Picking up the ‘57 Chevy I’ve always wanted next week

[Grey Ghost]

Originally Posted by Sea Six

Yes I’m seeing lots of amazing cars on FB too.

Turns out my car does not have a 57 engine after all. I haven’t gotten around to checking all the numbers but I’ll bet it turns out to be a 283 from 1961. That’s what the other numbers so far are coming in as.

The accelerator pump is toast, and the carb likely needs a rebuild and some repair beyond just a basic rebuild from a serious carb shop. I’m thinking since it’s not the correct engine anyway that I may just get a really nice LS or a moderately built new 350 crate motor. I’ll keep the power glide transmission in there for originality’s sake, since it seems to be shifting just fine.

Any idea what this engine may be worth?

LS would be fun. There is a lot to a swap though - driveshaft, fuel system, cooling system, wiring, etc...can be done and maybe easy these days. But, there is more to it than the cost of the motor alone. There is also a reconfig available to add an overdrive gear to the PG.

If you decide to go either way. Try to sell the engine while it's in the car or take lots of date stamped video. Buyers ALWAYS want to hear and know the engine didn't have major troubles that resulted in the swap.

You could also just buy a new carb. vs rebuild. A TRUE rebuild is more involved than gaskets, jets, float, etc...they are check for war-page, shaft holes bored or honed, butterfly fit, etc...they just go bad due to heat cycles over the years.

Price? Dunno...if it has some rare parts on it could add more value. You need to check the heads, exhaust manifold, etc...if any original pieces got transferred over to it they could be worth some decent $$$ sold separately. Even that carb. bad or not. Also, what it originally came out of? Ballpark for a generic one? $2k -3k?

[Sea Six]

I think that in without being able to speak to the previous owner or his spouse will never know exactly where that car engine came from. I’m not the one that’s going to be doing the work so I’m not really concerned about all the extra stuff that goes along with putting an LS three in that car. As long as the shop that I choose has the experience and tools and know-how to get it done I’m OK with putting in an LS three. Probably $10,000 to $15,000? Does that sound about right?

[Grey Ghost]

Originally Posted by Sea Six

I think that in without being able to speak to the previous owner or his spouse will never know exactly where that car engine came from. I’m not the one that’s going to be doing the work so I’m not really concerned about all the extra stuff that goes along with putting an LS three in that car. As long as the shop that I choose has the experience and tools and know-how to get it done I’m OK with putting in an LS three. Probably $10,000 to $15,000? Does that sound about right?

I would think so.

You should go to the Nationals.

[Grey Ghost]

@Sea Six

This car has moved to my town and for sale again on FB MP.

I asked the seller about rust. "No rust". LOL

Priced at $40k

[Sea Six]

Ask him about house expanding foam in the trunk

[Sea Six]

Yep. With those bow ties all over the place, it couldn’t be any other car!