Sorry for my ignorance on flatheads, but there is a local auction that had this listed for an estate of a farmer. Would love to pick this up if I can get a deal. Here is the details... 270 cam, 3 5/16 Ross pistons, 1.6 intakes manley, ported, relieved, 4 stroke balanced, Elgin water pumps, torque 45, machined by Jon Jamison
It depends on a lot of things, but just by the way you described it I'd say $3,500/4,000. It's a 49/53 block (8BA style) which takes a seperate bellhousing. To put this in perspective, a good "crack free" bare block can be worth $500/600, the merc crank can be worth $350, the Ross pistons are $450, heads are $300/400+, the intake is $200, the two 97 carbs are woth at least $500/700.........we are already at $2300/2800 and then you take into account machine work, new springs/valves/cam/lifters and rings and gaskets.........................just a quick estimate. I'm not sure what you meant about the "torque 45", and have no idea who Jon Jamison is. If he is a famous builder back in your area then the price may go up. Nobody said flatheads were cheap............................ IMHO
Looks to be about 4K in parts and machining there. But I never trust a motor that's been "rebuilt" unless they have every receipt. I can spraypaint a junk old block green and slap some aluminum heads on there too.
Like they said, lots of $ in parts so far. I would be nervous about a lot of money but it could be a good deal too. Ask for receipts, phone number for builder, whatever info they have. See if you could pull the pan and a head and maybe intake to check it out for signs of wear. Very tempting. Are those Sharp heads? Can't tell from the pic.
think ya gotta take the whole scenario into account too - why is this in an estate sale - you know what I mean - should be able to get a scam vibe or whatever from that. Considering, Id limit my bid to the parts only total, figuring worst case it was never rebuilt, and then at least you just bought the parts to build your flathead - my 3.5 cents
I would try to verify the claimed rebuild. Any way you can contact the builder? As unusual the flathead is to rebuild I'm betting he would remember the exact specs. Worth a try if you have time before the auction. Frank
judge the price on the value of the parts youi can see and then roll the dice..hell Id bid on it if I was there,I gotta find one for the pie wagon.good luck holmes
There is a guy in this area that builds flatheads similar to that, his start at $4500. and go up from there. They aren't cheap but that one may go for less if you are the only one looking for that kind of a built flattie.
Why not? Plenty of [expensive] hot rod parts get sold at estate sales when an old fart p***es away. Jamison is a local-ish builder with experience; the rebuild wouldn't have been a fly-by-night krylon job, but no telling what kind of abuse/misuse it's had since then.
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