Is this a good deal for a 383/727?

[Super Blue 72]

I'm going to look at a 383/727 that came out of a '67 Monaco.  It DOES NOT come with the heads, but comes with intake and 2 barrel carb.  The tranny is probably in need of a rebuild since the deal comes with a rebuild kit.  The man was nice enough to lower the price to $100.  I don't know if the crank turns by hand, the guy hasn't check and doesn't give much detail in his emails, says it's been sitting for a couple of years.  I'll be talking to him tommorow.

Is this a good deal? 


OR....since it has no heads, should I wait for a complete engine for more $$$ that may already be in better running shape?  One of my friends says it's basically a boat anchor and not to waste time on it since it's not a 440 or anything special and it has no heads but I figure for the $$$ it looks like a decent deal plus if the tranny rebuild kit is still in the package I would sell it to defray the cost as I would send the tranny out to be rebuilt.

What'd you opinion?

Also, when I look at the engine/tranny, what are things to look for?  How can you tell if the engine has been milled/bored aside from looking at the top pf the pistons for clues?  He mentioned a little rust in one of the cylinder walls but a ridge reamer should be able to clean it out.


This would be for a long term project, nothing immediately.  I was thinking if I go big block one of these days  I would at least have a BB tranny.  I dunno.... 


  Thanks for any suggestions!!!

[tactransman]

It is probably definitely worth $100 just for the tranny and kit (if the trans is not rusted up). Maybe offer $75?  If I was going big block though,I would go all the way (440) 

[Super Blue 72]

Thanks for the reply, Terry! 

Yeah, a 440 would be cool but this engine and tranny looks like a good deal for $100 depending on the condition.  It'll be even better if I can do the rebuild my self.

Chryco mentioned neededing a 3 legged press tool to separate the drums to get at the seals?  Do you really need a press?  Can the rebuild be done with basic mechanics tools?

[tactransman]

If you are imaginative you can do it without buying tools.

[ted]

i cant give away non running 383 2 bbl motors.

[hemiken]

You should jump on it and build a sweet little 496 out of that 383 with a kit from 440 source.  Build it slowly and it will come together.  Great starter engine, 383 engine is way over looked.  Now that you can build 496 out of a short deck block that starts out at $100 you can not go wrong, transmission has to nearly be worth the $100 on its own now.

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree , I have acess to 3-4 383 engines for just take it away price

[Super Blue 72]

Aha....I'm starting to see the light on the 383 engine now...    ....thanks guys!

I'm hopefully going to see it today...we'll see what happens.... I was figuring I wouldn't find a 440 for this kind of money, the 383 will be alittle lighter, easier to get parts, a bit better on gas as I would hope to drive to car around a bit once it's on the road.

I thought about a 383 stroker but that's way out of my budget.  (You're talking to a guy with little $$$ and hoping to score parts off of craigslist!  I love that place! )  I would want something kinda mild anyhow, low maintanence, but with a little more HP than what I have now.  I figure 350-400hp from a mild 383 isn't too much to ask for.  Plus a 383 is a little different than haveing a 440 in a '72 Challenger which is usually what you see if the stock engine isn't there.  (No offense to the guys with 440s!!!  )

I figure I could get a bit more HP and torque out of this engine even in stock configuration vs my stock '72 340 (Only 240hp stock.  ).  The 340 hasn't been rebuilt or anything, just regualr maintenance things have been done to it and it's #s matching so this way I can just put it in the garage in the corner and do the headers and what not to the 383 if I get it.

Thanks for all your input guys!!!  Much appreciated! 

[Jacksboys]

Sounds like a good deal to me.   

 

[Super Blue 72]

Thanks for the encouragement!   

I ended up getting it and it wasn't too bad bringing it home.  FYI- a 2000 Honda Odessey van, because of the height of the rear deck, makes this almost a 1 man operation going from engine stand to engine stand.  Surprised the heck out of me!

He had the accesory stuff too like the power steering pump, alternater and the associated brackets.  Even the stock exhaust manifolds if I coose to go that route to save some $$$.  Nice guy.   

Around here I don't know a lot of car guys with engines hanging around so for me this was a decent find...now for the heads, I'm going to make another thread looking for info on 516 heads.   

Thanks again for all your input!

[Jacksboys]

Congrats on the purchase. 

[Super Blue 72]

Thanks, jacksboys! 

[hemiken]

  I am glad you grabbed it buddy. Look forward to doing these easy.

[Super Blue 72]

Thanks, Kenny!  It won't be for a while anyhows...on a tight buget... I might check out some 516 heads, we'll see. 

Check back in 5 or so years....