What's it worth?

C

Chip

Junior Member
This question probably comes up often in some form, but I'm rather new to the V8 hobby and have a lot to learn. My experience has been in model T and A Fords.
Anyway, I've found several flat head V8s stored in a building. They appear as they would have been when pulled out of the vehicle. They appear to be complete but mechanical condition unknown. Don't know if they can be purchased or not, but my question is what would be a fair price for these engines? Thanks for any advice.
 
You will get a broad range of prices, but for what it's worth I paid $800 for a used complete RUNNING 1940 v8
 
If you can't pull the heads to inspect them $100 each would be nice. Since they were pulled from the vehicles and saved, I am guessing they might be in good enough condition for a rebuild. First, find out what years they are. Buy all three for $300, keep one and sell the rest.
 
If you can not pull the heads to check for cracks they are worth what ever you can get for junk, vbecause they probably are. Marv
 
Actual worth is going to be what year and type engines they are as well as condition. If they have water pumps in the heads, they are 32-6 85hp, 21 studs and waterpumps in the block 37/8 85s, 24 studs, waterpumps in the block may be 39-48 engines, water outlets on the front end of the heads would be 49-53 Ford or Merc. In my opinion the earlier engines are more desirable. I would check the block sides closely for freeze bursting and if possible just twist the flywheels to see if you can turn them.
A 49-53 Merc engine will look like the Ford but have 8CM or something M on the heads, that one would be very desirable providing the block color matches the head color. I am sure some will chime in on pricing on the various year groups. A picture would be helpful
 
Unless you can pull the heads and inspect for cracks I would agree that $100 is a fair price. Keep in mind most of these old engines were pulled for a reason. Even at $100 I've been on the losing end a few times ending up with a parts only engine.
 
Here is why you need to pull the heads. This was one of my surprises and a lesson learned. Ed
 

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You can also pull the pan and see if any have the Mercury 4" crank. This would up the value about another $100-150. There are many threads on how to tell if it's a Merc crank.

My experience with flatheads(very little compared to most here) says the cost is not in buying an old flathead, it's in rebuilding one correctly $$$.
 
talk to the owner and ask if you can have a closer inspection of the engines,,you might want to take some pictures and post them here....yes $100. each would be a great price but you don't want to insult the seller if he thinks he has a gold mine there...flatheads are common in my area especially 49-53 engines which is the modern flathead v8...good luck
 
"ED, pull the sleeve and bore it .040" and use 3 3/16 pistons"

Ron, what about the cracks in the valve area? This block has a bunch. Ed
 
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