Technical A little advice on a V8

I'm buying some property and need to sell a few things. I have this 21 stud fresh rebuild I got from a friend's estate a couple years ago. The engine is a fresh rebuild. I'm thinking $3000.00 is a fair price. What's y'alls feelings on this?

 

You say fresh rebuild? I think of a fresh rebuilt as just assembled and not run
in a vehicle or maybe just a run in on a stand. Why are the heads off
the motor? I observe scuffing in the cylinder walls and what looks like some small
carbon deposits starting to form. while it does look like it may low mileage I
would consider that a used motor. I am not an expert, Just an observation.

 

The heads are off because they have never been bolted down the cylinder walls look to be new sleeves with hone makes. This engine has not been fired since the build.

 

Looks obvious it’s been run for a while, I’d have to question why it’s apart, it’s very clean, at least what we can see, but I would not pay fresh rebuild price. It may be a minor thing, but I’d be looking into it , something’s not right.

 

If I were in the market for a flathead, I don't think $3K would be out of line PROVIDED you could show me the bottom end (including all bearings) was in good shape with no corrosion. Also provide bearing clearances to verify the quality of the rebuild. JMHO

 

Looks like somebody did a quick hone job and maybe re-ring, not a full rebuild

 

Not sure what part make y'all think it's been ran but I'm going to pull the pan now. Curiosity is getting the best of me.

 

Carbon left on top of the pistons, Std. markings, vertical ring wear that looks like it was just ball honed over. Just doesn't look like it came out of a machine shop.

 

Probably nothing but have a closer look at this line. I think the price is good, adjustable lifters..

 

What cylinder is that and I'll check closer. It looks a lot better than the pictures show.

 

Sometimes pics pick up weird things that are not there

 

Early 21 stud flatheads are not that desirable any offer you get is what its worth. Try offering it on the Ford Barn for sale you may find someone interested there. Looks like a 33 or 34 engine.
Ronnieroadster

 

Pic of a fresh hone. From Hemmings diary of a Mercer mechanic: cylinder honing | Hemmings

 

To me it looks like the top of the pistons have been cleaned up they look pitted, pitted and scored cylinders with a light hone and STD on the top of the pistons tells me it was just a rering at best not rebuilt.
Just my opinion

 

It will probably be a good engine, but most likely not done at a shop. I’ve never seen cotter pins in place of safety wire, but who knows?
If I was guessing, I’d guess a clean up, brush hone and rings and bearings.
Go ahead a pull a rod cap or two and the main caps, get a look at the bearings and the crank.
Also the heads looked to have been wire wheeled off, not surfaced.
Best of luck with the sale.

 

Thanks for y'alls help. I'll list it in a couple days. Anybody looking for one just holler.

 

If the mains look good it will prob be a fine runner

 

It was obviously sleeved back to standard bore (which is fine) based on availability of replacement pistons. Still a good idea to pull bearing caps. Continue taking pictures (hope they have a date stamp) to show prospective buyers.
So far, I'd say it looks a heck of a lot better than some I've seen "saved" on here, to the tune of mega$$.
It may not be the most desirable flat head, but it IS a flat head!

 

I forgot about the sleeve part! that makes me REALLY wonder about it and its history

 

This is a Babbitt main flathead and you’ll know condition right away

 

Looks like a 1936 truck motor....If it had LB on the bellhousing it would be worth more... 68 part number heads...

 

My current project involves a’34 flathead that was reman back in the day yes they had cotter pins on the rods and safety wire on the mains
Judging by the intake I say this has insert bearings
Yes the pistons are used but looks like the thin walled sleeves (8n tractor style)
One has a crack but is dry sleeve so no problem
Looks like it has valve seat inserts (mine does)
Has later dome pistons and heads instead of flat tops
Looks good to run

 

Where would I look other bell housing for the LB stamp and I'll check tomorrow

 

LB is cast in the bellhousing....

 

If that engine was advertised as fresh rebuild and I brought it as that I would not be impressed.
Agreed photos can be misleading and it may run ok but I would not sell it as fresh.
And the safety wiring on the mains sets of alarm bells for me

 

It’s on a cool Clayborne engine stand and quite sought after

 

To me, the stand is worth more than the engine. Maybe if I was doing a very early style hot rod, like a mostly stock with a little hop up stuff, the 21 stud would work. Otherwise, not worth 3 grand.