What's it really worth?

https://rockford.craigslist.org/pts/5188620297.html

According to the map, it's within a mile from me. Not knowing any more than what the ad states is always a gamble but $1,500 seems way over the top even if it could be proven to be what it seems. What would you guys honestly pay for it?

 

I give $325 for a 72 455 engine and transmission few weeks ago, 79kmiles. If its a long tail trans thats like $50 to $75, $100 to $150 for short . If engine is a GS SR engine id say $500 to $600. $250 to $400 it its a SF engine. Id offer him $500 after pulling plugs if they have good even color, under te rockers aren't to caked up and off course if it turns nice and smooth, just tell him there is still ,$500 to be spent on it fresh timing chain,water pump ,oil pump thrust plate, pull oil pan to clean or replace oil pickup etc, just dropping in an original untouched 1970 engine is just asking for trouble. My $325 455 has 40lbs at idle HOT!! Best oil psi iveever had with any of my buicks ddoesn't smoke, pulls hard and in general seems to be a jamb up little engine , so good ones are still out there

 

Without seeing and hearing it run, it's really only a core in my book. I would give $500/600 as it sits.

 

All pretty much what I was thinking. I'm not even sure if I should bother to call about it. If he thinks it's worth that much he'll probably just get upset if I offer him $500. I don't want to waste my time or his at this point but I'm pretty confident it'll be listed for a long time.

 

He says it runs. It may be worth a call and visit since it is so close.

Lou

 

My thoughts exactly. We all know what often happens when you take someone's word that "It runs good." .
When I sell an engine that the buyer hears running, I require half the $$ before I pull it. When asked, Why?", I tell them that, if they don't pick it up for some B.S. reason, I'm stuck with a core motor because the next guy won't believe me about it's condition.

 

Been there. Back in the late `70s I bought a Boss 302 Mustang that, at the time, had a 351 Cleveland in it. I eventually found a complete `70 Boss 302 engine in a salvage yard so I advertised the 351 for sale, hear it run. A guy came and looked, heard it run, said he'd take it and asked me when I could get it out of the car. I said I'd have it out on Saturday. Of course, I wasn't smart enough to ask for a deposit and he never came back. I guess we learn as we go. BTW, I paid $500 for that Boss 302 engine complete with carb and all. Wish I could do that again.