Topic: 289 Hipo Value

[ceswert]

I am looking at a 289 Hipo short block, casting# C5AE6015-E , K code vin, that came out of a 66 Mustang GT fastback. Assuming the block is in OK condition but needs to be restored what would you consider a fair value to be? I know this question is hard to answer and I should do my own research but I thought I'd put it out there anyway. Appreciated all of the help.

[CharlesTurner]

Short block, meaning block with rotating assembly and cylinder heads?  Probably easier to price as individual parts...

K-heads: $500-1500/pr
K main caps: $500-800
K crank : $250-500
K rods: $250-500
K timing parts: $100
K harmonic balancer: $350-600

Bare block with original K code VIN: $500 or maybe $1k if from a San Jose fastback

So, figure range of $2-5k

[jwc66k]

What's the VIN? You can XXX out the last three numbers if necessary. If it's complete, I would like to cross post the VIN on the HiPo forum.
Jim

[ceswert]

VIN#6F09K2111, 88 or 99-hard to see the last two digits.

[ceswert]

Thanks. No heads. So restoring the short block would add another $2-3m?

[CharlesTurner]

Thanks. No heads. So restoring the short block would add another $2-3m?

Are you asking what it would cost to rebuild the short block?  Lots of factors and options going down that path... I'd say you could easily spend $2500 or more depending on what is required and needing to be done.  Very important to spin balance the rotating assembly.  The shop I use asks for the flywheel, harmonic balancer to do this.  Also, consider if the block needs to be bored, if you want to sleeve it back to std. bore, typically can cost as much to over-bore 8 cylinders as it does to insert just one sleeve.

[ceswert]

OK thanks for that. It currently is not sleeved. I believe he has taken the same steps as your guy. He did have to purchase an original crank. The short block is essentially done less some assembly and blue printing. All parts replaced and there are only a few, are strictly NOS. It's very clean and very original. The build date is late July. He checked the VINs and they are clean. I would like to make an offer but I don't want to kill myself. If he wants too much, whatever that might be, I will see if negotiation is in the cards. If not, I will stop and watch what unfolds. I know these true Hipo's are getting pretty scarce. So maybe a somewhat realistic price would range between $7m-$10m?

[CharlesTurner]

For just the short-block, I would think something around $5k would be reasonable.  You have to look at it purely from a parts value and cost of machine work perspective.  It's nice that it's an original K block, but you have to remind yourself that you could build an identical block with K internal components.  There is nothing that we know of that is unique to a K 289 block other than a VIN stamping.

[ceswert]

OK. Stupid question. This K short block is built to Shelby specs with all original Shelby parts. How about then?

[CharlesTurner]

OK. Stupid question. This K short block is built to Shelby specs with all original Shelby parts. How about then?

Same approach, look at it from how much the individual parts are worth.  Most likely, though, the parts are actually worth more individually than assembled on an engine.

IMHO, the only time an engine has more value than it's individual parts is when it has a unique history or can be matched as original to a car.

[J_Speegle]

OK. Stupid question. This K short block is built to Shelby specs with all original Shelby parts. How about then?

"K short block is built to Shelby specs" is the same as any other K code during that period Shelby didn't take the engine apart (short block) and there are no "all original Shelby parts in that assembly " - just regular K code parts if we're taking just a short block.


IMHO someone is pushing the hype -

[ceswert]

Many thanks to everyone. It's amazing how much knowledge there is on this site! You guys are awesome!!