How do you price a rare Cobra engine?

lodgeskins · #1 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 06:42 PM

I tried to locate the block # with no success. I think that the exhaust header may have been obstructing my view. I believe the intake manifold # is cr-1628b. The head #, as best as can determine, (viewed awkwardly through a mirror) is d3om01. What is the best way to see the block #, short of pulling the engine? Also, we are open to posting them for sale here once we have established a fair price. Thanks, Mike

lodgeskins · #2 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 06:39 AM

Where do you reccomend to check the #s? Also, given that we can prove the engine is what we say it is, can anyone advise on how to price it for sale? Even a ballpark estimate would be very helpful at this point. Thanks!

mrmustang · #3 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lodgeskins

The head #, as best as can determine, (viewed awkwardly through a mirror) is d3om01. Thanks, Mike

Well, the D3 is a 1973 casting date, the "D"=1970's and the "3" is 1973. Are you sure this motor is 100% original.

Bill S.

Ron61 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 08:02 AM

Have you tried getting under the car and looking up? Some of the blocks, I don't remember which ones, had the casting number where the starter is and others had numbers below the heads. If you are correct with your head number, then Bill is right and it is a 1973 head. I don't think they made 289s in 1973 but could be wrong. I thought it was about that time the 302s came out.

Ron

lodgeskins · #5 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 08:06 AM

Thanks, Bill. I am way more sure of the engines originality than of the fact that we got the right numbers. Miror + flashlight + slightly worn paint = hard to be certain. To be honest, I'm not possitve that we're even looking at the right place for each of the numbers that you asked about. The head number we tried to read was raised, within a rectangular shape, within an inch or two from the spark plugs. Is that correct? Also, would the block # be below the exaust manifold?

mgreene · #6 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 11:08 AM

Model year 1968 was the last year for the 289 and the first year for the 302, but some very early 302 blocks could have a C7 casting date.

Casting number info here:

Engine Block & Cylinder Head Casting Number - ClassicMustang.com

Wayne Maybury · #7 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 12:07 PM

The part or casting number for the block will be on the right hand side of the block, right at the back, above the oil pan, and below the head. It may be difficult to see it without removing the starter. Remember this is the part (casting) number, not the engine serial number. My 200 HP 289 in my '66 Mustang has the following number: C6AE-6015-C.

One quick and easy way to identify a Hi-Po 289 from run-of-the-mill 289's is the damper. The Hi-Po will have a much bigger one.

Wayne

Power Surge · #8 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 01:15 PM

Another thing to note, it can't be a 66 Cobra engine. It's either a 66 engine, or it's a Cobra engine (or it's neither). If it's a Cobra 289, then it wouldn't be a 66. If it's a 66 engine, then it would be a GT-350 Mustang engine.

Also, without both the numbers off the motor, AND some kind of documentation linking it to a SPECIFIC car with those numbers, there's really nothing to prove it came out of a specific car.

The motor surely has value as a hi-po 289, but without documentation, I doubt you'll get "extra" value in the asking price for it being from an original car.

Lastly, if it truely IS an original small block Cobra engine, I'd much rather see you try to track down the current owner of whatever car it came from, and see if they want to purchase it.