VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 1931 Chevy 6 cylinder, HELP

Need an appraisal, I have no idea what it’s worth , it’s a 1931 chevy in-line 6 cylinder and a 1928 transmission

Sorry I thought it was a whole car. Just an engine? Well without having the head and block checked for cracks maybe $150. Head and block not cracked then worth more. Of course the problem is it has to be dismantled to check both.

Does the engine run? Have any knocks or other noises? Leak oil except for an occasional drip? Smoke? Idle smoothly? Have all the accessories, water pump, starter, generator, carburetor? Has the head been checked for cracks? The condition is vitally important in the value.

Similar questions about the transmission. Is there any pitting on the gears? Shift through the gears easily?

This engine has been sitting in a garage for a long time. I have no idea if it runs, and the transmission is still attached.

The OP has this listed on Craigslist Cincinnati and Indianapolis with pictures. Talked to him about it. It was his uncle's. Four speed truck transmission. Engine is 1931 per his passing on of the casting date E 16 1. The engine is open (missing distributor and starter) and neither are installed in a vehicle. Laying on the ground. Uses a different town on Craigslist (Milan). See Craigslist posting:

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/pts/d/sunman-1931-chevy-engine/6926173001.html

I have sold several 1931 engines in that condition for $300 each.

That’s your loss

You asked for an appraisal since you stated that you had no idea what your 1931 engine is worth, and you also mentioned that you had no idea if the engine ran or not. Cabboy suggested that the engine might be worth $150 or maybe more if the cylinder head and block are not cracked. To give you a basic idea as to what I found that a 1931 non-running engine is worth, based on my actual sales, I mentioned that I sold two 1931 engines in the past, both complete but not running, for $300 each.....and you say that is my loss??! If, in fact, you have no clue as to what a 1931 engine is worth as you admitted in your first post, then how would you know if selling each engine for $300 is a loss? Actually, $300 for a non-running complete 1931 engine is a fair and realistic price!

By the way, 1931 engines are not that rare.......I still have three more of them in my boneyard and Chipper may have a stash of 1931 engines in his bone pile as well.

I have purchased several 1931 and 1932 engines. The most I paid was $ 500 for one that was rebuilt (talked to the rebuilder) by an airline mechanic. The deal also included a transmission rear end and very rare 1931 pickup bed strips. BTW the engine had run a month earlier. All the others were $ 250 or less and verified to turn over before purchase. Buying an engine that has been lying on the ground is a crap shoot at best.

Boy oh boy, Chipper and Dog, you will have egg on your faces when he sells his "very rare" engine for his asking price of $1,000.00. What could a couple of guys who have been in the hobby, for longer than he has likely been alive, possibly know about the value of such an engine.
More power to him if he gets his price but my condolences to the buyer.

Mike

Ha ha..........ya, you know the old saying........"there is a sucker born every minute".

If the guy he sells it to needs a few more please pm me....

I could use but not for a $1000.00.I found a half [bleeped] parts car for a $1000 in PA.

I have the motor I took out of my car that was redone but needs some work on the mains and rods. The bores, head, and compression are perfect. Once I take care of the bottom end I’m probably going to sell it but I’m going to want a heck of a lot more than $500. Hell, the mains cost more than that alone. The motor had a ton of power but the PO just didn’t do the bottom end right and it has a knock somewhere that was frustrating me so I rebuilt another motor while I left the motor in the car in case I wanted to drive it. To rebuild a motor these days easily cost $4000 and that’s with finding deals on the parts you need yourself. If you have the machine shop do everything you’re looking at $8000 up over $10,000!