The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 engine value

Came across a 216 for sale. Allegedly rebuilt with low miles (no receipts to verify but wearing some updated gray paint) in the past and swapped out for a V8. Stored indoors. Complete except for starter and damper pulley.

1) What are these things worth nowadays? As in, what has someone here actually paid. Prices seem all over the board. Some folks basically giving away ones that can't be verified as running. Others ask several hundred for that same condition.

2) I was thinking somewhere between scrap value (which it might well be) and his asking price ($400). Even if it's junk, manifolds and such have some parts value, I guess.

3) It's really not a complete engine, but if the story is correct, it might be a good buy at the right price. However, I figure it might take a couple hundred bucks to get a working starter and a damper back on it. Is my estimate for those parts close?

4) Don't have an immediate need for it. But I figure someday these things will end up being scarce. Also nice to have a backup as it is the correct year for my truck.

Last year I paid $200 (CDN) for a 216. A compression test found all cylinders to have similar compression at about 110 lbs. In other words, I think this is a pretty good full complete engine. (It came from a car instead of a truck so it probably didn't see as much abuse).

I would see if he would take 200-250 and the most I'd pay is 300 if it is in good shape, but that is up to you. I payed 350 for a rebuilt 261 with very low miles and a good history behind it. if he (the seller) could get more history on it,I.E. pics of it in a vehicle, video of it running, etc. then I personally would give his full asking price, but again, that is me.



Indy

Yeah, I was kinda thinking no more than $200. This one could just as easily be a $200 boat anchor.

I'd need to see the condition of the crankshaft and do some measuring before I'd give more than $100.00 for a non-running 216.
Jerry

External appearance has little to do with internal condition. I have been bitten more often than not. $150 - $200 max.

Jim

A starter and damper pulley could double the cost of your motor if you don't already have one to put on it.

Krylon rebuilds are common and as mentioned, without dropping the pan and plastigauging the journals you could be buying a worn out motors with new paint (even if they gauge OK, they could still be out of round).

216's are expensive to rebuild and probably the ONLY way I would consider over $100 (scrap is $10/100lb, a 216 is probably $45-50 in cast scrap) is if the rods were converted from babbit / has insert bearings.

I also would not consider it a 'parts motor' just for the intake or exhaust... any motor you buy should have those on it unless its a VERY fresh (ie still in the plastic wrap) motor.

In the Seattle area you can't give them away.

Nathan
One member on here, gave, a running 261 to another member.
I hauled it from Iowa to Maryland with some other items also, this spring.
The group got it started that weekend, sitting on the floor.

You might also consider this auction and you may end up with a whole truck for not much more.
PM me if there is any interest.
http://wheelerauctions.com/main/Auctions/20150530Talley/20150530Talley.html

I also know you have a big family and limited space to store things, but we can work that out in the long run.
Tell Todd I said hi!

Don