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Ok, I have the chance to purchase a 1967 WZ motor, complete minus stock carb and intake. It has a mid-70's quadrajet and aftermarket intake. I can purchase for a little over $1,000 with shipping. The owner ended up with the motor in trade and does not know anything about it other than he can turn it by hand.

Thanks for your opinion in advance


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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Heck, even if you don't use it - a WZ motor would be worth some to somebody else down the road.


2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement
2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered.
2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it)
Old projects, gone but not forgotten:
1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it.
1980 Turbo Trans Am
1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto
1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed
1983 F-150 4x4, built 302
1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
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My concern is that I can't see it in person, just have to wait it to be shipped to me. I do have a connection taking a look at it but it will still be together and no internal observations will be possible.


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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In that case, the usual "well, it spins" is about the only guide.


2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement
2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered.
2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it)
Old projects, gone but not forgotten:
1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it.
1980 Turbo Trans Am
1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto
1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed
1983 F-150 4x4, built 302
1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
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That is the only thing I know for sure. I plan to do a complete rebuild, just wish I knew the bore. If my odds were good maybe it has never been apart and has the original pistons. Wish me well with this one.


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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Here's wishing at you. ROAD TRIP!


2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement
2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered.
2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it)
Old projects, gone but not forgotten:
1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it.
1980 Turbo Trans Am
1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto
1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed
1983 F-150 4x4, built 302
1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,197
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Starting to look like the best option.


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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There is a guy on PY, in NY that that has a 67 WZ motor for not a lot of money. Can't remember his username but should be quite easy to find. That is in the past month or so. Frank.

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I think that is the motor in question here.


1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top, auto
1969 GTO Judge coupe, Carousel Red, manual
1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto
1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver), Fire Red, white top, auto
1972 Buick GS Stage 1, Royal Blue, black vinyl top, auto
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Instead of purchasing the engine, I think you should instead buy some nice #16 heads for a '68. Much better value, IMHO.


1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top, auto
1969 GTO Judge coupe, Carousel Red, manual
1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto
1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver), Fire Red, white top, auto
1972 Buick GS Stage 1, Royal Blue, black vinyl top, auto
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Funny, I think I have been given that same advice before wovenweb. Still a possibility that I might end up buying them. So far I am not 100% sure I want to pull the trigger on the engine.


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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Ok, Im not trying to be the buzz kill here, but, youre considering buying an engine, sight unseen, and the only thing you know about it is that it spins?

Will it start? If it starts, whats the compression like with each cylinder? Any leaks, rattles, burning oil, etc.

If it doesnt run, find out if the seller will at least allow the oil to be drained and the pan, heads to be pulled for a closer internal inspection. Doesnt hurt to ask.. right?

I know you plan on rebuilding it, but, youre taking a big chance on a sight unseen, untested engine. Just because it spins means nothing. It could be a cracked block, missing all the internals, badly overbored, etc etc.

Im not trying to kill the deal, but, its sounds like the best bet is to have someone who really knows engines, specifically pontiac engines, look it over. Otherwise, a road trip is in order for such a high purchase.

Have you at least requested a ton of pics of the engine from all different angles, etc? Have you requested and run the numbers that the seller can provide to verify that it is what he says it is?

Tons of questions..

Last edited by WiscBird; 07/07/11 05:30 PM.

..
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Originally Posted By WiscBird
Ok, Im not trying to be the buzz kill here, but, youre considering buying an engine, sight unseen, and the only thing you know about it is that it spins?

Will it start? If it starts, whats the compression like with each cylinder? Any leaks, rattles, burning oil, etc.

If it doesnt run, find out if the seller will at least allow the oil to be drained and the pan, heads to be pulled for a closer internal inspection. Doesnt hurt to ask.. right?

I know you plan on rebuilding it, but, youre taking a big chance on a sight unseen, untested engine. Just because it spins means nothing. It could be a cracked block, missing all the internals, badly overbored, etc etc.

Im not trying to kill the deal, but, its sounds like the best bet is to have someone who really knows engines, specifically pontiac engines, look it over. Otherwise, a road trip is in order for such a high purchase.

Have you at least requested a ton of pics of the engine from all different angles, etc? Have you requested and run the numbers that the seller can provide to verify that it is what he says it is?

Tons of questions..
X2

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Frankyboy428, I think we are talking about the same engine. Not a bad price, just wish it was closer.


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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I agree with the above concern with the unknown. The trip is a little over 11 hours each way, which in my mind would result in at least one night staying some place. I really don't want to spend a full day on the road. You figure 11 hours driving, stopping to eat a couple times, and loading up the engine. It would definitely be over 24 hours to do all of that. Plus, I do not have a good vehicle to haul it back home. I am guessing my best option would be to rent a vehicle, thus requiring a 2 day rental. Once I include gas I will be over a few hundred in the hole with nothing to show.

I have pics and have talked to the seller numerous times. He has given my some reassurance by telling me I can contact him if I am not happy once I receive it. However, I don't know what all that entails if there is an actual problem.

In the end, if the block is crap I can hope the 670 heads are good, the Q-jet is a 73 has value, and all other external parts, crank, and brackets could be sold.

It is a crap shoot, but I think I am going to roll the dice.


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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Originally Posted By garlanka
Funny, I think I have been given that same advice before wovenweb. Still a possibility that I might end up buying them. So far I am not 100% sure I want to pull the trigger on the engine.


LOL, I'm just trying to move inventory!


1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top, auto
1969 GTO Judge coupe, Carousel Red, manual
1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto
1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver), Fire Red, white top, auto
1972 Buick GS Stage 1, Royal Blue, black vinyl top, auto
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Sounds like you would be out the same $ if you went to retrieve it or he just shipped it. 2 days of time is definitely worth something also.


1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top, auto
1969 GTO Judge coupe, Carousel Red, manual
1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto
1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver), Fire Red, white top, auto
1972 Buick GS Stage 1, Royal Blue, black vinyl top, auto
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I agree with woven... Price to have it shipped is close to price to go look I would go look. Pack a lunch stay at rest areas. Shower in the sink at said rest areas. I was a trucker it can be done. I would not trust NO ONES word.... It only spells trouble for you. Good people can be wrong and bad people don't care. Better to be out $200 to look at it than be out $1000 and end up with a boat anchor.

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Did the heads make it to P.O.C.I.?



1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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I agree, it is a scary proposition to take anyone's word in this day and age. This may end up being one of those examples where a person learns things the hard way, me. I wish I knew someone out that way that could look things over for me.
I am still tossing the idea over, working on rates to drive there and back.

Brian, you want to take a road trip?


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,719
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I once had a similar experience and it turned out well. I made arrangements to buy a set of 15 inch Rally II's from another FGF member. He lived north of San Diego and I lived in Phoenix.

My brother lives in So Cal so I sent him to deliver the money and pick up the wheels for me. So I was not there for the actual exchange.

The first time I got to see the wheels in person was at my brother's house several months later during my yearly visit.


2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement
2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered.
2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it)
Old projects, gone but not forgotten:
1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it.
1980 Turbo Trans Am
1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto
1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed
1983 F-150 4x4, built 302
1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,197
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I enjoy hearing a story with a happy ending. Honestly, a person could go look at it, tear it apart, and verify the current bore and still end up with a bad block after having it machined. As Banshee mentioned before, the additional parts should hopefully offset the price if the block is nothing more than a boat anchor.


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,113
Likes: 1
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Originally Posted By garlanka
I agree, it is a scary proposition to take anyone's word in this day and age. This may end up being one of those examples where a person learns things the hard way, me. I wish I knew someone out that way that could look things over for me.
I am still tossing the idea over, working on rates to drive there and back.

Brian, you want to take a road trip?


I just took one! Just got back from POCI. Heads did not go down with me. I think some people were already packing up to go when I was getting down there(11 AM). I could make a trip up to NY on a weekend. If two of us, we could rotate driving and shorten the trip time.


1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top, auto
1969 GTO Judge coupe, Carousel Red, manual
1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto
1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver), Fire Red, white top, auto
1972 Buick GS Stage 1, Royal Blue, black vinyl top, auto
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What does your schedule look like the next couple of weeks? My only issue is getting a truck or something that can haul everything back.


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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Post a ad on uShip and you might get someone to bring to you for $200 or less.


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weekends are clear...I'll just have to mow the lawn during the week.


1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top, auto
1969 GTO Judge coupe, Carousel Red, manual
1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto
1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver), Fire Red, white top, auto
1972 Buick GS Stage 1, Royal Blue, black vinyl top, auto
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Gus, I will see about getting a quote.
Brian, let me see what the seller has to tell me and I will touch base with you.


1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold

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