Original Matching Engine
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 43
From: Native Californian CALIFORNIA
Army
Original Matching Engine
I was contacted today from a person that claims to have my original block. He wants $1,500 and will warranty that it is rebuildable.
First let us assume it is not a scam. With that large assumption is it worth the dollars? All other components match in my car which is a 69 coupe.
First let us assume it is not a scam. With that large assumption is it worth the dollars? All other components match in my car which is a 69 coupe.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Fremont,CA
Originally Posted by SoCalErv
I was contacted today from a person that claims to have my original block. He wants $1,500 and will warranty that it is rebuildable.
First let us assume it is not a scam. With that large assumption is it worth the dollars? All other components match in my car which is a 69 coupe.
First let us assume it is not a scam. With that large assumption is it worth the dollars? All other components match in my car which is a 69 coupe.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
My guess is that the market value of your car will go up significantly more than $1500 with the numbers-matching engine, so I'd say pay the $$$ and get it back.
BTW, I used to live in Chino Hills (just off of Chino Hills Pkwy, between Pipeline & Peyton) - nice area!
BTW, I used to live in Chino Hills (just off of Chino Hills Pkwy, between Pipeline & Peyton) - nice area!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 31,497
Likes: 1,313
From: Huntsville AL
What kind of block is it? Small block or big block? 2 bolt main or four bolt main? Bare block, short block, or complete engine? L88?
$1500 is A LOT OF MONEY for a block. This person may be trying to hold you up. Check Ebay and see what you can buy a comparable block for. The matching numbers block is worth more to you than anyone else.
If he doesn't sell it to you for $1500, what is he going to do with it? He can't sell it to anyone else for that price.
I figure it is worth about 50% above market value to you. So, if you can buy a comparable block on Ebay for $500, the value to you is about $750. He can't sell it to anyone else for $750.
$1500 is A LOT OF MONEY for a block. This person may be trying to hold you up. Check Ebay and see what you can buy a comparable block for. The matching numbers block is worth more to you than anyone else.
If he doesn't sell it to you for $1500, what is he going to do with it? He can't sell it to anyone else for that price.
I figure it is worth about 50% above market value to you. So, if you can buy a comparable block on Ebay for $500, the value to you is about $750. He can't sell it to anyone else for $750.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 43
From: Native Californian CALIFORNIA
Army
Originally Posted by VCuomo
My guess is that the market value of your car will go up significantly more than $1500 with the numbers-matching engine, so I'd say pay the $$$ and get it back.
BTW, I used to live in Chino Hills (just off of Chino Hills Pkwy, between Pipeline & Peyton) - nice area!
BTW, I used to live in Chino Hills (just off of Chino Hills Pkwy, between Pipeline & Peyton) - nice area!
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 2
From: MS
Originally Posted by SoCalErv
...First let us assume it is not a scam....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,782
Likes: 1,937
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 VCuomo
My guess is that the market value of your car will go up significantly more than $1500 with the numbers-matching engine, so I'd say pay the $$$ and get it back.
BTW, I used to live in Chino Hills (just off of Chino Hills Pkwy, between Pipeline & Peyton) - nice area!
BTW, I used to live in Chino Hills (just off of Chino Hills Pkwy, between Pipeline & Peyton) - nice area!
ABSOLUTLY 100%
question though ? how did this guy find you or you him........just curious.........
WHAT A GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENT !!!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 43
From: Native Californian CALIFORNIA
Army
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,782
Likes: 1,937
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 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.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, YOU WON THE LOTTO............
JUST DOUBLE CHECK THE PAD & MAKE CERTAIN IT'S NOT A RESTAMP EVEN FROM BACK THEN.............CHANCES ARE IT'S REAL.........
TAKE PICS OF THE PAD & POST THEM, CERTAIN WE CAN HELP YOU HERE..............THATS A STORY EVERYONE DREAMS ABOUT !! MAKE CERTAIN IT'S REBUILDABLE.............SMALL BLOCK OR BIG BLOCK ?
AMAZING !!!
Last edited by 427SIXPACK; Dec 7, 2006 at 10:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 43
From: Native Californian CALIFORNIA
Army
It is a small block. I haven't seen it yet. It could be in the goat pen covered with dung for all I know. Want to keep my expectation very low at this point
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,782
Likes: 1,937
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 SoCalErv
It is a small block. I haven't seen it yet. It could be in the goat pen covered with dung for all I know. Want to keep my expectation very low at this point
ZIXXX PACKER
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 2
From: MS
Well OK, you might just get your original block. Since you will rebuild either that one or your current block, it will certainly be worth an extra $1500 to have the original engine block in the car. Will be a story to tell for a long time if it works out.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Originally Posted by SoCalErv
It is a small block. I haven't seen it yet. It could be in the goat pen covered with dung for all I know. Want to keep my expectation very low at this point
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 43
From: Native Californian CALIFORNIA
Army
I have started to put a pencil to the paper to determine what this would cost. Purchasing the block, machine work, new cam, new crank, intake, timing, connecting rods, water pump, distributor, heads, assembly rebuild kit, carb, oil pan, twenty cases of beer for the rebuilders, etc I will have at least $6,500 into this engine that will sit in the corner of my garage.
Is this a wise investment or just ego?
Is this a wise investment or just ego?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 2
From: MS
Originally Posted by SoCalErv
...that will sit in the corner of my garage.
