Spec an Engine before Selling??

[coronet340]

After lots of thought and reading info on this site I am ready to get down with the CI's. I have decided to ditch the 340 and get a 400 with a 440 Source kit.

Anyway, would it be wise to have my 340 spec'd before selling it? I know the engine is fresh and it has a cam (no idea what it is though). It has 340 heads. It was running when I bought the car. I'm guessing I could make a little more if I knew what I was selling. But I'm guessing I'm looking at $500 minimum to have someone look it over.


Thanks in advance for the input. :headbang:

 

[HT413]

As a guy who's been in the market for a motor for a couple years (just bought a 400/451 project) it would help potential buyers if you could identify the cam and even the compression ratio. But is it necessary?? Only if you can do it yourself, because it probably won't add to the value, but it will possibly speed up the sale.

 

[1966satellite]

I have the same problem with a 318 and a 273. You can measure the cam lift pretty easily with a dial indicator, just have to remove a valve cover. You could also do a compression test. These obviously won't tell you everything but they might help you sell the engine.

 

[Dako]

The easiest and cheapest way to sell the motor is while it is still in the car. Potential buyers can:
1. Hear it run (their ear will tell them if the cam is acceptable)
2. See that it has no leaking or overheating issues
3. Experience a seat-of-the-pants HP measurement by taking a ride with you (I wouldn't let them drive, as they are not buying the car)

Get half the negotiated price up front with an agreed date it will be removed and available to take home, with the balance due upon pickup.

 

[Cranky]

The easiest and cheapest way to sell the motor is while it is still in the car. Potential buyers can:
1. Hear it run (their ear will tell them if the cam is acceptable)
2. See that it has no leaking or overheating issues
3. Experience a seat-of-the-pants HP measurement by taking a ride with you (I wouldn't let them drive, as they are not buying the car)

Get half the negotiated price up front with an agreed date it will be removed and available to take home, with the balance due upon pickup.

Next best thing is a dyno sheet or a 1/4 mile time slip. Some people would rather see a dyno sheet than 'test drive' the engine plus with some that want it, they want it now and not have to wait while it gets yanked. However, a buddy of mine has sold several engines over the years after it was already in the car with most of them being for him and not for sale. But he's one that believes everything is for sale if the money is right lol

 

[coronet340]

Motor is already yanked. It also needs a carb. The Holley on it was hammered and not worth repairing.

I was thinking about having it put on the dyno. If the numbers looked nice I might keep it just in case I ever get an E-body.

 

[Cranky]

If you have a place to keep it, that's always a good idea. Just seal it up good and bag it.

 

[coronet340]

If you have a place to keep it, that's always a good idea. Just seal it up good and bag it.

I'd prefer to keep it. But if I sell it, it's cash I can put towards building my BB.

 

[HT413]

If you have any thoughts of needing a small block in the future, you know you'll regret selling this 340.

 

[Northern Runner]

I agree with HT413, the 340 is way too good of a motor and not enough are out there to sell it right now. I was initially looking for a 340 to build for my 74 Roadrunner but then I saw how much people were wanting, $900 and up, for wore out short blocks! And like Cranky said, seal er up and hide her away!!

 

[coronet340]

Thanks all. I knew in my guy that was the right thing to do. Y'all know it gets sometimes, after walking by the car enough times without any advancement your mind starts playing tricks on you.

I'll keep plugging away.