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Is it worth it.

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Old Feb 19, 2015 | 11:03 PM
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Default Is it worth it.

I bought all the 4 speed conversion stuff from a 73 454 car for my small block 72. I've been offered the 454 complete with used hooker side pipes for $1200. Not running and needs rebuild. Holley carb but rest original. Owner will pull heads to look at cylinder walls. Not the most hi po motor rated at 270hp/395tq or what ever it was. Bottom line, would you rebuild with new heads and cam and such or is this motor a boat anchor and not worth more than any run of the mill later 70s 454.
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Old Feb 19, 2015 | 11:16 PM
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I dont know by how much but that engine is better than a peanut port truck smogger 454
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Old Feb 19, 2015 | 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted by The13Bats
I dont know by how much but that engine is better than a peanut port truck smogger 454
Annnnnnnnd.....is it possible to improve the H.P. by re-machining the original engine parts?
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Old Feb 20, 2015 | 05:40 AM
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That motor can be rebuilt into one hell of a rat motor. If the Hooker sidepipes are in great shape, its worth atleast $1,000-$1,100, for the motor and sidepipes. Also make sure the motor is complete from oil pan to intake, including all the accesories and brackets. If not, you can get 454's that need rebuilding for $500 any day of the week.
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Old Feb 20, 2015 | 08:16 AM
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What is the suffix code on the engine you are being offered? You imply it's from a 73 Corvette, but have you checked the code?
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Old Feb 20, 2015 | 08:32 AM
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For that $$$, you can rebuild and have a nice engine or flip for a decent profit.
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Old Feb 20, 2015 | 12:21 PM
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Post some pictures if you can of the condition of the motor in question. Hooker kits are pricey, and so if it comes with it and they are in good shape; consider yourself to be buying the hookers and getting the rest of the motor for free.
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Old Feb 20, 2015 | 02:00 PM
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yes
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Old Feb 20, 2015 | 03:45 PM
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It a hard one buying used engines,
I know a hiper stamped 68 code 427 I could get it dirt cheap, well not dirt but cheap, the catch, I can't do anything more that just look at it, can't pull anything or test anything, it could be a boat anchor, so I cant risk it.

In this threads case the seller is pulling the heads to look things over, that is a cool one...
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Old Feb 20, 2015 | 08:30 PM
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[QUOTE=scrappy76;1589005615]That motor can be rebuilt into one hell of a rat motor. If the Hooker sidepipes are in great shape, its worth atleast $1,000-$1,100, for the motor and sidepipes. Also make sure the motor is complete from oil pan to intake, including all the accesories and brackets. If not, you can get 454's that need rebuilding for $500 any day of the week.[/QUOTE]


That's what I was thinking. If I would need to buy heads, pistons, cam and the whole nine yards to make horsepower, I could be looking at a chunk of money. I saw the car/motor when picking up the tranny parts but will have to get the numbers. Looked like an unmolested car that had major frontend body damage and was being parted out. Seller will let me go through the motor as it's on a stand. Pipes were not in that great of shape. I know it needs to be rebuilt. Will try to get by this week and get some pictures.
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Old Feb 21, 2015 | 08:12 AM
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[QUOTE=rajin cajin;1589011399]
Originally Posted by scrappy76
That motor can be rebuilt into one hell of a rat motor. If the Hooker sidepipes are in great shape, its worth atleast $1,000-$1,100, for the motor and sidepipes. Also make sure the motor is complete from oil pan to intake, including all the accesories and brackets. If not, you can get 454's that need rebuilding for $500 any day of the week.[/QUOTE]


That's what I was thinking. If I would need to buy heads, pistons, cam and the whole nine yards to make horsepower, I could be looking at a chunk of money. I saw the car/motor when picking up the tranny parts but will have to get the numbers. Looked like an unmolested car that had major frontend body damage and was being parted out. Seller will let me go through the motor as it's on a stand. Pipes were not in that great of shape. I know it needs to be rebuilt. Will try to get by this week and get some pictures.
If the sidepipes are not in good shape, definately not worth the money. Like I said, $ 500 is about average for a complete 454 that needs rebuilding. Tell him he can keep the exhaust and you will give him $ 500 for the complete motor. Make sure its not locked up though. Make sure you can turn the crank by hand.
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Old Feb 21, 2015 | 09:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Corey_68
For that $$$, you can rebuild and have a nice engine or flip for a decent profit.


Make a leak down test, that will give you an idea about the engine.
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