Need opinions on the price of a 440

[vintage chromoly]

Sum of the parts divided by 2.

As in, whatever the parts cost new, you should pay roughly 1/2.

For vintage engine stuff, treat everything as a core and pay accordingly

 

[Car Nut]

 

[Dennis H]

$400 for this 440 Core on the garage floor in front of the Hellcat. Not bored, 1974.

 

[451Mopar]

It's a good idea to verify what your buying. Reminds me of small claims case that my lawyer friend told me about.
This was a guy who bought a "rebuilt" GM big block. It did not run correctly and took it to his mechanic who disasembled and documented the engine. Seems the "rebuilt" engine was put together with a bunch of left over parts. As I recall, something like 2 or 3 different type of pistons, mixed bag or different rocker arms, different cylinder heads, and valve springs, and such. Crazy what some people will throw together just to get rid of it.

 

[gmcgone*gtx]

View attachment 623077 $400 for this 440 Core on the garage floor in front of the Hellcat. Not bored, 1974.

Thanks but looking for a closer option.

 

[gmcgone*gtx]

I have an original 69 440 with 79k miles on it (steel crank high compression motor) that ran well when it was pulled but it's been sitting (in a garage) for over 20 years. Not trying to hijack your thread but offering it as a price comparison. I've been asking $1500. again, NOT rebuilt, turns over but hasn't been started.

Sounds interesting but I have to go local
Thanks

 

[moper]

I would not go "1/2 the parts value". IMO I go 1/4 for stuff that was rebuilt but has some miles. Unless I personally know the owner of it - that is different because of the level of trust. Otherwise I figure I am assuming risk, will need to put out cash to get it to what I want, and there's no such thing as "new cam & lifters, rings, valves, springs, pistons, bearings..." etc. if an engine's been run. Plus it's already been redone once. It might not have another rebuild in it. So value "used" as used.

 

[NJRR]

It's a good idea to verify what your buying. Reminds me of small claims case that my lawyer friend told me about.
This was a guy who bought a "rebuilt" GM big block. It did not run correctly and took it to his mechanic who disasembled and documented the engine. Seems the "rebuilt" engine was put together with a bunch of left over parts. As I recall, something like 2 or 3 different type of pistons, mixed bag or different rocker arms, different cylinder heads, and valve springs, and such. Crazy what some people will throw together just to get rid of it.

Who won the case????

 

[451Mopar]

Who won the case????

I don't recall, this was about 20 years ago. I'd have to ask my friend. I think the engine want back to the seller and buyer got back his money?
My friend has some interesting collector car cases, like a guy who spent several hundred thousand to do a numbers and date coded restoration on a 1972 or 1973? Chevelle using NOS parts. I think he was defending the shop showing how expensive the date coded NOS parts were?

 

[Challenger340]

Unless you know what PISTONS were used in the rebuild ? IMO, walk away !

There is NO SUCH THING as a "stock"(as in cast stock piston) replacement Piston for a '68-'70 Engines.(2.035" Compression Distance)

The only "stock" Pistons available for 440's are 1.91" or 1.99" Compression Distance, meaning, smogger motorhome "stock" Pistons.

 

[BSB67]

Unless you know what PISTONS were used in the rebuild ? IMO, walk away !

There is NO SUCH THING as a "stock"(as in cast stock piston) replacement Piston for a '68-'70 Engines.

Exactly.

And if you really care about maximum performance, then you'll need to decide to either start over from the beginning with new pistons, or live with the fact that no matter what other parts you put on this motor, it's a compromise.

 

[gmcgone*gtx]

Thanks everyone for your advice and for sharing your knowledge.
I have found an answer to my quest for a 440 block locally! And the build goes on......
Love this forum! You guys rock!!!
Thanks again, much appreciated!!!!