Value of a running 460 from '77 XLT?

[GTWilliams]

If I buy a rebuilt 460, I'm wondering what is an approximate value for my 460? It's from my '77 XLT. It runs great with 80k miles. Seems like $300 for a core is bad deal for a good motor.
Also, what are pros and cons of buying a re-built vs having my own rebuilt?

[Heirloom]

If you are buying one from the same shop you would have build yours, there is no reason to have yours done unless it's the original numbers matching engine and you want to keep it that way. If you are talking about buying a reman from Autozone or something, I can't speak for the quality. But I have always preferred having an engine built buy a shop or by myself over dealing with a mail order or parts store reman unit. The one and only time I bought one, it had rod bearing issues. Value depends on market. $300 as a core would be low if it still had good life in it. Might be able to get between $500 & $750. Again, it really depends on the market and who's shopping that day.

Good luck!

[GTWilliams]

That was very helpful. Is the price I get for the core sometimes negotiable? You kinda implied it was.

I asked a local machine shop "What's usually cheaper: buying a motor from you or having you re-build mine?" The guy said on average it comes out to the same (which makes sense). But he also said if they rebuild mine and find out certain things are OK, that option could be $100s cheaper.

Does this sound about right?

[Heirloom]

I've never found a negotiable core price.

Yes, the shop guy is correct. Your specific engine may not need some things. For instance you might not need to have the block bored, only a good hone and rings. That would save $100'ssss on machining, labor, and new pistons. Won't know until it's apart.

[GTWilliams]

One Guys Opinion on Rebuild Yourself or Replace. Worth watching! The commenters mostly like to re-build themselves but have the tools and experience. But some take the chance on only repairing some things. That's risky. I would go all the way. If engine is getting pulled, I want everything checked...and get a warranty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWjF56tFzRg

[GTWilliams]

Josh, I just posted a new topic "Engine: Rebuild Yurself or Replace." Please consider copying and pasting your comments into new thread. They were very helpful!

[Heirloom]

What I meant on the core price I didn't convey well. $300 is a pretty standard core price. However, if the engine was still useable and you could sell it for more than $300, then the core price is low as compared to used engine value. Sell the engine and pay the core and be a little more money ahead towards a rebuilt/reman.

I've built enough engines to know when I NEED to do something and when I don't. Until you're familiar enough with engines you probably shouldn't pick and choose what gets done. That easily leads to the wallet making the decisions, and disaster ensues.

[GTWilliams]

That's good advice. Especially for someone like me with limited mechanical skills. That's exactly why I was asking about the value of a working engine.

[BobbyFord]

FWIW, I bought a running 429 with C9 heads out of a 69 Marquis with 80,000 miles for $400.