Hey y'all,

It's come that time to replace the motor in my car; I came across this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33615

or something similar....search chevy + engine on ebay.

The way I figure it, it'll cost at least $1000 for a rebuild ($500 fo kit, and $500 in machine work), $1500 for heads, $400 for intake/carb...close to 3k + time, and it comes pre-packaged for $3500....probably $4k with/etc.

So, the reason for my post is two-fold:

1) Is the ebay motor worth it? Do the parts add up to 400hp???

2) Would it be better to rebuild my existing motor? I'm not saving much, but then I would now exactly what was in my engine.

Thanx,

FH

 

You might be able to get a brand new GM crate motor for that kind of cash. Pm George, he just put in a GM crate motor in his 83.

 

Sounds a little vague to me(what heads? cam? crank? could be all chinese stuff which you dont want). I'd shop around more. If you want bargain builds look at some of Speedomotive.coms packages.

 

ThaFaz dont get wound up into this big selling bs....

Thats a lot of $ to buy a motor that you can build "to your specs" for the same amount around here.

 

I agree... there isn't anything special about that engine... and by the time you got it here with shipping and exchange you will wish you just had it done local.

 

how 'bout this:

1986 Pontiac Trans Am
Black with T-tops
355 with 300+HP
Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake
Holley 700 Double Pumper
700R4 Transmission
Stage 2
B&M Ratchet shifter
All New brakes

Body's rusty, dunno about the heads...here's an email I received when I inquired:

The car is completely word worthy. It's quebec plated. I do not have any pictures and my bottom line is based on what your offer me. The engine is completely rebuilt but has the original heads that come with a 350 4 bolt from the 70's. Apparelty the heads are from like a 78 corvette and the block from an 80 something saburban. It is 4 bolt main and the heads are ported and rebuilt. Everything mechaniccally works perfect and the
transmission was rebuilt also. It has a fireball kit in it. Both the
engine and transmission have only about 15K on them. I was pretty specific about all this in the add. The car also has all new disk brakes. I mean all new, rotors, calipers, e-brake etc...

Worthy? I owe you guys some beers for sure...if you're out in Franktown (near Perth), drop me a line.

FH

 

ask for the numbers off the heads and block and what cam.

 

Hey,

He can't find 'em...here's the email response...

I tried looking but they are all too hard to see and I don't know which version of the cam Actec put in. They just called it an Edelbrock performer RPM cam. If you took a ride in this car you would know it's the real thing anyways. Sorry I can't help.

I think I will let this one go....dunno what I'm getting.

FH

 

Hey,

He can't find 'em...here's the email response...

I tried looking but they are all too hard to see and I don't know which version of the cam Actec put in. They just called it an Edelbrock performer RPM cam. If you took a ride in this car you would know it's the real thing anyways. Sorry I can't help.

I think I will let this one go....dunno what I'm getting.

FH

 

Probably the best idea unless he's close to you and will allow you to pull the valve covers and at least take a look at the heads yourself. If the heads are 882's or 46X's with the RPM cam then it very well may have 300+hp. There's always the seat of the pants feel but when a guy cant even read numbers off a head and tells you its +300hp he has no idea what he's talking about usually.

 

Notice my "location". I am new to the area and don't know who does what in respect to engine work around here- but as pointed out by alot of people already- most complete engine buys online (i.e. ebay) aren't worth the effort once shipping, brokerage and taxes factor in- unless of course you literally "stole" it from the seller. If it's isn't local- forget about it.

That being said- engine parts may be different depending on the shipping costs involved- I got a nice TBI ECM and complete wiring harness from Alberta the other day and the shipping via Canada Post was about $15.00


As for the car you have listed from QC- hard to verify the guy's assertions (even with receipts there's no proof the parts were put in that car). If the car's a crapbox body-wise- what could you get for the pieces you can see? I.e. what's a plain-jane 350 block worth, used- $300.00? The ratchet shifter, -$100.00? A 700-R4 core needing a rebuild, - $100.00? A Holley 750DP, -$200? What about the trim pieces on the car (i.e. the t-tops). If you buy it and find the seller was full of **** on the engine/trans- will you be skeee-rewed or can you part it out to get your money back again?


If you want to know who people in your/the area use for engine/transmission work- try visiting www.1000islandscruisein.com and find out who's/what's the local car club and talk to them- they would hopefully lead you to a reputable source.

 

Yeah, the meter was kickin' up....I already got shanked on my ROC.....how was I to know a corvette motor didn't come with swirl port heads????

Is anyone heading out to the Barrie Auto Flea market coming up? Has anyone been there before? I was thinkin' this may be a good start point...or end point.....or...uh....yeah.

Worth the trip?

FH