Thread: How much is my motor worth????

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I didn't do anything to the internals, just took off the heads to find top dead center. While I was in there, i cleaned up some carbon build up.....the motor used to run many many years ago....still turns over. Do you guys think that $1500 or so is fair? Or a trade for a Mustang II?

I'll stick my neck out and say that if you can get $1500 for even a running 8BA flathead, you are doing well. The big problem with these motors are cracks - through valve seats and down the cylinder bores are the two major areas of concern. All it took was one overheat. Many folks will want some reassurance that these motors are in good shape and without those cracks. The cracks can be repaired, but it's fairly expensive these days and not many shops have the tools nor even a clue as to how. Then there is the cost of 'speed' parts in relation to the amount of horsepower potential. Your choice of a new crate 351W - a good one. You start with more cubic inches and more horsepower then the flattie will ever make right out of the box plus have the advantage of many years of improvements with metallurgy and air flow design.

Dave's right, and my message was pointed to the market pricing for the engines that have been totally redone, addressing any and all flaws that Dave points out. Your "....used to run, many years ago..." flatty is really just a good, complete core for a rebuild, isn't it? You're probably in the best area of the country to get top dollar for it - you'd be looking at less than $500 in the midwest, and likely a lot less. Here's one from CL in KC - $302 for engine & tranny...http://kansascity.craigslist.org/pts/2021173400.html