What's a Latham supercharger worth?

Need some advice from the pro's. I've checked past threads and can't seem to find out what these things are worth. A guy i know tells me he wants to sell his SBC Latham supercharger with all pulleys, idler, manifold and 4 side draft Corvette carbs. He's never run it but has had it for many years after buying it from an estate so i suspect it's a fairly low time piece. I think he's going to ask around $2000. I was thinking on running it on a 32 roadster with a 383 SBC I have. Any thoughts pro or con would be really appreciated.

 

Where's Uncle Scooby, Latham blower expert?

$2k sounds like a steal for a nice complete virgin Latham setup

 

damn I'd jump on that.. The last one I saw was around $3500. I had a Latham boost guage at one time, I sure wish I knew where it got off too..

 

a complete set up sold on gaybay yesterday for $2225

 

The one that sold on ebay yesterday was a California model. It sounds like the one you are talking about is a Florida style which is one of the originals. You should be on that like death on a freeway. An excellent deal if you can get it for $2000.

 

Buy it Bill...better deal than the Bonneville pith helmet you got from me last week. Even if you don't use it, you should be able to flip it and double your investment.

 

That's a good deal if it's truly all there. The big pulley and the belt are nearly impossible to find separately and most units for sale are very incomplete. Everything else can be made fairly easily. Given the current economy, people aren't spending that much money right now but the rare stuff is still selling. I saw someone asking $20k for a turbonique drag axle this week and it will probably sell. Makes me wish I had mine back. I've become a big believer that on the truly rare stuff, you never pay too much, you just buy too early. That being said, I've sold several complete Lathams for $3500-ish. I think you should keep it and run it. They make a whine like nothing else.

 

Thanks guys..I'm going to pursue this deal. I'm thinking that the blower might be tight lengthwise for the 32. Hey Rich, not to worry, I plan to ride up to Bonneville next year like this year in my buddy's tub. With the helmet I'll look like a real "old salt". Bill

 

That is an outstanding deal! I have a complete original setup sitting here next to the computer and have offered it at $7500, and I think that is too low of an asking price.

 

there was one in the swapmeet at the hot rod reunion.

 

[That is an outstanding deal! I have a complete original setup sitting here next to the computer and have offered it at $7500, and I think that is too low of an asking price.] Man..is my mouth getting dry! With my luck he's been reading this post!!
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Bill.........So, did you get it?

 

I traded what is now a rare Latham 2 Carb for my current 4 carb model. I'm holding onto the 4 carb. I'm thinking it's (4 carb) worth $3500 to $4000. Mine is for a Y Block with all adapters & pulleys. I sent Pic's to MOJO for his model build. I'm not sure what engine i'm putting it onto since I sold the 57 312 E motor. Maybe a 406 FE or a 327 SBC either will be in a 60 vette g***er style. I've already converted the Crank pulley to fit a newer vibration damper.

I do think mine is unused because it's spotless with no damages or signs of excessive grease. Spins about 10 rev's with just an easy hand spin.

If you can get one for the $2000 range & can afford to sit on it, it's better than stocks/bonds or our devalued US $. I got mine at a swap for $250 in 1977.

As far as length. the snout/pulley is all forward of the Carb mount so it easily fit's in front of a rear chev dizzy. I'm going to remount mine with a custom homebuilt manifold & a intermediate shaft to shift it back to the middle of the engine. My hard find is a set of bearings that will spin at 20,000+ RPM. on the intermediate shaft. The pulley is approx 6 to 1 overdriven. 6000 RPM crankX6 = 36000 RPM. That's why UncleScooby said WHINE.

Movin/on

 

"Bill.........So, did you get it?"... I intend to. Our sprint car season is over this weekend and I'll have time and $ to pursue it. Can't thank all you guys enough for the advice. It really helped. I'll post some pics when it's in the garage.
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OK I got it! Actually for a chunk of change less than I originally thought. Complete except for belt. 4 early corvette side drafts. Tag says Model no. 14-A, serial no. 1186, West Palm Beach Fla. Now to take it apart, at least partially and learn. He may have some literature on it which he'll send next week. Hope so. Now I've got to decide whether to run it, sell it or just stare at it on the shelf. I'll post pics shortly. Thanks again guys.

 

Could you post some pics for those of us who are ignorant of it's looks?

 

I'll go out and take one. I was waiting to clean the dust off but what the heck.

 

That's not dust- it's patina!!!

 

A few pics..

 

That there is some purdy supercharger!

 

A good bearing company can find replacements for about $90.00 ea. 2 required.

 

Do you mean if I need them? Not quite sure of what you mean. Thanks though.

 

The model, such as the one you have, sold on ebay last week for $3025.00. It was for a SBC and was complete.

 

Hell yeah, that's a sweet piece, well done, kinda surprised you took so long on it, think i'd a bought first n asked laters, lol, good onya mate!

 

I hate you...I want it...j/k

Great score man.

 

looked at one last year for my y-block it was complete plus completely junk, "fins" inside gone, wanted $1500 for it.

 

I just did one on a 56 Tbird (57?) with the 312 motor. Runs great, cylinders all show nice even color, runs cool a slight chirp of the belt when it starts but for all that it is a nice piece. Very smooth power. Congratulations.

 

Congrats Bill...It looks like it's brand spanking new, even though it's 50+ years old.

 

Thanks Rich..Guess I'm committed to the SBC now! Oh well after 10 flathead cars, (actually all my hot rods) it's time to try something "new"!

 

I've read that Latham only built around 600 of these Fla. models and stopped in 65. mine is numbered 1186. Did they start numbering at 1000? Have picked up 4 kits for the YH carbs. Fun project.