Buying a 289 Block

Price depends on a lot of things, not the least of which is how badly the seller wants the junk, I mean engine, out of their backyard. How complete is the motor, ie pan-to-intake, or is it missing something? How long has it been sitting? Was all the water drained and the block made ready for storage, or is the thing now swiss cheese inside from sitting for years filled with water? Does the crank spin or is it rusted in place along with the rest of the rotating assembly?

There's a lot of 'ifs' and unknowns in something like this. FWIW, I've bought and sold disassembled or shortblock motors that were in great shape for next to nothing, depending on who owed me what or if I was doing a favor for someone. I've also seen bare blocks go for what that seller's asking for the complete motor.

Again, it's worth what the seller's willing to let it go for, and what the buyer's willing to pay for it.

I picked up an origional 289 with heads, intake manifold, box of extras including two carbs etc etc and the engine stand for $175 here in Texas. The motor has never been rebuilt, no cracks and is in great condition. I guess it really depends on how bad they want to get rid of it. Just look it over real good.

It's that price due to the popularity of the roller 302 blocks. Only someone looking for a "correct" date coded 289 block for a concours resto would pay more. If it's been stored outdoors have it magnafluxed to make sure the block's not cracked from freezing.

I'm always kind of skeptical anyway, but here's my thinking: if they can't prove that the engine they are selling is rebuilt (receipts) and that it runs at all, assume it is at best, a core for a rebuild. 289/302's are extremely common and dirt cheap. So are sellers with a BS story about how they just rebuilt the motor they have for sale. If it's any good at all, why isn't it still in the car? Ask lots and lots of questions before you plunk down one dime.