[70oldgoat]

I am looking at a rebuilt 455 engine from an estate. No paperwork RE what was done to the engine. The guy was a hot rod who did the rebuild. Nobody seems to know what he did to the engine. It sets on an engine stand. Holly intake. Dugs Headers.

Casting Number: 485428.
Casting Date: H101 = AUG 19 1971.
Engine Build Code: YH. According to research, YH is a 2 barrel carb., 185 HP ?
VIN stamp: 22P310436. Pontiac, 1972, Pontiac Plant?

Heads are "6X" . Research is these heads are later?

I realize this thing as it sets is a "boat anchor", but if the block is OK does anyone want to make a stab at the value?

[David Jones]

Does it turn?

[70oldgoat]

Yes.

Setting on an engine stand. I do not know how long since rebuild. It was never installed in a car. Never started after rebuild.

[TCSGTO]

If is was selling I want to get at least $1500 maybe closer to $2000. If I was buying less than $1000.

[steve25]

That’s a good block.
It’s tapped for four bolt mains, but has two caps and it has a 3/4 length windage tray.
Hopefully the heads are they -4 version of the 6X line of heads with some 93 CCs of chamber volume.

These parts make for a easy 9 to 1 compression and 400 hp, maybe even a tad more!

If you get to pull the valve covers and find that it still has the stock rocker studs with the factory jam nuts them I would say it’s safe to assume that it’s more or less a stock rebuild with cast rods and just a Cam stuffed in it.

If it spins over with no tight spots with the plugs out and with no parts documents I would offer no more then 1200 for it.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Knowledging bulder: Dougs, 6X for pumpgas. Probably forged rods, pistons, and Billet crank.

[b-man]

No paperwork equals low value.

You have no idea what went into build or who did the machine work and assembly.

For a grand you can’t get hurt, with a nice set of headers hanging on it and a decent intake maybe $1200 to $1500.

It might have $3500 to $5000 invested in it but no way to know so again nobody with any sense will pay very much for it.

[John Milner]

I bought one that sounds very similar at an auction about 2 years ago. Was told it was bored out, new pistons, rings and bearings and had never been fired. But there was no paperwork. Had an edelbrock Victor intake on it and a big solid lift cam. I won it at the auction for $800. Turned around and sold the intake and cam/lifters for around $500. Just to be safe, I tore the engine down and cleaned/reassembled everything and ended up with a very cheap and very nice 455 that I currently run in one of my cars. Try to get it as cheap as possible and buy what you can see.

[carcrazy]

Since there are several "unknowns," I'd be offering the perceived value of the block, headers, carb, intake. Like others have said $1000-$1500. Won't get hurt too bad if it doesn't work out.

[geeteeohguy]

Originally Posted by b-man

No paperwork equals low value.

You have no idea what went into build or who did the machine work and assembly.

For a grand you can’t get hurt, with a nice set of headers hanging on it and a decent intake maybe $1200 to $1500.

It might have $3500 to $5000 invested in it but no way to know so again nobody with any sense will pay very much for it.

THIS^^^^^. 100%.

[grivera]

Can you get permission to remove oil pan and get a look at the rods/ bottom of pistons?

[grandam1979]

It’s well over a $1000 as all cores. Meaning you couldn’t buy the parts to build it for a $1000 dollars.

[70oldgoat]

Update,

FYI.

This was an estate auction. I did not get the engine. It sold for an even $3,000.

Thanks to all for your input to this thread.

[ponyakr]

Originally Posted by TCSGTO

If is was selling I want to get at least $1500 maybe closer to $2000. If I was buying less than $1000.

Yeah, that's the problem I've always had when trying to sell Pontiac engines.

Everybody wants a super bargain price, so they can turn a profit, if they decide to resell.

Don't really matter if they KNOW it has H-beam rods, forged pistons, SS valves, & other good parts. Don't even matter if they can hear it run.

The ONLY thing that seems to matter, for MOST, is that it MUST have a really low price.

AND, after they buy it for that low price, then they brag to others about what a great deal they got.

Makes me wanna just keep my stuff, rather than deal with the bargain hunters.

I know that I've paid more than I should have, for some stuff. But, if I have the money to spend & find something I want, I buy it. Haven't found very many in the Pontiac community that will do that.

Hey, if I had LOTS of money to spend, I'd buy quite a few Pontiac cars & parts, even if the prices were a bit more than they should be. But, there are Pontiac guys who do have plenty of money to spend & still won't buy unless it's a bargain.

That's just my opinion. Everybody has a right to their's.

[Cliff R]

$3000? Sounds like they had someone in the croud "boosting" the auction. It happens ALL THE TIME and why I quit going to auctions at least a decade ago........

[TCSGTO]

Man, I guess we all underestimated the 455 market. They are getting harder to find every year.

[ponyakr]

"...It sold for an even $3,000..."

I'll take $3000 for mine.

It has H-beam rods, forged pistons, 6x-8 heads with SS valves, CC roller tip rockers, Crane Kool Nuts, a Chinese single plane intake, & your choice of a 795cfm Edelbrock Q-jet or a 750 vac sec Holley. It was built by a long time PY member.

Has never been on the track. Only made a couple of blasts on a country road. It's still in my '80 Bird. Only thing I know of that's wrong with it is a rear main seal leak.

Have not had a single offer on it or the car, not even as a bare roller. I reckin I just live in the wrong part of the country, where there is no market for Pontiac stuff. .

[Mister Pontiac]

Originally Posted by ponyakr

I know that I've paid more than I should have, for some stuff. But, if I have the money to spend & find something I want, I buy it. Haven't found very many in the Pontiac community that will do that.

Hey, if I had LOTS of money to spend, I'd buy quite a few Pontiac cars & parts, even if the prices were a bit more than they should be...

You're in good company, Ponyakr. I'm not afraid to pay a little more if it's something I really want or need. I don't buy big stuff that often, so when I do, it's mainly about whether I want it or not. At that point, price is secondary.

I bought an (unknown) long block 455 a decade ago for $2,000, simply for a casting date (my birthday). I knew it was worth less, and casting dates mean little to some, but for me this one was unbelievable. I never thought I would have a Pontiac engine cast the same day as me.

I still have that engine, and it will be with me forever. Paying a little extra once in awhile for something you really want is fine.

[SIX8YAK]

Originally Posted by ponyakr

"...It sold for an even $3,000..."

I'll take $3000 for mine.

How fast would you pull it out if someone was interested?

[HO Kenny]

His Friends could have been in the auction and either knew what was in it or wanted to help out the family.

I was at an auction once where a bidder came with a chain and locked the hood closed when he won. He had a big smile on his face.