, few bother with a small block 350 or 327 anymore.
From: On the bank of the Columbia River..... Washington State
Around here that would be priced at 500-600, and probably sold for 350-450 bucks. You never know, ya may get a dumb one and sell it for all you are asking..... Good luck!
w/OldKars
Cant give this old stuff away noone wants it everyones building LSx stuff .
Heads worth a few hun
Shortblock same maybe.
Been trying to sell a clean 396 block and 290 bare ovals for a yr NO bites at $350/all inc extra rods cranks etc. Nothing. Zippo not even a low ball offer
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I think the problem is you don't know exactly what's inside it, or the condition. BUT, bare small journal 327 blocks will bring 5-6oo$ by themselves, or even more! They are the preferred block for a build and are getting pretty rare. Then the heads are probably worth 500$ if they are double bump big valve heads in good shape, again, maybe more (roller rockers are $$). The intake and carb?....ask 200$ or best offer, and you'll probably get 150$. A forged usable crank is rare as well....250$ on a good day.(keep it standing on end or a main support cradle so it doesn't warp) If it's a roller set up keep all the lifters numbered to the cam lobes and if it's in good shape with the specs it's a keeper or sell....maybe 150$ for the assembly.
Bottom line....strip it, and sell it like that to get the most out of it. Like the guys said, unless buyers can hear it run, it's an unknown risk. BUT they can see and measure, and inspect parts.
Last edited by Kerrmudgeon; Sep 22, 2012 at 10:58 AM.
I'd be a little more optimistic than some here I guess. 1600 is a bit high, but that's a very clean engine inside, and you did a good job on the description. I'd ask more like 1200 and be willing to take 1K - 1100 or so. the test stand recommendation is a good one if you're inclined also. could easily be worth a couple hundred extra to you. You can even start up engines wile they're on an engine stand if you're careful.
If you think you're gonna get $1500 by breaking it up, it still ain't gonna happen. Small journal 327's are only desired by restorers. Your heads likewise, unless you can find someone that thinks they are worth something from a performance standpoint. Bottom line is Vortecs will flow better. I still think anything over $500 will be nothing but luck.
You asked. But anything is worth what someone will pay for it..