value of a 401?

[Billygoat]

So I found a place that has a 401 - "ran when parked" said it is out of a 70's something (they told me the exact car) "police special" motor.
I know it has sat for a while.
They are asking $300, I pull it.

worth it? - was there such a thing as a "police special" engine? if so that did it have (I know some specials were just no emisions equipment)

thanks

[caionneach]

:eek: You haven't paid the man yet??? What's with you...pay him. And pull that engine.

Surely you have friends that have an engine hoist. So yes, you should get it. Some of the AMXs and Javelins in the 70s were police intercept cars, so this one may have been one of those. You should be able to verify this by the engine code on the side of the block.

[rixcj]

A good, used 401 crank usually sells for $300.00, so yes, I'd say it's a good deal.

I bought a used 401 from someone on this forum for $800.00.

Rich

[Billygoat]

Surely you have friends that have an engine hoist. So yes, you should get it. Some of the AMXs and Javelins in the 70s were police intercept cars, so this one may have been one of those. You should be able to verify this by the engine code on the side of the block.


Javelin.... boy that is ringing a bell. So what code on the block do I look for? What did the police engines have special? i don't want to pay money for the engine then end up replacing the "special" parts when I rebuild it.

[Headhoncho]

Javelin.... boy that is ringing a bell. So what code on the block do I look for? What did the police engines have special? i don't want to pay money for the engine then end up replacing the "special" parts when I rebuild it.

Unless it was a swap, a police special would most likely be found in a 4 door Matador as they were used by the police. Verify it's a 401 from the number being cast into the side of the block. As far as "special" parts goes.....maybe a special grind camshaft at best as the rest of the engine is already pretty stout. For $300 it would have been in the back of my truck that day. :rolleyes:



JR

[64deville]

Sold 2 401's in the past month. $700 is the going rate in Iowa for one that might need some freshening up but is not stuck or broken.

Both came from Jeeps and went to Javelin/AMX guys.

[fulsizjeep]

401s are over rated. It might be worth it's weight in scrap. :rolleyes: :D

[64deville]

I would say the best cheap motor you can get is an early 70's 360. If you can find one that is.

If you do end up buying the 401, see if they'll give you the transmission and driveshaft. If you don't end up using the 401 you can sell all that stuff to an AMC/AMX guy as a full package. Not sure if the driveshaft will work on the smaller AMC/AMX cars but you never know.

[FSJ Guy]

$300? Are you kidding??? :eek:

The last 401 I got was for FREE!!! :D

Seriously, go buy the thing. Even if you have to buy a cherry picker for $100, now you've got a $400 motor.

[jeepjerry]

yeah, thats a steal for a 401. if its a police interceptor motor, its probably been sitting for too long to make a difference since it will have to be rebuilt and most guys put better cams in them anyway. If you pass on it id be interested to take a trip and pull it.

[red mistress]

The police specials were in Matador's. Raised compression, and special grind cam.

I had a NOS "police special speedometer" but traded it for Jeep parts.


...

[Billygoat]

the 401 is currently in a baby jeep.
and it sounds to soon to be in my garage:D

thanks guys

[jeepjerry]

:thumbsup: good for you and good luck with it!!

you'll enjoy the power of a 401...:drivin:

[aallison]

I would have paid him that day. GOod deal for a 401 even if it needs soem work.......

[mattmopar440]

heads are better $300 not a bad price if it just needs a little refreshing :thumbsup:

[Billygoat]

Complete engine - less carb.
It is at a buisness, $350 they will pull it.

MINE!

[Serious Johnson]

In case it wasn't made clear above, the way to identify a 401 block is by 2" numbers (401) cast into the block near the motor mounts. I don't know how to find any designation of "special" versions -- heck, I didn't even know there were any. I'm no expert on AMC V8s, but differences in heads and compression for a "police" version are news to me. I'd kinda like to hear what it turns out to be. Sounds like it could be a helluva find!

S.J.

[joe]

401s are over rated.
x2

[Billygoat]

the cast # in the block is the only identifer I know off 2, I thought the rest of the info was the valve cover tag (which is dumb becase it is easy to switch valve covers) I always check 360's to make sure it is not misidentified.
Right now I have it on hold with plastic and will pick it up on Saturday, I will post up picks and detials when I get it home.

From what others posted even if it is just a plain ole 401 it is still worth the $$, and I will pick up some other stuff there too and I am sure I will get better buys on that stuff. For the life of me I can't remember if i saw exhaust manifolds on it or headers...I have seen police manifolds that did not have the air tube ports in them, that would be sweet.

[sportsidedan]

hey ... wanna make a deal?
you go get that 401 for me from the guy at 300!

i'll pay you 600 for it if you bring it to los angeles!

what about that???

d

[Elliott]

What ever is "special" about it (cam/pistons) ain't no mo after wear and sitting, ain't no different now than any other sitting 401.

[FSJ Guy]

Just make sure the crank rotates completely before you sign off on it.

[travisrda]

i picked up my first 401 for $200 and it came in a 77 rust free wagoneer with great interior, it is now my daily driver, I picked up my second 401 in a 84 wagoneer that someone swapped into it that 401 and tf727 is going to go into my "baby" jeep as soon as i find time to put it in. So good luck they are out there all you have to do is find them!:D