Original Matching Engine
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,794
Likes: 1,939
From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by wfo76
??? Thought you were going to install it in your car? If you don't intend to use the engine you build, then I would just keep the block until you are ready.
BUT WHO CARES, most guys would trade thier wives for the original block.............NOT CORRECT..but ORIGINAL !!! any idea how lucky you are to have found it ???
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
If it checks out, I'd be all over it too. I venture to guess the value of your car would go up by a few thousand with the original engine. Even if you just put it on a stand and dont' use it. Keep in mind though, if your going for matching numbers, you'd have to dig up all the correct number parts to go with it also.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Originally Posted by SoCalErv
I started with a post on this forum. Then I posted a wanted to buy on ebay. I searched ebay from block to engines to heads. Anything close I would place a call. I even went to the huge car swap at the Pomona Fair Grounds last weekend and spoke to anyone that would listen.Then searching through the car I found fifthteen years of old registrations from the previous owner. I bought the car from a dealer that purchased it from this gentleman. With the help of a few friends in law enforcement I had a phone number. I called and he gave me the name of another person that he bought the car from. I did track him down and supposedly he has the engine/block he pulled from the car when the engine started to have mechanically problems. I haven't seen it yet I hope this isn't bull****!!!
After I pay for ther block some heads rebuild it, etc I will be in this thing for $4k at least.
After I pay for ther block some heads rebuild it, etc I will be in this thing for $4k at least.
I can tell you 2 similar stories of finding original blocks after decades.
Here's one, and it's 100% true. I have a friend who had 2 Top Flight cars. One was a 63FI coupe, the other was a 64 AC Automatic Coupe.
He rarely drove either car. Decided to buy a 64 roadster project. Had NOM, lots of modifications. He decided to build the car as a "driver".
Did a frame off. Car was STUNNING. White, red interior (not orig. colors). 67 BB hood. 67 Bolt On Wheels. Fancy steering wheel, side pipes, etc. Had a chromed 350SB, etc. etc.
He did a title search here in Maryland. The car had always been here. Started calling previous owners. Called one guy who said: "Yeah, I bought that car from Joe down the street. He blew the motor, and put a new one in it. Joe still has the motor in his shed"
You see where this is going. Called "Joe" who still lived down the same street. Went and got the motor, the original 327/300. Had spun a bearing and thrown a rod through the pan.
Had the motor rebuilt. NOW, he had an OM 64 roadster with EVERYTHING else wrong.
Put the right motor in the car, and eventually sold it, without ever changing it back to "completely original".
Again, I'd jump on that block. Chuck
