I came across a 312 with a 3 speed auto and 4bbl Holley complete engine and trans. According to my dads friend it was rebuilt recently and was taken out of a 1957 wagon to put a big block in. Looks to be in good shape. What would be a fair price to offer him he's a friend so I don't want to low ball him. I don't really need it but it would be nice to have an extra motor and trans.

Corona, Ca.

If it was rebuilt recently, there should be some documentation to support the claim. Ask nicely to see it, so you can then make an informed offer. A full rebuilt can run several hundred $$s..

Paul

Paul makes a good point. 'Rebuilt' can mean a lot of different things. Try to obtain any documentation available so that you can gauge the completeness and value of the work done.



The value of a 'rebuilt' motor depends upon what was done, how it was done, what parts were replaced, the quality of the replacement parts, and who did the work.



Some examples:

1) WHAT WAS DONE: overbored cylinders? straightened, rebushed, resized, rods? hardened valve seats?

2) HOW WAS IT DONE: if the cylinders were bored oversize, was a deck mounted boring bar used or were the cylinders bored with the boring bar positioned off the crankshaft mains? if the rods were resized, did the shop have the equipment capable of maintaining center-to-center distances?

3) PARTS REPLACED: camshaft, manufacturer? pistons, manufacturer? valve lifters, manufacturer?

4) WHO DID THE WORK: machine shop work, engine assembler? -Their reputation and their knowledge of Ford y-block engines? Different species of engines have nuances that may not be known to someone going by a Motor's Manual, Chilton's Manual, or even a Ford manual



Hope this is of some help...


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

I've seen "rebuilt " being a couple of cans of spray paint

T