Value of a running 8ba

Hello,

I'm not too pleased with my flathead. I want something a little more stout, and something a little more cost effective. Parts cost way too much for flatheads and I don't get much juice for that squeeze. I am planning on replacing it with an SBC (yea I know same ole same ole). I'd like to get an idea of what I could get/ask for the 8ba that's in there at the moment.

It's a 49 8ba with aluminum offy heads, a fenton dual carb intake and two stromberg 97's (new generation). I have a mallory distributor on it, truck water pumps, fenton headers, mercury timing cover and it's bored 30 over. I'd throw in the radiator too. Starts and runs just fine. They guy I bought it from said it had about 600 miles on the rebuild, I've put another 300 miles on it or so. I've checked compression and everything is pretty uniform at about 110. No combustion in the radiator using a block tester kit.

Any idea what could get for it?

Thanks

 

Here is a pic

 

I’d take a chance on it for 1200 without the jewelry.
The attachments alone including the generator and carbs could be in the
Area of another 1500 easy.
If I seen it in action, that would be a bonus.

 

Thanks PeteJoe, much appreciated.

 

A couple of questions. What kind of performance were you expecting? When you bought this engine with 600 miles on it, did the guy you bought it from tell you what jets were in the '97s? Is it jetted properly for the altitude you're at? If your reason for getting rid of it is it's not up to the performance of a modern day engine, then do with it what you will. I just can't see giving up on something that runs as it should.

 

I re jetted the carbs and threw in new power valves as well. I have 4 kids and wife and want something I can drive anywhere. The motor just doesn't have the "pep" I'd like.

Not trying to get into why I should keep the flathead. Just trying to understand what something like this is worth.

Thanks!

 

Around me I'd consider 3k for it a damn good deal complete... Just mho. I've seen guys around here asking that much for non rebuilt stock running engines...

 

Thanks 210! Getting an idea of what I should ask for it. I appreciate the feedback guys.

 

yes, I would say 2500. complete. so you do have a pretty good idea.

I would pay that for it, if it were in NJ. Last good motor I bought wo the trimmings was 850.

 

Hello Dan,
I'm interested in purchasing the 8BA.
Please contact me. Thank you.
Marty
773-four-nine-zero-9747

 

What transmission were you using with it? I'm just curious. I have an 8BA that I put in a 31 roadster with a late 40's open drive pickup top loader and I hated it and wanted to go back to a small block Chevy but I recently I swapped out the old tranny for an s10 T5 five speed. It drives like a whole different car. If you have friend with flatheads, you might want to ride in your car and determine if you really want to change.