. . . he wants 500 i'm gonna dicker but 500 seems like a good price if it's in as good a shape as he says . . .
rgie,
The key question is: How are you going to determine if it is in good shape?
If the engine is near you and/or near a machine shop, make a deal with the owner that you would buy the engine for $400 if the machine shop gives the block a good bill of health (you'll pay the machine shop). I do not even know if a machine shop could check it out - maybe someone else will chime in?
