Gents! I need your expert opinions on this. I have the chance to purchase a 83 Regal with a '69 430 already installed in it. Looked at car last night. Pretty decent shape for a 28 year old car. Body and interior is probably a 7 out of 10. Car runs well. Thought it would have a little more power but I am used to my 700 horse GN. :TU: Tranny and carb were just rebuilt too. no spitting or sputtering at all. Not sure what gears are in it. Person is asking $2,500 for the car. I have been around G-Bodies for a while and I was thinking more along the lines of like $1600-$1800 range. Is the 430 that much of a desired motor that the car is worth $2,500? Thoughts and comments greatly appreciated! Chris
I think the 430 is good enough to get the car moving and a great platform to start your 455 conversion. just a thought. $2500 is a good price if the body is in excellent shape. At least for here in Michigan. $1500-$1800 is more like a good deal.
For a good running, decent looking G-body w/anything bigger than a 305 or 307 under the hood, I think that's a very good price.
Thanks guys! I need to take the wife to look at the car now and see what her thoughts are. I will keep you posted. Chris
$2500 is dirt cheap, id jump all over it. Make sure you check how the frame is at the back. They like to rust where the rear upper control arms bolt on. Check to see rott at the bottom of the doors, and cowl area. Feel for moisture on the driver side front floor and iff all these check out the car is nice! I had a chance to buy a rebuilt 455/Th400 85 cutlass, the body needed work, the paint was old and the quarters had bubbling. He was asking 4.5k, and i thought that was a steal.
Chris, that is a very good price. I paid $4400 in 2003 for a 87 with a 462/4 speed/non posi off of this board.
Just do a good old fashioned compare and contrast on craigslist or ebay. Sounds like a deal, but, hot rods are WAAAAAY cheaper in this economy.