What's this 401 worth?

Discussion in ''Da Nailhead' started by CameoInvicta, Apr 27, 2011.

  1. CameoInvicta

    CameoInvicta Well-Known Member

  2. JZRIV

    JZRIV Platinum Level Contributor

    I'd look real close at those bores. Make sure its never been bored and check how extensive the rust and/or other damage is on the bores. If theres a chance it won't clean up at .030 over I'd be less inclined to make an offer. Looks pretty ugly in the pics. might be uglier in person.
    If on the other hand everything looks serviceable, bores would clean up at .030, no other obvious signs of damage to the block or heads, his asking price is in the ballpark although maybe a bit high just because it looks soooo bad. Since its a 64-66 and will accept the later switch pitch 400 tranny that makes it more sought after

    There are people out there that don't have connections to the Buick community like we do that would pay his asking price no problem to stick it in their hot or rat Rod.
     
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2011
  3. cjp69

    cjp69 Gold Level Contributor

    I would have guessed $100 or less.

    I have a running 401 in my 61 Invicta that I would probably sell for what that guy is asking for his.
     
  4. CameoInvicta

    CameoInvicta Well-Known Member

    Thanks guys!
     
  5. John Codman

    John Codman Platinum Level Contributor

    I gotta disagree with the above. If it's a usable 425 with the quadrajet intake manifold, i would think it's worth $395. if it were (a lot) closer, I would buy it.
     
  6. CameoInvicta

    CameoInvicta Well-Known Member

    John, it's a 401 according to the guy, and it looks like a square bore Rochester to my eyes (casting number points to '63 425 for the intake).

    I've been corresponding with the guy, might end up with it if he takes my offer. I really don't need a motor so I'm playing hard to get, maybe he'll bite.
     
  7. nailheadnut

    nailheadnut Riviera addict

    Have the seller tell you what the two letter code is on the passenger's side of the block in front of the valley cover. You can't really trust casting numbers. Lots of machining makes one casting number into many different part numbers. Plus bolt ons like intake and exhaust manifolds are just that - bolt ons.

    Ed
     
  8. CameoInvicta

    CameoInvicta Well-Known Member

    Well, for anyone in the Tampa Bay area, the motor is still available. I talked the guy down to $150, AND then realized after I packed up all my stuff from college that I had no room in the bed of my truck. Thought I'd pass the info along in case anyone in FL is interested...
     
  9. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    You beat the guy down to $150, he agreed and then you told him you didnt want it? Thats awesome! :laugh:
     
  10. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    One step better, would have been; to take some of the stuff off the truck in an even trade!
     
  11. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    True story and pretty funny too-

    The guy I worked with wanted a 70-73 Camaro in the worst way. He eventually found one on Ebay in Hazelton, Pa and was the winning bidder at 12,500. He asked me if i would go with him to check it out and trailer it home. No problemo! Hooked up the trailer and we were off.

    We get to the guys house and I start looking over the car to make sure it was how it was described. It was a nice car overall, but needed a few things taken care of (dont they all?) But not a bad deal for 12,500. Fresh paint, stripes, Cragars, a 350 witha 4 speed M21. Car was done. Naturally, I open the Jay Cook playbook and start ripping this car to shreds. Then I start pounding him on the price. This guy was taking shots! By the time I was done, he was ready to assume the fetal position. I wind up beating the poor guy down to 7500 from 12,500. I really must of sounded like a dick, but I was representing my friend. Thew seller had the pen in his hand and was ready to sign it over! I was even impressed with myself. The car was a smoking deal for 7500 even with its issues.

    My buddy turns to me and says that he doesnt want the car now because I uncovered all these problems and its a POS! :Dou: I was so convincing, I convinced the buyer too! After all that, he told the guy to screw off. :laugh: I did a faceplant. We actually went home without the car. I think the seller went back in his house and screamed or hung himself! :pp
     
  12. CameoInvicta

    CameoInvicta Well-Known Member

    I felt dumb after the fact. Didn't reallze how much crap I had accumulated over the course of 8 months. Oh well, LOL! :laugh:
     
  13. CameoInvicta

    CameoInvicta Well-Known Member

    Haha!!! Sounds like a typical Jay Cook beatdown! :grin:
     
  14. John Codman

    John Codman Platinum Level Contributor

    The reason I mentioned 425 was that my 425 came out of a '66 Electra. I don't know whether the 425 was an option, or was standard in the Electras. Perhaps the engine began life under the hood of something else?
     
  15. JZRIV

    JZRIV Platinum Level Contributor

    John,
    I made the same mistake in another post assuming all 66 Electras had the 425 like was the case with the Riviera. But as I was informed, the 425 was in fact optional on the Electra.
     
  16. tysongross

    tysongross Well-Known Member

  17. nailheadnut

    nailheadnut Riviera addict

    John,

    You should be able to tell the model from which your engine came by looking at the numbers on the driver's side of the valley pan surface - opposite the MW ("66 - 425) - by looking that this info which is in the '66 chassis manual.

    Ed
     

    Attached Files:

  18. invicted61

    invicted61 Member


    Chris I would give you his asking price for your running 401!!:pray:
     

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