I am an F-Code newbie but I recently purchased a 57 F-Bird clone and I need some help regarding identifying the parts.  I should point out that this car was last touched in 1974 according to the previous owner, who I know well enough to know that he couldn't tell a lie to save his life.  What I do know is that the engine and supercharger set up came out of an F-Code passenger car.   That being said, I have had some conflicting information and I was hoping that some of you experts could help me out.  

Both of these heads have the EDB-D casting numbers on them near the intake manifold ports however the combustion chamber surfaces have casting codes that are not identical.  What if anything can you tell me based on the pictures?  Are there date codes on these?  If so where and how do I read them. What do the markings indicate? What are these heads worth?  What is an intake worth, or correct carburetor?  What is the whole package worth?  

You only show the date code on one of the heads and that date code is located under the rocker arm shaft.  Don’t be alarmed if the date codes are different by a few days as that’ pretty normal. I decipher that particular date as June 10, 1957.  The ‘D3’ and ‘D14’ numbers on the lower outer edge of the heads are simply mold identification numbers.  I would suggest disassembling the heads and checking them thoroughly for any cracks before considering using them.  If selling them, having them crack checked beforehand will also help.

The carburetor is likely the most valuable part of your package if it hasn’t been on fire.  Look at the primary side venturi fuel boosters closely for any damage.

Some of the others on this site can likely be a better judge of the value for these parts both as a package and/or individually.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I snapped a couple more pictures, I believe this is what you were referring to

If your considering selling any of those parts I have an interest.
Contact me at

Oldmics@Yahoo.com

Do those valve springs have internal dampner springs?
Is there a second set of springs inside the outer valve springs?
Cant quite tell from the pictures.

Oldmics

87B or 87R on the other head?  Hard to make out the last letter but that head based on the first number makes it a 1958 casting.  While both heads are the same casting number, they were made about a year apart from each other.  Not a biggie as long as both heads prove to be usable.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Yes there is a second set of valve springs inside the outer set.  They seem to have green paint on them:

Does anyone have any input on what this stuff might be worth?  I know it always comes down to what someone is willing to pay, but I have heard a bunch of numbers and I don't know what is realistic.   Ive heard tell of $5,000+ for the heads alone, Ive also seen them go as low as $4,000.  The intake on the other hand I have no idea.  I have been offered $1500 and $2,000 but I couldn't say if that is low or about right.  And now Ted mentioned that the carburetor might be the most valuable part and now I don't know what to think.  I would really appreciate any guidance you guys can offer.  I am not trying to inflate the market into outerspace but I also want to get a good value for the parts with out either party being ripped off.  Any wisdom you can share would be incredibly helpful!  

Hi, I just paid $4300.00 for parts like these and I think I got a deal, a complete VR57 setup, however it is missing the fuel pump, the heads have just been rebuilt and the air cleaner is a repo.

Cliff

Cliff, what all did you get for the $4,300?