+8
sandyvan
pan58head
Scott
jrinaman
jrdunn96
vanner68
savage
ac95
12 posters
Worth saving?
ac95- Number of posts : 40
Location : Los Angeles
Registration date : 2015-03-16
- Post n°1
Worth saving?
My 67 108” Panel is in need of a new engine. Still haven’t received the mechanics estimate, but I’m but I know it won’t be cheap. My question is: Where would you draw the line at? I love my van, but I have to look at it as an investment. Is it worth fixing? Or am I better off selling the van As Is and moving on to another project? The van came stock with a 283 V8, and it currently has a 305. The van is rust free, Original, pretty straight, and isn’t all hacked up on the inside. Everyone’s input is appreciated.
savage- Number of posts : 2625
Location : Where Rust Never Sleeps in Ft Wayne IN
Registration date : 2008-05-15
- Post n°2
Re: Worth saving?
If your looking at it as a investment,You should probably sell it.
Most people(Vanner's) I know that have sold there vans don't get there $$ back,but to them its a hobby,or way of life. not a way to make $$$. Good luck with what ever you do with your van.
Most people(Vanner's) I know that have sold there vans don't get there $$ back,but to them its a hobby,or way of life. not a way to make $$$. Good luck with what ever you do with your van.
vanner68- Number of posts : 655
Location : Eastpointe MI
Registration date : 2008-09-22
- Post n°3
Re: Worth saving?
you have to ask- do you still want to have an early?
Prices are rising, can you get a running van for less than swapping the engine? Even then, there's the 'devil you know' aspect- you know all of your van's idiosyncrasies, if you get another van what issues will it have?
Me- I'm currently on my 4th engine swap in my 68, the latest isn't because there is anything wrong with the 350 I have in there, I just want to put a 454 in it.
Oh, and as far as investments go, any car is a lousy investment. I know people who have sold cars for 6 figures and still lost money. Only way to make money is to buy, and then sell for more right away, without putting anything into it. I've done that a few times.
Prices are rising, can you get a running van for less than swapping the engine? Even then, there's the 'devil you know' aspect- you know all of your van's idiosyncrasies, if you get another van what issues will it have?
Me- I'm currently on my 4th engine swap in my 68, the latest isn't because there is anything wrong with the 350 I have in there, I just want to put a 454 in it.
Oh, and as far as investments go, any car is a lousy investment. I know people who have sold cars for 6 figures and still lost money. Only way to make money is to buy, and then sell for more right away, without putting anything into it. I've done that a few times.
jrdunn96- Number of posts : 690
Location : Cashion, OK
Age : 62
Registration date : 2016-01-01
- Post n°4
Re: Worth saving?
vanner68 wrote:you have to ask- do you still want to have an early?
Prices are rising, can you get a running van for less than swapping the engine? Even then, there's the 'devil you know' aspect- you know all of your van's idiosyncrasies, if you get another van what issues will it have?
Me- I'm currently on my 4th engine swap in my 68, the latest isn't because there is anything wrong with the 350 I have in there, I just want to put a 454 in it.
Oh, and as far as investments go, any car is a lousy investment. I know people who have sold cars for 6 figures and still lost money. Only way to make money is to buy, and then sell for more right away, without putting anything into it. I've done that a few times.
Sadly, this has been my experience too. But I still say, "Follow your bliss."
Jim
ac95- Number of posts : 40
Location : Los Angeles
Registration date : 2015-03-16
- Post n°5
Re: Worth saving?
The estimate for a Gasper rebuilt engine swap came in at $4800. 3 year 100K miles warranty. Ouch.
jrinaman- Number of posts : 890
Location : zelienople,pa.
Age : 59
Registration date : 2011-03-10
- Post n°6
Re: Worth saving?
and the resale value will be similar to what it was just before needing an engine. what are your intentions? fix and sell, second/hobby vehicle or daily driver? are you going to get $5k in use from it? how much to install a good used engine? what is wrong with current engine?
ac95- Number of posts : 40
Location : Los Angeles
Registration date : 2015-03-16
- Post n°7
Re: Worth saving?
Ideally, I’d like to keep it as a second/hobby vehicle. I will definitely use it every weekend, except for the hot summer days here in Los Angeles. Insurance is $100 a year on it, towing it back from the shop today. Gonna sit on it for a bit. Once the holidays pass I’ll see where I’m at with I. Even my wife is telling me to keep it. I’m just struggling with the expense of it.
Scott- Number of posts : 1651
Location : Anoka, MN
Age : 53
Registration date : 2008-05-20
- Post n°8
Re: Worth saving?
Any decent replacement vehicle is going to cost you $5000 anyway.
vanner68- Number of posts : 655
Location : Eastpointe MI
Registration date : 2008-09-22
- Post n°9
Re: Worth saving?
I never understood what was so great about Jasper engines beyond a national warranty.
You can get a brand new GM crate engine for $2000
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Performance/809/12681429/10002/-1
You can get a brand new GM crate engine for $2000
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Performance/809/12681429/10002/-1
ac95- Number of posts : 40
Location : Los Angeles
Registration date : 2015-03-16
- Post n°10
Re: Worth saving?
That’s good to know. Mechanic likes Jasper because of the warranty. That GM Craye Engine has the same warranty.
pan58head- Number of posts : 512
Location : new hampshire
Registration date : 2010-03-15
- Post n°11
Re: Worth saving?
even if you are a back yard mechanic you can change a small block, why not try it yourself and save a ton. $4k seems way to high
vanner68- Number of posts : 655
Location : Eastpointe MI
Registration date : 2008-09-22
- Post n°12
Re: Worth saving?
ac95- Number of posts : 40
Location : Los Angeles
Registration date : 2015-03-16
- Post n°13
Re: Worth saving?
Does the SBC pull out/install complete with exhaust manifolds?
vanner68- Number of posts : 655
Location : Eastpointe MI
Registration date : 2008-09-22
- Post n°14
Re: Worth saving?
If you are not cutting the doghouse, or going out through the bottom (best to have a lift for that) you will need to remove the exhaust manifolds and bellhousing. It's a good idea to put a piece of plywood in front of the radiator so you don't damge it if the engine swings.
If your van is rust free, it will be a fairly straightforward job. I'm in the rust belt, so nearly every bolt has the threat of being seized up and breaking off. Even so, it's still not bad and can be done by one person, I've done 4 engine swaps in this van alone.
If your van is rust free, it will be a fairly straightforward job. I'm in the rust belt, so nearly every bolt has the threat of being seized up and breaking off. Even so, it's still not bad and can be done by one person, I've done 4 engine swaps in this van alone.
sandyvan- Number of posts : 526
Location : San Diego, CA
Registration date : 2011-03-13
- Post n°15
Re: Worth saving?
pan58head wrote:even if you are a back yard mechanic you can change a small block, why not try it yourself and save a ton. $4k seems way to high
This.
The 350 in my van had too many issues to deal with so I searched for a good running used engine and found a rebuilt 307 for $400.00 - and he gave me the new stand it was sitting on. The guy was going to put it in his C10 project truck but had to abandon due to finances. Since the problem 350 was a four bolt main I sold it for $150 after pulling it!
There are folks on this forum that can attest to the fact that if I could pull it off, ANYONE can!! I still have my hoist and engine stand and for some sick reason I have been itching to swap an engine on a new project. I guess I have the disease.
You state: "The van is rust free, Original, pretty straight, and isn’t all hacked up on the inside." IMHO that means it is well worth saving. If you have the time and desire you can do the swap and the van sounds good enough for a crate engine...
Soo fine customs- Number of posts : 8
Location : Big bend,wi
Registration date : 2016-09-03
- Post n°16
Re: Worth saving?
Look around for any small block and put it in. Ask around where you live if anyone has a motor laying around. I have a 1965 nova that I had a piston break at the wrist pin. It’s a long story. But I wanted the car for my wedding so I called around and a buddy had a 307 out of a 1971 Chevelle not the best motor ever built but it was cheap $50. I put it in on Wednesday and married on a Friday. Now the car has been to Louisville and back on my $50 307 getting around 21 miles to the gal on the freeway. And 5000 miles later. It’s not hard to change the motor. Any questions just ask
ac95- Number of posts : 40
Location : Los Angeles
Registration date : 2015-03-16
- Post n°17
Re: Worth saving?
sandyvan- Number of posts : 526
Location : San Diego, CA
Registration date : 2011-03-13
- Post n°18
Re: Worth saving?
It's on sale now for $1,799.99...
ac95- Number of posts : 40
Location : Los Angeles
Registration date : 2015-03-16
- Post n°19
Re: Worth saving?
Engine, water pump, starter, install kit, harmonic balancer, have been ordered. Found an old school shop near me and I’m pretty pumped to get this done.
New question: what would it take to turn the 3spd column shift manual transmission into a four speed automatic transmission? My buddy will give me his 4spd Tranny if I go that route. Just wondered what it would cost and would it be worth it.
New question: what would it take to turn the 3spd column shift manual transmission into a four speed automatic transmission? My buddy will give me his 4spd Tranny if I go that route. Just wondered what it would cost and would it be worth it.
Digz- Number of posts : 3794
Location : United States Six Lakes MI
Registration date : 2008-05-17
- Post n°20
Re: Worth saving?
Shifter, cable, trans mount and cross member. Other stuff depends on what trans your going to use. 200 or 700 and what year from. Throttle linkage can be an issue also. Cost all depends on your resources, skill and where you get the pieces.
sandyvan- Number of posts : 526
Location : San Diego, CA
Registration date : 2011-03-13
- Post n°21
Re: Worth saving?
My 108 with 307 V8 and TH350 auto is a pleasure to drive, so if you can get a 4spd even better!
ac95- Number of posts : 40
Location : Los Angeles
Registration date : 2015-03-16
- Post n°22
Re: Worth saving?
GM Crate 350 intalled along with: water pump, fuel pump, HEI distributor, starter, plugs and wires, fan clutch, and clutch kit. All reused parts were cleaned and painted black. Retuned. All in: $3900. And I have parts I need to return to Jegs that total up to $250, depending on their return policy. Taking it easy on the break-in. Can’t wait to see how it goes when it goes.
sandyvan- Number of posts : 526
Location : San Diego, CA
Registration date : 2011-03-13
- Post n°23
Re: Worth saving?
Right on!!! Got any pictures?
Scott- Number of posts : 1651
Location : Anoka, MN
Age : 53
Registration date : 2008-05-20
- Post n°24
Re: Worth saving?
That's great, really happy to hear you did the engine swap.
jrdunn96- Number of posts : 690
Location : Cashion, OK
Age : 62
Registration date : 2016-01-01
- Post n°25
Re: Worth saving?
Sweet! Congratulations on the new engine. Yeah, we'd sure like to see pictures.
Jim
Jim
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