Engine purchase question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 343
Likes: 1
From: Granger IN
Engine purchase question
First off, I don't know much of anything about engines. When growing up I never had the opportunity or inclination to fiddle with them. I didn't have an older car to work on, I'm 29 right now.
So instead of tearing into the engine in my vette just for the sake of getting my hands dirty, I am considering the purchase of an old, complete 327. I would like to get something that is complete, except for the carb, maybe. I would like a 327 from the mid to late 60's. Preferably something that was running when it was shelved. I want to be able to mess with it, tear it down, and hopefully better learn about the workings. And maybe with a good block, rebuild it to make it run again.
I saw an old 327/210hp camaro engine for sale on ebay the other day that went for only $112.00.
This all being said, what do you think I could get a complete engine for? Say from a salvage yard? The original use of the 327 wouldn't matter to much, wether it came from a camaro, chevelle, vette, or full size sedan. the workings of the engine should be the same.
Any thoughts.?
Thanks
Ryan
So instead of tearing into the engine in my vette just for the sake of getting my hands dirty, I am considering the purchase of an old, complete 327. I would like to get something that is complete, except for the carb, maybe. I would like a 327 from the mid to late 60's. Preferably something that was running when it was shelved. I want to be able to mess with it, tear it down, and hopefully better learn about the workings. And maybe with a good block, rebuild it to make it run again.
I saw an old 327/210hp camaro engine for sale on ebay the other day that went for only $112.00.
This all being said, what do you think I could get a complete engine for? Say from a salvage yard? The original use of the 327 wouldn't matter to much, wether it came from a camaro, chevelle, vette, or full size sedan. the workings of the engine should be the same.
Any thoughts.?
Thanks
Ryan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,913
Likes: 283
Re: Engine purchase question (Ryanc65)
WIth a few minor exeptions, a late model 350 would make a suficient educatoinal tool as well. I think you could go to a salvage yard and find one fairly easily. Buy an engine stand and an overhaul manual and go to town. We had a class in high school were we did just that. The engine does not have to run when you are done, just be an educational tool. If you wanted to go a step further you could buy a gasket kit for it and learn how to install those as well. Buy some plastigauge and a torque wrench an practice installing the rotables as well.
The other option is to find a local machine shop that builds engines and make some new freinds. If you are interested in this I am sure they would welcome you and invite you to come and assist in assembling an engine.
Some publications the I would recomend would be:
-How to build horsepower volume I. and Volume II
-The 1963 corvette shop manual and the 1965 supplement.
-Haynes has some general engine manuals as well with great pics and detail.
Mark
The other option is to find a local machine shop that builds engines and make some new freinds. If you are interested in this I am sure they would welcome you and invite you to come and assist in assembling an engine.
Some publications the I would recomend would be:
-How to build horsepower volume I. and Volume II
-The 1963 corvette shop manual and the 1965 supplement.
-Haynes has some general engine manuals as well with great pics and detail.
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
Re: Engine purchase question (Ryanc65)
350s are generic engines. You can get them delivered for as little as $700 for a rebuilt long block with a 2 year warranty. I think you will have at least that much in a junk yard engine by the time the rebuild is done. Stores will let you request a compatible (68-70) casting so all holes line up and the plugs are the right size. The rebuild factories are eating all the good cores anyway.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 343
Likes: 1
From: Granger IN
Re: Engine purchase question (magicv8)
Right now, I am looking for one to just basically tear down and learn as I go. If I then had to block magnafluxed to make sure it was good, then I could, in time, rebuild to a running engine.
To start with, a running engine is not a necessity. I was hoping to be able to pick up an engine in the $200-$300. Do you think this is possible.
Hopefully in the next couple days I will make some calls to local salvage yards to get an idea of cost.
Thanks
Ryan
To start with, a running engine is not a necessity. I was hoping to be able to pick up an engine in the $200-$300. Do you think this is possible.
Hopefully in the next couple days I will make some calls to local salvage yards to get an idea of cost.
Thanks
Ryan
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 371
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
Re: Engine purchase question (ghostrider20)
The other option is to find a local machine shop that builds engines and make some new freinds. If you are interested in this I am sure they would welcome you and invite you to come and assist in assembling an engine.
