Whats it worth? Do I really want to do this?

[hkestes41]

Been a long time since I have posted anything as for a while I have not been able to convince myself to do anyting to my car including starting it. A bit of background. I had to flip the ring gear change due to starter engagement issues. Got all that taken care of and the transmission back in the car when work and weather got in the way of further work. It has now been setting for over a year. I have been getting the itch to do something with it lately since my wife has encouraged me to sell it if I am not going to drive it.  

 

I have been considering a move to a 360 / Auto in place of the 230 and R10 Overdrive. Only thing is that I'm not sure what the engine / transmission may be worth. I have a decent idea of what it would cost me to purchase and install the V8 just trying to get some budget numbers in line before I make a final decision on going to the V8 or staying with the flathead.

 

So, what do you all think this may be worth. I know its worth what someone is willing to pay but looking for some general ideas.

 

59 model 230

Bored 30 over

Edgy Head

Cast Iron Headers

Offy intake / dual 2 bbl carbs

Mini HEI distributor

Finned aluminum valve covers

53 model R10 Overdrive

 

These photos are from when I installed the motor into the car a few years back. It now has an estimated 6 - 8 thousand miles on it. My odometer does not work so the milage is an estimate.

 

 

[Don Coatney]

Is the sum of the parts greater than the whole? It appears you have a good looking and running car that many would find desirable. Suggest you sell it as a completed and drivable unit. Then buy another non running car and build it to suit your desires. Why disassemble a completed car and make modifications with an unknown outcome? However it is your car, and your choice.

[austinsailor]

I know someone is going to ask, so I'll just let it be me. 

 

Why the heck do you want  to change motors??

 

Gene 

[hkestes41]

Don, that thought has crossed my mind as well. One reason not to do that is that the brake upgrade, front and rear suspension rebuild, all new brake lines etc have already been done to htis car. While the engine swap is obviously not a bolt in deal I would be much closer to running down the road with this one that starting from scratch.

 

Gene, thats just it, I'm not sure that I want to make the swap. One day i'm ready to pull the trigger and the next day I'm ready to jump back in on this one. Getting kind of soft in my old age and would love to have some AC here in the Texas summers. I know others have put AC on their flatheads, but with a lot of the traffic around Dallas I'm not sure I want to drag the flathead down that much, not to mention I would kind of like an automatic in this traffic as well.

 

So I guess you could say I'm just trying to flesh out my options before I make a decision one way or another.

[casper50]

Tongue in cheek.  You can do it this way.

 

 

[Young Ed]

The problem with selling a used motor is finding someone that would trust the work was done well. Not saying its not but how does the buyer know that? You'd get plenty for the OD I bet but I'd guess only 1/2 of what you've got in the motor.

[austinsailor]

You've already got a car that half the people on this board only wish they had. You could probably get in the $10-$11k range for it, then start with a clean slate if you just don't like it.

I would guess your tops for the motor would be optimistically $1000, probably less. Overdrive, $700. I'm no appraiser, and I'd welcome more opinions, but looking at a lot of stuff for sale, those are my guesses.

Figure those #s (or better ones if someone chimes in) and do the math on replacements and see if it's worth it.

I'm going to throw out a couple radical ideas now.

1. Tell us what you don't like about what you have and look for solutions. For example, Want an automatic? How about a fluid drive in front of a 3 speed overdrive?

2. Why not another car? Not a replacement, get a second one. It is legal. Lots of us have done it. I love driving my 1924 Dodge Brothers, but in Dallas traffic? No way. High powered T bucket can handle it, though!

Edited December 11, 2015 by austinsailor

[knuckleharley]

Been a long time since I have posted anything as for a while I have not been able to convince myself to do anyting to my car including starting it. A bit of background. I had to flip the ring gear change due to starter engagement issues. Got all that taken care of and the transmission back in the car when work and weather got in the way of further work. It has now been setting for over a year. I have been getting the itch to do something with it lately since my wife has encouraged me to sell it if I am not going to drive it.  

 

I have been considering a move to a 360 / Auto in place of the 230 and R10 Overdrive. Only thing is that I'm not sure what the engine / transmission may be worth. I have a decent idea of what it would cost me to purchase and install the V8 just trying to get some budget numbers in line before I make a final decision on going to the V8 or staying with the flathead.

 

So, what do you all think this may be worth. I know its worth what someone is willing to pay but looking for some general ideas.

 

59 model 230

Bored 30 over

Edgy Head

Cast Iron Headers

Offy intake / dual 2 bbl carbs

Mini HEI distributor

Finned aluminum valve covers

53 model R10 Overdrive

 

These photos are from when I installed the motor into the car a few years back. It now has an estimated 6 - 8 thousand miles on it. My odometer does not work so the milage is an estimate.

Let me know when you figure out what you want for it. It sure would look good in my 42 Dodge business coupe.

[pflaming]

First of, I do not care for the swap. Take the car to any car show, open the hood, when someone admires your engine, politely inform themof your intentions to swap it for a V8. I'll give you odds 8 of 10 will not encourage such.

If I were closer, I would find an engine and transmission (Don I spelled it out) to your liking and swap with you. I'm not a " Bruce Jenner swap" fan.

[CoronetGuy]

I would get a little dashboard mounted fan in there before I swapped a v8 in just to get A/C. The motor looks great and is not something you see everyday. (hence why I have decided to keep the 230 in my car) If you want an auto, just get the adapter plate and put a gm trans behind it.

[Frank Elder]

Get the correct adapter plate and put a chrysler 904 behind it.......the guy that sells them is a long time member in fine standing on this forum for crying out loud....wayfarer is his name....why are you supposed Mopar guys always pushing GM products on here?

Edited December 16, 2015 by Frank Elder

[hotrodbob]

Had a like set up in my car for 12 years. .070 over bore, Edmonds head, Isky cam, dual cars, split exhaust. Sounded so sweet. Sold the engine trans for $1100 over 20 years ago. Kept blowing head gaskets every couple of years. I drive and enjoy my car. I don't want to be on the side of the road and not be able to find parts to fix it. I did the V8 swap/auto. Not as cool looking in my opinion, but 50,000 miles later I'm still driving and enjoying the car. Yup, had some problems along the way, but it's my car and I love the looks. It's a MOPAR and not many out there have them. We are a select group.

 

Did I love the sound of the 6 and the power...Yup! But I drive a lot and feared the break downs and inability to locate parts quickly. My flatty is still kinda running in a friend's '41, but he changed to an iron head and the car hasn't been driven for 5-6 years. 

 

Bottom line, It's your car and you have to like what you drive. 

Edited December 16, 2015 by hotrodbob

[dale]

I installed a chevy 350 in mine and wouldnt do it if I had to do it over especially if it had an awsome six setup like you have.