A fairly recently rebuilt Pontiac 400 engine (manual tranny) from 1966-1970? I may have a lead on a really nice Firebird 400 4 speed that does not have an engine and need to know what I might expect to pay to get her running again. Thanks!
Hi David... as you may expect, there will be a lot of variables to this... so, I'll just tell you my experience with this.
I found a fresh, low miles 73 455 with 6X heads, just needed final assebly (short block) for $700.
You can often find a nice running Pontiac "Big Car" with a nice 400 in it for maybe $500 for the whole car, and still sell some parts on ebay to make some money back to pay for a tranny!
I would think you should be able to find an engine and tranny for $1,000-$1,500 that would get you going and keep you going for some time to come!
Thanks Brett. So do you think that it would be worth buying a car that is straight, rust free and otherwise complete, but needs the engine and intake for $3,500-$4000? To be honest, I don't know squat about engines...this is a new hobby for me and this will be my first classic muscle car...so am I making a mistake trying to piece it together? Also, are Pontiac crate engines worth a darn? and if so, where are some good pontiac crate engine builders?
It's not that hard, as long as you can do some homework, and get things lined up ahead of time (collect all the parts needed, check your list twice type of thing) And or if you know a reasonably good shop, or some friends that can help etc...
I was lucky, I had a mechanic/welder jack of all trades father growing up, and I always paid close attention to what he was doing. So by the age of 3, I was taking my bike apart and putting it back together... and just never stopped working on things since.
Obviously, you would want to get the car as far on the low end as possible. And if all it needs is the motor, you'll be able to find one in no time. Have some of the local guy's help in that search too.
It all depends on what you really want, and what you can afford time wise. If you have the tools, the time, and the money, then you'll find books/manuals and friends that will help with the rest! I'd go with a local motor if you can, the cost of a crate motor so to speak from a national Pontiac Engine Builder would be too much for what you are after. (for me too for that mater)
For me... it's like an escape... just me and the car... and a few beers on a hot summer night! (yes it was almost 90 here last week-end!)
I bought a '69 400 from a guy I met at a swap meet last year. Had around 15,000 mi. on it, #62's, and is really strong. I gave $400 for it, so you don't have to spend big $$$ to get a good one.
Thanks guys...I am still waiting on the pictures of the car from this guy. Supposedly it was owned by some pretty famous body guy in AZ. He did body work on 69 Judge that sold at Barret Jackson for $45,000. This car is one owner, 45k miles, black on black I think. What do you guys think would be best, if I were to buy the car:
1. Try to locate a motor in AZ and have it put in for me there and then transported here?
2. Transport it here then find a motor?
I was thinking 2, but I am not sure if the bank will give me the loan if it doesnt have a motor.
David, if the car is in as nice as it sounds like it should be... then it sounds like a car to go after.
Now on the motor/non motor... try to see if you can get the loan as is... if it's a personal loan, you'll have no problem, but if it's a car loan, you may be right. In that case, then have a few of the guys from AZ try to track down a motor, and or reccomend a shop to have a motor installed etc... and go from there.
Best case would be get the car, get it home, do what you need to do to detail the engine bay etc... then get a motor to drop in, and go that route. But you have to do what you can, with what ever you can do long distance etc...
David , if you can get in contact w Lin Lehman (he lives in Sonoita , South of Tucson), he might be able to help you track down a motor....he`s one of the guys on this site....Il`l email you his email address direct... And as brett said dep. on your loan , you may need or not need a motor... also if you want to drive it back or ship it, its usually more $$ to ship a non driveable car , and some just wont even do it...
I think that the easiest way would be to find someone that I can trust to put in a decent motor in AZ. I still have not gotten pictures from this guy because he is out of town. Hopefully soon though.
Hey Lin...I tried another e-mail account of mine. I have been having a lot of problems withmy web hosting for my two businesses. Driving me mad. let me know if you get this one.
also look in hemmings motor news in the classified section. there are tons of these motors in the junkyards too. i saw a couple for sale here too. if you can get one here you would probly be better off because this is a tight net community of firebird nuts. you also will get bird fever, once you start its a bit*% to stop!
I have all but given up on this guy sending me pictures of the car in AZ. To his defense he sounds pretty busy, driving back and forth from Cali buying GTO's (must be tough hahaha). Furthermore, I am getting pretty frustrated trying to find a car. There seems to be a million 67/68 400's out there, but either they are automatics or out of my price range. Trying to be patient, but its tough when you dont have a car at all (i live 3 miles from my business though). Maybe i should go to a fortune teller and ask her if I will indeed ever find this fabled 67/68 Firebird 400 coupe 4 speed that is less than $6500
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