What's a market on a custom built 440 ?

[anlauto]

So I have a chance to buy a car locally that is what I call an abandoned project....
The current owner has invested tons of cash in this car but now needs to bail....He wants a top dollar for the car (in my opinion) because he claims he has a ton of money invested...which I don't doubt...

But here's my question:
He has a fresh built 440 in the car...never been fired yet....claims...it's built with the best of everything, but it wasn't assembled by a "big name" shop, it was assembled by him and his Dad, who is a racer...

It's now a stroked 512 with TRICK FLOW aluminum heads, high rise, single plane intake, large single 4bbl Doug's headers, etc... etc...

Is there a market for an engine like that ? Does anybody just blindly pay top dollar for a "mystery" engine that has never run ? He says there's $20K CDN in the engine ???? What could I expect to sell it for ???   Maybe a quarter of that ? Half that ? Also beefed up 727, big rad, racing wheels ...whole bunch of stuff I have no clue on whether people buy or not ??????

[70vert]

I think you can expect to get 1/4 the $20, that is if there is plenty of documentation to show quality parts and what machine work was done. E.g. there are a lot of aluminum heads that are junk so it doesn't mean much. Buying an assembled motor that has not been run (broken in) means you are starting over especially if it has been sitting more than a few months. So again pretty meaningless. At least that is how I look at buying motor/parts from strangers.

If it was running, and had a dyno run documented it would be worth 1/2 or more.

[anlauto]

That's kinda my thoughts too...He says it's been over a year, but I've known him for awhile and I think it's been longer then that....so all the "pre-lube" used on the cam etc....is likely gummed-up etc... I would think a complete tear down is necessary again...at least that would be my direction...I don't know if people really want these big cubed, high HP carbureted motors any more...everybody wants a nice easy to use fuel injected crate engine these days...

Anybody local have interest...let me know...

[70vert]

agree, it is becoming a small market.

[dodj]

 Bottom dollar.  You have no idea what kind of performance or lack thereof the 440 contains.  IMO, you pay for a buildable block.

[anlauto]

Bottom dollar.  You have no idea what kind of performance or lack thereof the 440 contains.  IMO, you pay for a buildable block.

Sad part is...you're right, but I would at least assume it's worth the "sum of the parts" The stroker crank kit, heads, pistons, etc...it's would be pretty easy to open it up and see what's in side...

It's worth more then buying a 76 Motor home 440 "buildable block" 

[dodj]

...it's would be pretty easy to open it up and see what's in side...

It's worth more then buying a 76 Motor home 440 "buildable block" 

You could do that and find out what's inside is not a good combination of parts. Suppose you could take a pic and show CP. Then he could tell you what it's worth. I hear he has built a couple 512's.

I'm probably too pessimistic, but....you really have no idea what kind of build it is.

[anlauto]

I've asked the owner if he has receipts for the parts and machine work etc.... we'll see what he comes up with....I'm more concerned whether or not there's a market for "speed" parts like that ?   I certainly don't follow that market.

[tparker]

I did the conversion to US dollars. I am naive, but how do you put $15k into a motor without labor costs? Pistons and Cranks $2000-$4000. Heads $2000-$5000. Headers <$1000. Carb and manifold <$1000. misc parts 4000K? Wow.

Like others have said, buying the motor is a big risk. I wouldn't pay $15K even if the motor was guaranteed to run. I just don't have that kind of cash. And if I was in a position to spend that much, I wouldn't be worried about the cost or do the work myself but just go have one built. Anything is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, not what you think it is worth.Obviously someone selling it cause they have to wants top dollar and someone buying is gonna look for a deal.

[anlauto]

I was thinking I could get $15K CDN for everything....rad, engine, exhaust, tranny, rear end, wheels etc...

[70vert]

I've asked the owner if he has receipts for the parts and machine work etc.... we'll see what he comes up with....I'm more concerned whether or not there's a market for "speed" parts like that ?   I certainly don't follow that market.

There is definitely a market, even though shrinking there are plenty of folks building & buying performance. I've no idea about Canada though.

The rule of thumb (mine anyway) is reselling starts at 50% discount, even if not run there is risk and no warranties, etc. If there are receipts for $20k you are starting at $10k for value and likely to go down from there. Sitting around for a year or more probably means some rust/corrosion. Most builders have their favorites for things like cams, rockers, etc. so that could also make it a pain to sell as a lot.

If you are selling the whole drivetrain, $15k is possible. But distance/freight might be a big hurdle.

[anlauto]

I think I have to concentrate on buying the car first   Tanks for all the opinions 

[Brads70]

I was thinking I could get $15K CDN for everything....rad, engine, exhaust, tranny, rear end, wheels etc...

  What rear end? Ratio?

[anlauto]

I was thinking I could get $15K CDN for everything....rad, engine, exhaust, tranny, rear end, wheels etc...

  What rear end? Ratio?

At this point I don't know @Brads70 , but it's a back-braced Strange 9" (Ford) rear end with all Strange components...expensive looking stuff...four link suspension...again, all brand new with zero miles

[Brads70]

Bummer if it was a S60 it would sell quick