1977 W72 400 engine value help please

[mrpontiac80]

Hi guys.  I really do not like posting these what's it worth questions, cause I know its what the seller wants for it and what the buyer wants to give for it.  But in this case I need your help.

I was contacted by a regular member here about my spare 77 W72 engine.  He is looking for a Pontiac engine and I have one I could sell. Problem is neither of us know the fair market value for this, so we agreed to post it here to get a base average. See what the pro's feel  

Here is what I know about it....

To my knowledge I have an original W72 400 that was removed from my 77 400 4-speed.  I bought the car from an extended family member that parked the car due to a light knock. I never heard the car run ever but I know it was driven by his wife before he parked it. The genuis that he was, he decided to pull one of the valve covers to do who knows what and left it that way. Over the next X amount of time, the engine had water enter it from runoff of the shaker scoop.

Fast forward and I bought the car around the summer of 1997.  I pulled the engine and upon doing so, drained the oil.  When draining the oil, out came a mixture of water and oil.  I feel pretty confident that the water was strickly rain water from the open head with no valve cover and not something else internal although I have no proof of that.  

Since then, the engine has been stored inside my garage for the last 12 years untouched. It is still complete minus carburator.

I will be moving soon and would like to not have to move it again.  The other guy would like a good deal on a Pontiac engine that he and his dad can rebuild and he can learn from.  So we would like for you guys to offer your honest opinions on a fair market value.  Any help is appreaciated. Thanks!

EDIT:   I thought I'd add that I was thinking in the range of 200 dollars after a couple of gearhead friends thinking it would fall in the 2-3 hundred range.  So if you don't want to price my stuff, thats cool too, but maybe you can say if you think I am in a good price range if nothing else.  Thanks.

[FREDBO99]

I would think since it has to be rebuilt anyway, 2 to 3 hundred is about right. Might get more on Ebay but then your not helping a member. Since he wants to rebuild it with his Dad, Give it to him for 2. Its out of your hair and you will be helping him spend quality time with the old man! Cant get enough of that ya know.

[y88rick]

agree'd.

[nobrains]

I would say no less than $300..........put it this way what would it cost you to buy another one probally more than $300 and you know the story behind the motor but thats my .02 good luck

[rhino33]

I think 200 would be a good deal, helping someone out is good karma if you beleive in that.
I have even given away alot of hard to get parts to others and other people have given me parts too
in fact I have a bunch of stuff I would give away just to clean up the yard

[mrpontiac80]

Thanks guys. I think you guys just help both of us feel good about the deal.  Not knowing a fair price, it was hard for me to price it and also for him to feel he was getting a fair price at that.  I'm sticking with 200 bucks, and I will let you know if he chooses to buy it.

[y88rick]

I like to help the members here out. i'll make my money on parts i dont need on ebay but the guys here may have something i need one day. Why soak eachothers pockets? that may be the determining factor to a guy who says you know, i just cant afford to own one of these and parts his out or scraps it. would you really want that? I dont!!
help eachother and one day they will help you.

[Hammer]

Mike, I think you made a wise choice.  $200 was exactly what I was thinking before I even read your EDIT.  Sorry it took so long for the reply but you handled this one very well. 

I also like the idea that it will go to a member here.  I've sent parts for free and paid for the shipping myself just to help out someone here. However, I can certainly understand this is an engine we are talking about and not some small detail parts.  I applaud your good will Mike.  Thanks for helping out another member here.  It's appreciated.