Whats It Worth 402 Big Block/400 Tranny

[Johns 66]

Hi All.

I am not very versed in 402 Big Block/400 Tranny knowledge and figured this would be the best place to find out. I have the opportunity to buy the motor below and wanted to know what it is worth along with the 400 tranny. I don't have really a use for the motor but 402 Big Block power...who can resist right?

The motor looks complete with all the accessories including the AC compressor, bracketry etc...I am sure the motor will need to be rebuilt but was told it was running when it was taken out, same with the transmission.

Sorry for the bad cellphone pic but maybe someone can offer some guidance.

The number on the back of the block is 3969854

Thanks,
John

[Johns 66]

couple more of the tranny

[kwmech]

That is a powerglide 2 sp transmission. In my opinion, the pulleys and brackets on the front of the 402 are worth more than the engine.

[Johns 66]

Originally Posted by kwmech

That is a powerglide 2 sp transmission. In my opinion, the pulleys and brackets on the front of the 402 are worth more than the engine.

Thanks for the info on the tranny!!!! He wont sell any parts off the engine...all or nothing type thing.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by Johns 66

Thanks for the info on the tranny!!!! He wont sell any parts off the engine...all or nothing type thing.

He’s smart. The only thing worth money are the pullies and brackets. If he sells those he’ll be left with a couple boat anchors.

[weim55]

Originally Posted by kwmech

That is a powerglide 2 sp transmission. In my opinion, the pulleys and brackets on the front of the 402 are worth more than the engine.

2nd this. Could disassemble and find most-all engine components junk. Transmission is a Powerglide out of something else, worth the price of scrap. If it were me I'd take that 402 home for $250-300. If I absolutely needed one as a match for a truck missing that engine I'd be willing to go $750-800 IF everything is there and correct and the engine is not locked up. Not sure if anyone else would agree, but that's it worth to me in my world.

Steve weim55 Colorado

[franken]

You should google the casting number whenever someone shares it and makes a claim. 3969854 does show as 69-27 396 or 402.
As others have said, the accessory drive brackets could be worth more than the rest.
As a point of reference I have an ~80 454 for sale for $400 (on CL) no brackets but has the flexplate HEI and water pump (core). The current offer is $300.
BBC parts aren't all that popular since the LS got popular, but some of us like it...

[zicc1835]

I sold a 402 block a few years ago for 200. Needed rebuild...Pan to intake manifold all said and done the rest of the brackets P S remote resivior , alt , Poluttion pump e-manifolds etc. and all I got another 300. different buyers . Not sure If I could get that today I have a stock 402 in my 72 Cheyenne and it’s a pig ....looks good in the engine bay that’s about it

[clay68c10]

I would be wary of that engine. Usually the only reason you pull one with the torque converter still on the flex plate is because the engine is locked up and you can’t get to the bolts. Or the guy was a lazy hack, which doesn’t say much good either.
I’d pass on it. If I can’t hear it run and do a compression test, I assume it needs rebuilt. That’s a costly prospect since it’s a BBC, and since it costs the same to build a 454 vs a 396/402....
Unless it’s dirt cheap, then the brackets make it worthwhile.

[cleszkie]

Originally Posted by clay68c10

I would be wary of that engine. Usually the only reason you pull one with the torque converter still on the flex plate is because the engine is locked up and you can’t get to the bolts.

This is a very good observation.

[Johns 66]

All of the advice is great. I did check and the motor does turn...I guess the old adage of their is no replacement for displacement has gone to the wayside.. I remember as a kid having a small block 400 in a car that would fly....but again I was a kid and everything seemed to fly in those days.

Not really interested in parting it out or really trying to flip it just thought it was a cool motor and figured it would be a beast. I think he wants too much money for it at this point for me to bother with it. I didn't know if someone was building a number correct truck if it would be better for them to have it...shipping would probably be the issue.

Its just another reason I like this forum so much...a wealth of knowledge.

[Wyo George]

It's true that a 396/402 isn't worth as much as other engines, but I still like them and have a '65 Impala 396 and a '71 C20 402. I don't intend on swapping out either, but if I did the replacement would have somewhere above 500 cubic inches.

The new trends of Gen-3/4 swapping everything is fine for a driver, but I like the character of a big engine and the nostalgia of a big block just ticks all the right boxes for me.

As to the actual value of that combo? It's worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. Having the brackets is a huge plus as mentioned already, but I've swapped modern serpentine brackets onto my '71 so that may or may not be a deal breaker depending on your intent. It's not a very valuable engine by "common trade" standards, but if it's something you really want and can't find the equivalent in your area then the value is up to you.

[BlazerBill]

I have a 72 402, TH 400 Everyone Just wants the accessories