VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1955-1957 265 V8 Engine

I have a complete 265 V8 engine out of a 55 convertible. It was running when I pulled it around 30 years ago.
My 55 Bel Air has a 327 so I thought maybe one day I would want to go back with the original 265.
I have since decided against that so I am going to sell the 265 and I looking on some advice on what the value of that engine me be?

Unfortunately there is not as much value there as you might think (at least in my opinion). Any engine that has been sitting 30 years is essentially a core engine for a rebuild. So look at what rebuilders are using as a core charge for older small block Chevy V8’s.

Also there is very a little demand for 265’s. The engine was only used a few years in the mid-50’s if I remember correctly. So anyone who wants to keep that generation car more original already has one. Anyone looking for an older small block Chevy V8 for a rod or custom will want the larger displacements. It costs the same to rebuild a 327 as a 265.

major drawback to a 1955 265 is lack of oil filter. easy to spot one, the road draft tube exits the bottom of the engine where the 1956 and upmsmall blocks positioned their oil filters. its valuable primarily to a 55 owner wanting total originality/ mike mccagh

Thanks to Mike for noting that there is some unique value to a ”˜55 265.

The key is finding the buyer who wants that originality. Then you have a deal!

I'm sure the only value in this engine would be for a back to original restoration.

Thanks for the info.