Good engine to learn on?

So for some stupid reason I've been itching to learn more about engines, and kind of want to get my hands on one to take apart and rebuil. Any suggestions on an engine that iI couldaaquire relatively cheap (under $200) that would be a good one to learn on and maybe be worth something to sell when I'm done?

I'd suggest an inline 6 Chevy from the '60s or early '70s (before electronic ignition and serious smog control). They're easy to find on the forums, simple to work on and the parts are dirt cheap. IMHO, though, you'd probably learn a lot more by buying something like a 4-door Nova that runs for $800, pull the engine and rebuild it. That way, when you're finished, you'll be able to re-install it in the car and see if it actually runs...

I'd suggest an inline 6 Chevy from the '60s or early '70s (before electronic ignition and serious smog control). They're easy to find on the forums, simple to work on and the parts are dirt cheap. IMHO, though, you'd probably learn a lot more by buying something like a 4-door Nova that runs for $800, pull the engine and rebuild it. That way, when you're finished, you'll be able to re-install it in the car and see if it actually runs...

That's a great idea. It would be better to get a car with it to test it with. And it would be more fun too.

Too bad I don't have $1200 laying around. This guy right here seems to be a good candidate.http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=13301084&nid=917&car=980810&page=0&make=Chevrolet&model=Nova&yearFrom=1970&yearTo=1979&priceFrom=1&priceTo=2000
And it's funny you mention a Nova, cause that's one I've always wanted to get anywa.

Few engines similar to your car's can be found in cars like Chevrolet Camaro, Kia Forte Koup, Dodge Challenger, Honda Accord Coupe V6 etc.

Similar to what car? My Mustang? Actually if we go down that road I should with early Nissan/Datsuns, cause eventually I'm going to build a 240z. With probably the 280zx turbo swap.

Hello all, sorry for hijacking this thread; new user here, can anyone tell me how to post a new topic? Not seeing ANY way to do so!

Thanks in advance. :)

No problem on the hijack...:tongue:
At the top of this page, you'll see a bar that starts with 'Automotive Forums.com Car Chat', followed by 'Cars in General'. Click on 'Cars in General' and you'll go to a new page. Under the 'Sub-Forums' box you'll see a button labeled 'New Thread'. Seems like an odd sequence to me, but that's how I do it...

Hello all, sorry for hijacking this thread; new user here, can anyone tell me how to post a new topic? Not seeing ANY way to do so!

Thanks in advance. :)

I agree with Dave, on 60s/early 70s era cars/motors ford and Chevy small block, there are lots of them still running around, parts for these motors are a dime a dozen and many ways to put them together/ford 289-302 351 w all use the same basic block so most parts are interchangeable, same with Chevy 283 350 396 400 small block many hp aps possible from junk yard motors just by changing around heads/intakes/cranks/ cams/ rods/pistons/ carbs all are good motors to play with