Thread: Zz4 $ ?

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I'm really sorry guys since I usually hate "how much is this worth" threads. So I've resisted posting this for at least a week, doing research to find a good answer, but I'm still not sure. If any mods or admins don't like this, I understand if you just delete the thread.

So I'd like to put a different motor in my "32" Brookville highboy and sell the ZZ4 in it now. What is a fair asking price for such a motor?

It's in perfect condition, 5000 miles on it since new, and the whole thing pan to carb is included.

Thanks for any opinions from you guys. Here's a photo of it:

Ebay has a bunch of'em 3500 to 5700.... fwiw

Then my impression that it's worth a tad over $3k seems accurate. Thanks for your input, 34_40.

The real answer always hinges around finding someone who's actually got money in hand and intent to buy to agree with whatever valuation you settle on. A seller will most often think in terms of...."well, I spent over________to put this combination together." The buyer always wonders "why would anyone take out a good engine.................hmmm, I wonder what's wrong with this?" Which is my long winded way of saying it's best to sell the engine from a running car, or on a run in stand where compression, cooling, and all the rest can be demonstrated. A lump sitting on the floor with the typical admonition "It ran good when removed." only works when the buyer knows you well enough to trust you.

I totally agree with Mike and Bob.

My $.02 FWIW. What you will find are guys who want to low ball you with "Jeg's has a new 350/350 ZZ4 for $4100 bucks, why should I pay you $xxxx for a 'used' engine that may be running now, but...."?

(Chevrolet Performance 350ci/355HP ZZ4 Engine - JEGS)

Unfortunately, and as you have probably heard way too many times, 350 Chevy's, regardless of which version you have, are like a belly button, everybody has one.

Generally, used prices will run half of new, or lower....then it depends on the market in your area and how many people might want what you're selling. Something as common as a sbc might be less then that. I'm not even a Chevy guy and have two of them around, one a 4 bolt roller cam long block, the other a 4 bolt mid 70's 350 complete carb to pan and I have less then $500 in both engines which IMO would represent the low end of pricing.

I have always operated under the assumption that money I spent on something for cars/racing was like water under the bridge----gone down stream-----

like a licked stamp ---------
postmarked stamp on an arriving bill----money gone but more will soon be needed
etc, etc, etc------

the things I still have an value on aren't for sale--------------I'm gonna use em someday------maybe--
inventory----one flathead, hemi, 8:71 polished blower, dry sump stuff, several transmissions---4 speed lenco, 4,5,6 speed sticks, autos, rear ends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!drive shaft couplers--------------did i mention carbs???? 3 or 4 pair of 4500 dominators, others too many to mention-----------

Your best bet is to find someone local who is looking for an engine and knows you to be trustworthy. Faced with a "gently used" ZZ4 on CraigsList for say $3200, or a new one with GM warranty for $4100 I'd likely spend the extra grand to get the warranty. Like Dave S says, to a stranger the used engine is going to be lucky to bring 50% of the lowest advertised price someone can find.
Just curious, but why are you looking to change? I would think your ZZ4 would make the Deuce scoot!

Thanks for all your input, guys. I appreciate it, and pretty much agree with all of it. This ZZ4 may end up being wrapped and stored until I find something else to install it in or get tired of looking at it and pay somebody to get rid of it

It's in the car now so for a short time longer I can demo it running, take it for a drive, measure compression and leakdown, etc. and that's why I hope to find a local buyer. I have a couple live inquiries but I'm not counting my chickens yet. But the replacement displacement will be here soon and then it'll be removed.

Originally Posted by rspears

...why are you looking to change? I would think your ZZ4 would make the Deuce scoot!

Of course I'm a little crazy, otherwise I probably wouldn't be here. It scoots just fine but it's just not enough overkill for my taste More like it for me in this car is the Dart block/Dart Pro 1 heads SBC 427 stroker that I'm putting in it. And we've been beefing up stuff on the car to help deal with it. I'll report my findings if it's too much

Originally Posted by Hot Rod Nick

Of course I'm a little crazy, otherwise I probably wouldn't be here. I'll report my findings if it's too much

Damn strainght! But, is there really a limit of too much?

Originally Posted by 34_40

...But, is there really a limit of too much?

Rhetorical question - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


I didn't want to bump this thread to the top so I'm just editing this post. I got a text today inquiring about it so I'm just posting that the ZZ4 was sold many months ago to a good home. Sad to see it go but my "hot new babe" is the new 427 c.i. SBC Dart block and heads now in my '32 and it puts "hot" into a new perspective for me.

So many questions................... So few answers......................... sigh.....................