427 blocks

[Katz427]

I posted back  a few months about a 427 I bought at an "estate sale". The block was sleeved poorly and a couple of other issues. I have been searching and found several but the prices approached a new block from BBM. So now I have located a nice C4 block real clean ..nice water jackets, no damage from blowups, But sleeved all 8 holes looks done correctly with a step and does not look like they hit water anywhere. I also found another C4 block with std bore but no inspection for cracks. Lastly I found a marine block center oiler honed to .030 now and should clean up nice at .037. A clean block in the water jackets and supposedly passed inspection.
I offered $1500 for the sleeved block but got no reply. I also offered $1500 for the marine block. The C4 block is a shot in the dark with no inspection for cracks but should clean up nice at 4.25 or a little more, this one started at $2500, so I walked.
Am I off on my prices? I fiqure a nice block that has been inspected maybe worth $2000 and more if a side oiler and not bored to the limits. Nobody gives a warranty on a used block if it turns out to be problem.

[e philpott]

save up a little more and avoid all the headaches  ...... I just pulled the trigger on a BBM block , it's hard to run these 45/50 year old blocks and not expect something happening .... A block with 8 sleeves sounds like it's life has already exceeded expectation

[garyv]

Katz by the time you pay $2000 or more for a questionable block, have it checked out, then have all the machine work
done to make it usable you could almost buy a new BBM block and eliminate a bunch of headaches. The new block will
still need some work done but when you get done with it you won't have to worry about it.
Hard to beat a BBM block for the price.
My 2 cents
good luck on whatever you decide.
garyv 

[Joe-JDC]

A Question:  Would you rather have a worn out block that might be able to go to 4.280" bore or a new block that can be bored to 4.440" and still be strong?  Joe-JDC

[chris401]

Your about right for what I have seen in this area lately. There was an $1800 bare .030 C7 that was on cl for week. And another bare .060 for $1100 for a couple of days. Both looked like they had been sitting for a while.

[Katz427]

Thanks for the replies to all. I guess because I have seen these blocks sitting in garages I kind of have a desire to bring one home and bring it back to life. But I agree a new block makes most sense. I was lucky to get $500 for the old block considering the problems. It seems everyone who has purchased a BBM block has been very satisfied. I'm sold.

[fekbmax]

I think the prices you offered were very fair considering they still Needed to have the work done. The after market block would for sure be your best bet if it's within you're budget  . You have little choices with the 27 stuff. Now me, I always use the smaller bore stuff so I can make about any old garden block work.

[Katz427]

I am kinda locked in on a 427 as the heads on my original purchase were a pair of tunnelports. The heads checked out ..no cracks and seats and all in good shape. Kinda surprising for what was an oval track motor in a past life. So I would like to use them, but a new pair of Survival or BBM heads are probably way better all around. A friend said just buy a 427 windsor, but ..but I really want an FE. The plan to repower my 1966 galaxie.

[fekbmax]

That sounds awesome. I'd for sure use the tunnel ports if you can come up with all the parts and pieces. Good luck and keep us posted. . By all means, the galaxie deserves an FE .

[Nightmist66]

Windsors are a dime a dozen. I second the FE. 

[garyv]

If you already have a good set of heads and an intake there is
no reason to not built a Tunnel Port.
Nothing like old iron making HP.

garyv

[e philpott]

BBM block and your tunnel port heads .... that way you can go out and beat on it and not hurt anything ..... keep the old blocks for the show queens , I don't want anything sleeved , welded or thin ...... it cost a little more at the beginning but saves a lot in the long run