Opinions on value sought.

[Italian Supermodel]

Hi all, I'll be removing a 1.8 engine out of an Alfetta gt that's a doner car.Its never been cranked over in the time I've had it but its history shows it was a daily drive around 15 months ago. Any idea on value once removed? It has Weber 40's which I may sell also.What value are these in a realistic world?
My only reference to date is a set on EBay for sale by a Northern Suburbs of Melbourne spare parts trader who is renowned for jumping on the scales with all that he lists. IMO it doesn't cultivate repeat business and creates a sense of "mine must be worth x because that's what z is asking for his".
As a club with loyal and passionate members its about time some heat is placed on the couple of businesses that try to rip off club members at every opportunity.One comment made to me some time ago by one of these businesses that stuck with me was "we're happy to wait for O'seas enquiry and ship it off if need be, you locals won't pay our price".
Any opinions?

[Craig_m67]

Engine (.of unknown providence) is pretty much worthless, I recently took the same type to the tip. I'd donate it to an enthusiast in need if you can find one. The carbs may have some value but given the period are likely to be clogged up with emissions stuff.

Post up some pics (carb type numbers) so more knowledgable people can comment.

[Cool Jesus]

Totally agree with you re wrecker's pricing. I've always found them unrealistic, though alfamotiv and Rocco on eBay have been reasonable on occasion. Hit and miss I guess, as pricing is very much a subjective proposition. It's a matter of what your prepared to let it go for, as to what the buyer is prepared to take it for. I sold a plastic cover for the twin spark engine at half the cost of what wreckers were charging, and even then I felt it was too much.
Your dellortos I would think $50-100 each (not the pair) is what I feel is reasonable as they are. I've seen dellortos go for much more unrealistic prices in my opinion, but if the market has a demand then so be it, I'd just make do. I've seen them priced at what one could buy a whole salvage car where you'd not only get the carbs put a plethora of parts.
Give them a good clean, list them with proper model numbering and sell them at a price you are comfortable with. Wreckers seek profit, enthusiasts seek kudos is my motto. I'm forever handing things out and helping others and it always comes around.

But yes mate, the second hand market is invariably silly with its pricing.

[Cool Jesus]

Oops I had dellortos in my mind when I wrote the above post. For webers you could probably add another $100 per carb and don't forget the manifold. As far as the engine, I'd never just tip it, Craig WTF! I guess it comes down to storage and need. If I couldn't give it away and the minister for home affairs was on the war path, I'd at least pull of ancillary parts like the sump, rocker cover, thermo housing etc. then scrap the any left over alloy for recycle value but thats the inner horder in me
Keep in mind that parts are interchangeable between the 1.8 and 2 litre.

[Italian Supermodel]

Thanks for your opinions Craig & Cool Jesus.
I will keep working towards removal of the engine and keep it as a short term back up for my gt that I'm hoping to register next month.
I like your view on dealing with wreckers/ spare traders C.J. I agree that if you're prepared to help a fellow club member with their immediate needs at a fair price it will somehow be repaid by a lead or advice on sourcing what you in turn may need.
A recent example was a forum member came to look at door cards I had advertised. He didn't buy them but in conversation put me in contact with a restorer of steering wheels who ended up doing a brilliant job on a tired original wheel I have.
Trading info,parts accessories in this way is a far more rewarding and enjoyable way of business to me than those traders I mentioned that try convincing you of the absolute scarcity of everything you need and therefore " don't quibble at the price I'm going to try on you!"

[GR-124]

Hi I.S
a guy local to me had a 1.8 for sale for quite a few weeks for around the $280 mark. No carbs, has starter, alternator, dissy, A/C compresser and head bolted up unopened.
I never intended to purchase, just happened that i was going past and dropped in for a look, never know what other Alfa goodies they may have. Anyway turns out he knew nothing about Alfas and he inherited the engine. I told him I didn't really want it however it i got it for the right price it may be ok for a spare. Expecting him to tell me to get F@$ked i offered $85 (that's all I had in my wallet) he said no probs.

This question probably should be started in a new thread, however.
Are all 1.8 equal? I'm pretty sure this engine does not come from a Alfetta GT, maybe a sedan, not sure. If it is from an Alfa other than a GT are all the 1.8 engines the same, same cams, head, crank, etc?

[Cool Jesus]

Yes back then the engines were all the same. You didn't have the headache we have in this day and age. Much simpler to find replacement parts and easier for the factory too. The only difference (I believe) between the 1.6, 1.8 and the 2 litre was the head. The combustion chambers for each head differed, although the 1.6 may have had a shorter piston stroke? There may also be a difference at the rear of the engines between the Alfetta transaxle range and the prior Alfa mid gearbox range with attachment configuration. Easy enough to spot and the sumps were different. But again, most of the ancillary parts are interchangable, apart from some internals. The price you paid is reasonable to, I wouldn't go over $100 for a mystery bag.

[GR-124]

Thank you CJ. It may never be used. But it's good to know that it's compatible, my GT seems to have low oil pressure, so this engine may be a better one. I'm a bit off that job ATM.

[Craig_m67]

There are numerous differences (I'm told). Most obvious Is the height of the block (deck).  The 1.6 block (deck) is not as high as the 2litre, a quick gander at the height of the head above the water pump can be used to identify (if the other head and block markings are grinned up).

[LukeC]

Clean the outside of the carbs with carb cleaner and stick them on fleabay for a starting price of $400. They will go. No weber carbs fitted to Alfas ever were emission carbs.

Early 1.8 Alfettas (pre '76 I think) had 10548 cams. Worth $100. If the car had Webers, my guess is that it will have these.

Only real value of the block and head is for 1750 owners with block issues. If it is a good, thick head (>111 mm) with good inserts, worth ~$200 when someone wants it... But you have to spend the time pulling it apart.

I was going to give a 1.8 block and head to a friend recently, but after spending a 1/2 hour trying to budge the head, I salvaged what I could like any good buckets and the shims, nuts and bolts and then it will go to the recyclers.

Blocks of 1300, 1600 and 1750/1800 engines have different bore spacing and crank length than 2000 engine. Not compatible. You can use a 1600 crank in a 1750 block: good for racing.

[Craig_m67]

Depending upon the series/type, the carbs may be valuable to a collector or restorer, ie. I'm chasing some 40 DCOE 27 webers for my 1600 Duetto (to go with my *00536 block).



There's some discussion about emission webers and Afas here's > http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=13362.0

[Cool Jesus]

There are numerous differences (I'm told). Most obvious Is the height of the block (deck).  The 1.6 block (deck) is not as high as the 2litre, a quick gander at the height of the head above the water pump can be used to identify (if the other head and block markings are grinned up).

Thats why I mentioned the stroke of the 1.6 may be different to account for the capacity difference of 400cc, so shorter conrods and the rest. Anyway, going off track here and I know Luke has a better idea and experience on this era.