65 425 LX 2X4 Motor

[cwmcobra]

I have found one of these available.  It is said to be complete except for the air cleaner.  What do you guys think it is worth if it is clean?  I've never shopped motors before, so don't want to get taken to the cleaners!

I will appreciate your insights.  Thanks a bunch!

Chuck

[Loren At 65GS]

Chuck,

  Price would depend upon the condition. 

First off, it most likely has the wrong oil pan, oil pick up tube, and the wrong oil dip stick, to fit into a GS.

How complete is the engine? What are the carb numbers?  Need to know a lot more.

A bare buildable long block LX engine may be worth $1K?  I really don't know for sure.

If it needs a rebuild, you can count on a minimum of $3500 going into it.

  Loren

[wheelz]

FWIW ~ 2 years ago, a fello contact me thru a V8 member who was told I had a complete LX code motor, and he was correct.  He purchased a 66 GS vert 4 speed from Southern California motorless and wanted MY motor some'n fierce!!   It was complete, removed from a GS Rivi. 
This fello "hammered' me almost daily for weeks to give him a price.  This motor had A/C brackets, ribbed valve covers, 2x4 air cleaner, original carbs, orignal dist... and yes the incorrect oil pan etc...  however, after several attempts to say "NO" to this guy, he threw a $5800 offer at me PLUS he paid me to build a crate and ship the motor... I included correct 65-66 GS exhaust manifolds and motor mounts so his final bill was over $6700.

Just say'n there is always an opportunity to sell these motors, and maybe mine was the 'exception' not the rule, nevertheless, SOMEONE is always look'n!

Wheelz, Tampa Bay



 

[cwmcobra]

Thanks guys.  I have only talked to the seller on the phone, so haven't seen the condition of the motor.  He did say the block and heads are in storage separately, so it's not assembled.  It has the Buick script valve covers and complete 2X4 setup, minus the air cleaner (which I already have).  The carbs are correct for a 65 2X4 auto Riviera - 3925 and 3645.  My carbs are from a 64 Riviera auto - 3645 and 3646.  Also has manual flywheel, pressure plate, bellhousing, etc.  I plan to visit him some time in the next week or so to get a better feel for what he's got.  His first price offer is $3000.  I'm confident I can reduce that a bit, but you are helping me to understand better what a fair price would be. 

My thought was that since my 65 401 2X4 motor is not numbers matching, why not drop in the 425 if I can do it for a reasonable price.  Would that lessen the value of the car when it is finished?  And, of course, I'd have to get a feel for what the 401 2X4 engine would be worth to offset the cost of the 425.  That $3500 cost to rebuild gives me pause, however.  I thought I'd have to rebuild the 401 anyway, but I do have 0.030" over pistons, crank and rod bearings and rear main seal for the 401 so unless I could sell those for what I'd have to pay for the 425 parts, it would be more costly to switch to the 425.

Am I nuts????

Chuck

[Brian]

I am interested in buying the manual transmission flywheel and bellhousing if you buy the engine and don't need those items.

[cwmcobra]

I am interested in buying the manual transmission flywheel and bellhousing if you buy the engine and don't need those items.

I'll keep you posted Brian.  I plan to spend a fair amount of time to understand all the parts that he has.  Whatever I'm not needing, I'll try to summarize for the rest of you.  It won't be for a week or so......

Am I correct that the flywheel and bellhousing from a 425 LX is the same as for a GS 401 motor?  Or are they different?

Chuck

[Brian]

If the bellhousing is original to the engine, then no, it is different.  Same for the flywheel.   Bellhousing for a big car (Wildcat) is only 1/2 round and the bottom half is a sheet metal cover.   The flywheel from a Wildcat is also different--it is heavier.  Flywheel is easy to spot if from a wildcat since it has a raised lip around the edge and the pressure plate is recessed in it.    I am interested in the flywheel and housing if it is for a GS.  The big car one is not of any use to me, but will be easy for you to sell since very rare.  Since the engine has the automatic rear carb with it like you stated, my guess is someone found the flywheel and housing to go with the engine and it is most likely from a GS.