Long block core value.

[Logizyme]

Have an opportunity to purchase the core engine from an 03 aviator. Owner had the engine removed and the head pulled. Sent the heads to a machine shop where they were hot tanked, machine shop determined that the valve guides were worn, which along with the valves being pretty hammered was the cause of the drivability concerns prompting the repair. Customer decided to replace the engine with a reman unit, and I can purchase his core what seems like a reasonable price. Heads are 4 thread and other than needing guides and a resurface have been deemed good by a competent machine shop.

I'm mostly interested in having spare engine parts for if I ever decide to build a kick ass engine.

Anyway, what do you guys think the engine core is worth? I know heads alone are worth quite a bit, but I imagine the higher milage short block is not of too much value. Also can anyone confirm if the timing cover is identical aviator to marauder, it looks pretty close?

[justbob]

A high mileage stock short block without hearing it run? $200 gamble.

4V heads needing machine needing machine service and parts $200??

What parts are you trying to score for a kick ass engine??? The heads aren't the desirable nine thread so I don't see anything here worth your while.


Builder Of Badassery

[MOTOWN]

A high mileage stock short block without hearing it run? $200 gamble.

4V heads needing machine needing machine service and parts $200??

What parts are you trying to score for a kick ass engine??? The heads aren't the desirable nine thread so I don't see anything here worth your while.


Builder Of Badassery

Exactly what I'm thinking , i would get a set of 9 thread heads , and a Teksid block , and build from there.

[chief455]

Exactly what I'm thinking , i would get a set of 9 thread heads , and a Teksid block , and build from there.

x2
I went with an iron Cobra block, but it was already built.
Again, I buy what MOTOWN listed.
Low price does not mean you really want to use it...

[Logizyme]

I've heard the engine run, nothing really concerning about it.

Timing cover if it is the same, valve covers and all the misc hardware, value can add up. I don't think that I would reuse the stock block, I'm not too concerned about the difference between 4/9 thread heads, especially since these could be made to like new condition for a couple hundred bucks vs considerably more to acquire 9 thread heads, but having spare timing cover, valve covers and hardware means that I could build the engine without having my car down.

Not my current plan but having the spare block might also be useful if I decide to stay with a WAP block.

I've heard that good used 4v heads are worth 400 easy, 600+ I would think to be reasonable after getting it refreshed at the machine shop.

[chief455]

timing cover not same as Marauder. 99% sure cam covers not either. very specific PCV and hose hole placement when looking at Marauder cam covers.
used 4 thread heads needing all machine work not worth cost to machine and upgrade to stronger plug threads. a good block alone is easier to buy than sitting on parts you will never use IMHO.
I just would walk away myself.

[justbob]

Going rate by me for a valve job, labor only is $450 for the pair. May be different by you?


Builder Of Badassery

[Ourobos]

I'd hate to pay to have 32 valve guides installed..

[vegasmarauder]

Pretty much nothing on the Aviator except the block and head interchange. I've used 2 used Aviator engines in MMs and I have a pile of cam cover, intakes, oil pans, exhaust manifolds to take to the scrap yard.