Value on a complete 383 HP engine

[Killer_Mopar]

I will be replacing the 383 in my challenger with my new 451, so Im wondering how much money I can recoup from the 383. The engine is a 68 or 69 HP block (out of a roadrunner or bee) and is the same engine that is my avatar. It was rebuilt in 1977 and has only seen around 20k miles since then, it was never abused and runs strong. I put a timing chain and all new gaskets in it about 4 years ago and before I put it up for sell I will probably put all new gaskets in it again to see how everything looks. The engine has a forged crank and 906 heads, for performance it also has a hemigrind purpleshaft, matching springs, and a 383 torker intake. The engine has a bunch of chrome like the timing cover, distributor hold-down, valley pan ends, dipstick, and some accessory bracets. I would also be including almost everything else that goes on the engine including the waterpump, brackets and pulleys (alternator, crank, and waterpump), an alternator, a set of aluminum valve covers, an original 71 383 carb, and some e-body headers. Basically the only thing this engine would need would be an ignition system and a better carb. The engine should be perfect for someone looking to upgrade from a /6 or needs a 383HP for their roadrunner or bee....so the real question is, whats it worth?

[Killer_Mopar]

Hmmm....from the lack of response Im going to guess that there isnt much demand for the engine. I think my best bet may be to find a roller or /6 car, drop my 383 in it, and resell it as a driver...

[kingtroll]

I would see if I could find something to drop it in. Most people that I know when looking for a motor want big block 440 or small block 340. Nothing against a 383 but when you don't have a motor that seems the train of thought. Again you never know what someone will buy. That motor looks pretty nice though. Of course everyone likes hemi's but then you are talking big bucks in comparison to what I mentioned.

[71GTX]

what is the motor date coded?? My dad is looking for a 383 HP motor for his Roadrunner.....motor needs to be before Nov. 1968, if possible....whats your price and location??

[Killer_Mopar]

Im in Ohio, near cleveland. I checked the engine and it is definitely a 68 HP block. I am also pretty sure the date on the side said 6-24-68. As for price, I have no idea to what its worth and hoping someone else can chime in.

[Moparal]

I'd guess around 500 bucks to me. Even if you pulled your trim and options. Most want to build their own engines, so they consider it a core is all

[71GTX]

So what is the price that you are looking for on the motor??

[71chmark]

Is the crank drilled for a manual trans?  I'm thinking of dropping a decent engine, at a good price, in my challenger for a year or two while I gather the money to have a good 440 built, maybe even get a Hemi. How much are you looking for?

[moparmaniac59]

I think Moparal is in the ball park unless of course you've got port/polished heads or other custom machine work. I'd say you could bump up the price easily to $750 since you are including what most folks have to buy separately such as brackets/waterpump & the motor is a nice build. Folks in my area get $200.00 bucks for a factory plain-jane running motor. I just paid $200.00 bucks for a running unmodified factory 400 that I plan to build into a 451 stroker. So for your motor with 20K miles I'd say $750.00 with all the goodies isn't unreasonable.
                                         
                                                                                       Matt B.