[just501]

Looking at a 68 wz 400 with fresh rebuild which would be date and code correct for my car, but wondering what a good price would be on it. Also, I have a 400 for the car which will need rebuilt, but is not correct to my car.

With the vin being different, will the code and date correct engine add any value to the car? Estimates on how much value it will add (nearly restored)?

Thanks,
Justin

[John V.]

Reasonable cast dates and Engine Code being correct does not add as much value in my opinion as having all the components be p/n correct.

In other words, I would rather have an engine with the wrong Engine Code and impossible Cast Date as long as the Intake, Exhaust Manifolds, Dist., Heads, Timing Chain Cover, Starter Motor, Bellhousing, etc., plus all Accessories, Pulleys, and Bracketry, Carb, Air Cleaner, etc. were correct for the car.

If the Engine in question is first and foremost "correct" in all those respects AND has a good cast date and proper Engine Code all the better.

JMO. Consider that it is difficult to be choosy so if you have the opportunity to get an Engine that is close to factory correct, and YOU are aiming for your car to BE factory correct to the extent possible, don't pass it up.

Trying to second guess what a future buyer might prefer to have and what will add value in his eyes is a fool's game.

All else being equal (in terms of correct nos. and components), I don't think having a Block with a reasonable cast date and Engine Code will add any appraised value to a '68 'bird if the partial VIN is mismatched anyway. If your engine is already very factory correct but has the wrong Engine Code and/or cast date for your car, changing to a Block with "better" codes will get you nowhere.

That said, be aware that many top restorations will take a reasonable cast date Block and restamp the codes and nos., including partial VIN to suit. Many hobbyists frown on the practice. Doesn't matter, it is being done. Doesn't "ruin" the hobby in my opinion any more than using repro seat covers to replace worn originals ruins it. In that case, the Block cast date is most important (and even then, judicious use of a brazing rod can "correct" the cast date to suit), all else can be ground off and restamped.

Consequently, I consider it foolish to pay a lot for a Block just because it is stamped with a "rare" or "desirable" Engine Code. Such a code could have been stamped 40 minutes ago in somebody's garage, rather than 40 years ago in the Pontiac, Mich Engine Assembly Plant. How would you know?

A smart buyer will consider the overall quality of the car and resto, not get hung up on "matching nos." for the Block. Again, JMO.

[fyrebird68]

I've never understood the preference some people have for "year-correct" but not number-matching block. It either matches or it doesn't. "Close to matching" seems a little contrived.

My view is if your car is going to have an incorrect block it might as well be one that performs well, one that you like, one that you can afford or one that is already in the car.