About half of the dozen or so stovebolt engines I have stockpiled were given to me to haul them off. That includes a couple of 261s. I have paid anywhere form $50.00 to $200.00 for the rest. Any engine I can't hear run I consider to be a "rebuildable core" and make an appropriate offer. Any engine is worth what the buyer and seller can agree on, so don't get caught uo in a lot of hype about an engine being "scarce and valuable". If you're looking for a specific date of manufacture and/or part number for restoring a vehicle to "as manufactured" status for winning a car show trophy, that's a different can of worms! I did a prepurchase inspection and test drive on a restored "numbers-correct" 59 Corvette a few years ago. It was headed for a collector in France who was happy to pay the $90K asking price, plus shipping!
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!