BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

Going to have 2 sets of 088 BBC heads off my HP500's for sale soon. They are being gone through, baked, cleaned, milled, valve job, and New Comp Cams Valve springs, seals, and 10 degree locks and retainers. Boat had 350 hours on them when I took them off, decided not to reuse stock and have already bought the parts to finish them.

Motors are 1999 HP500's Carbed GenVI.

Thanks,
Dave

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

If I am buying used stuff, the cost needs to be 1/2 or less of new to make it worth the risk...
I hope this helps.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

Thanks Pat...Bam Marine/Mercruiser parts lists #938-826363A10 as HEAD ASSEMBLY-Cylinder and a price of $1,860.95 List and $1,542.99 Bam's Price for each head new. That would be assembled I think and without rockers. Just like I'd sell mine. So, Between $1200 and $1500 a set?

How much per set for used Crane Gold 1.7 Rockers off the same motor?

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

I think youll be lucky to get between $750 and $900 a pair. The used golds around $150 or more on ebay.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

that's alota luck....

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

I agree...
When you can buy a set of aluminum Edelbrock or Dart marine heads for under $2000, why spend more than half on used cast iron heads.
I would not recommend that anyone reuse a set of rockers with 350 hours.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

Well, after researching heads, I've found out that the stock 088 castings flow pretty good for what they are and for the budget builder who has oval port heads, these are a great upgrade! Unable to spend upwards of $3300 on a set of AFR's and still get some of the features, stainless intake valves, inconel exhaust valves, 2.19 intake and 1.88 exhaust. Gotta cracked head or need a replacement head for an HP500? Valve spring upgrade already done $375 in new parts and that doesn't include the milling or the valve job! How can they NOT be worth even $900-$1200 a pair? You do know the casting? Large Rectangle port 118cc chamber?

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

I agree to that too. You can get the bearing replaced but still, not worth the risk. I see them go for rediculous prices on ebay though.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

I wouldn't base your selling price on what merc charges for stuff. Retail prices on merc parts are far from realistic. They want a $180 for an SC belt. I can get the same belt at Napa for $40.

A similar complete assembled head from GM is $620. Bare castings are $389.

Something in the $700 range for the pair would be about right.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

From GM means: Their Non-upgraded valve spring, their NON-stainless intake valves and NON-Inconel exhaust valve, 7 degree locks, NO pushrod guideplates. So, apples to apples...I don't see it. Add the upcharges for these upgrades and you will see a fair price increase.

Who has REALLY sold a set, what did they REALLY get and what shape were they REALLY in?

I respect everyones opinion here, but please use common sense before answering.

Thanks,
Dave

PS. Summit Racing: Manley Valves
PN 11718-8 Intake valves for 8 $122
PN 11587-8 Exhaust Inconel for 8 $327
Comp Cams springs 929-16 $137
Comp Cams 10 degree retainers $60
Comp Cams super locks $25
Comp Cams Valve seal $23

$694 in parts alone. So...The machine work, cleaning, assembly, and castings have no value? Mind you, the valves are not brand new, so half off for the valves is $225. So $470 for parts, I'm just trying to justify your answers. Thanks again,
Dave

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

I sold a set of GM 990 heads this spring they had ferrea 9000 series valves,10 degree steel retainers ,got $600.00 and I thought that was a fair deal for both parties.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

New valve job? New springs? Freshly milled? Cleaned and pressure checked? Or just taken off the motors and sold?

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

I just bought a pair of brand new stock GM Marine heads for a 502 with factory marine springs ss valves ready to bolt on for $550. I know how you feel when you have so much money into it and your lucky if you get half back. But it happens all the time. Just put them on e-bay and see what happens, worst thing that could happen is you'll get a reality check and then again you might find someone who appreciates what you invested in the heads and give you what you want. Good luck.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

My stuff is always worth less than 1/2 of what I think. So far it has been pretty accurate.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

vandeano...Whats the casting number and are they Rectangle port or oval?

Brand new from GM?

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

I was looking for a pair, and after shopping around I decide I will have my gen IV rectangular done for about $1,000 and they should be close to what the 500HP's offer. If I had the ovals I think the $900 range would be fair.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

Ive bought a set of fully prepped Merlin heads with best valves and springs for $750. Dont ask what I have in my 049's, closer to 1500. Next purchase will be Edelbrock Marines for 1300.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

It was from a private party. Here is a clip of the add. I actually paid $612.00 and another $85.00 for shipping.

These are BRAND NEW rectangular port chevy heads. Casting number 14097088. Complete new heads with factory valves, springs, seals and retainers. Never been bolted on. You can see some VERY light rust from sitting. Fits all big blocks using fel-pro gaskets. Buyer to pay actual shipping cost. Items are approx 70 lbs each

Mercruiser 427 454 502 rectangular port bbc heads NEW Item number: 4560891575

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

It was from a private party. Here is a clip of the add.
These are BRAND NEW rectangular port chevy heads. Casting number 14097088. Complete new heads with factory valves, springs, seals and retainers. Never been bolted on. You can see some VERY light rust from sitting. Fits all big blocks using fel-pro gaskets. Buyer to pay actual shipping cost. Items are approx 70 lbs each
Mercruiser 427 454 502 rectangular port bbc heads NEW Item number: 4560891575
I actually paid $612 and another $85 for shipping

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

Dave,
Have them baked and cleaned but sell them stripped. Any good performance enthusiast will want to have is own work done so he knows what he is getting for components. That's how I would want to buy or sell them. I sold a set of Mark IV heads that had Inconel valves and got $500 for them. No rockers just rocker studs, valves, retainers and springs.

Russ

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

For 1350$ a pair you can buy brand new merlin vr heads with Inconel valves,titanium retainers,10degree locks,thicker decks and 10% more flow than stock castings. 700$ a pair would be tops I'd expect you to get but maybe you'll get lucky and pull more out of them Do a search on E-bay on similar auctions and you'll find the answer,Smitty

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

I bought 2 sets of low hour takesoffs for $400 per pair to the door. These were complete. You can buy the new castings (Bare) from GM part number 6260482 or casting numbers 14096188 or 6272990 for $680 for the pair. Now unless you are class limited to OEM heads the better bang for the buck is an aftermarket head like a Merlin/RHS/Dart.

In your case with fresh heads ready to bolt on you will be lucky to get $600 to $700 a pair for them assembled. If you want to get the most $$ out of them I would suggest selling everything seperately.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

Thanks for the help all!!

Dave

Next week...eBay for one set..think the other set is sold.

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

QUOTE "....think the other set is sold."

Axa,

Hmmm...., I didn't even know Ragged was in the market for more heads...............maybe 3rd will pick up the other set...

Re: BBC Heads HP500..What are they worth?
 

never hurts to have "spares"... :drink: