Cascade Crew

BluFbdy · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 1:04 am Post subject: pros and cons of a 383 stroker?

So I'm at a crossroad, I have just been offered a 383 stroker for my tranny plus cash, what are the goods and bads of it assuming its done right? I have no specs on it currently, would the tpi system be up to par for a 383???

The only reason I'm selling the tranny is to pay for my motor but if I get a motor and cash I can sell my current one if it will work with what I need it to do I'm just tempted to go 383 but I'm assuming it would be ideal for it to be a roller correct??

aaron_sK · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 6:47 am Post subject:

I would do it just to get rid of that silly LT1-spec T-56.

QwkTrip · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 8:07 am Post subject:

Stock TPI intake won't support a 383.

Is your engine built nicely and a good piece? If yes, then be very careful before trading it for an unknown engine. Answer this question: What kind of cash value are you paying for the 383, and what is the cost of a new 383 rotating assembly that you can put in your own engine? I suspect you might find you're better off getting 100% cash for the trans and using the money how you want and when you want.

The other thing I'm wondering is did the guy offer to buy your trans outright if you didn't want to trade? I would be wary of someone who has enough money to have a 383 laying around that they aren't going to use but can't pay cash for your trans. It could be a sign that they can't sell the engine because of some problem and are trying to trade it out.

I guess the other thing is did you really plan for a 383 in the first place or are you getting stars in your eyes? Just be aware that being stary-eyed is an expensive habit and you need the bank account to match. There are many other expenses that go along with putting a 383 in your car.

BluFbdy · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 10:07 am Post subject:

QwkTrip · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 11:45 am Post subject:

I would let some time go by and see what comes from your advertising. I have a feeling you would just as soon take cash if somebody would buy the trans?

Thirdgen.org is a very stagnant pool of buyers. Few people have any money to their name. I sold about $17K of stuff since the beginning of the year and almost all of it was sold on LS1tech.com.

BluFbdy · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 12:58 pm Post subject:

Cash would be my first choice, I can spread cash to finish the car, motor body and paint, a motor only goes so far I forgot about ls1tech altogether, my biggest issue is freight shipping, the few people interested stopped cold I was quoted over a grand to ship the transfer to michigan

aaron_sK · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 2:47 pm Post subject:

BluFbdy · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 2:55 pm Post subject:

aaron_sK · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 3:06 pm Post subject:

UPS four day ground is about $140 for a 150 lb. package.

Free pro tip: Go to Target or something and buy a plastic tub. Throw the transmission in the tub with a bunch of foam and tape it shut. Then ship it from work if they'll let you. Also, see if your buyer can accept it at work. Business address is almost always cheaper.

BluFbdy · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 3:13 pm Post subject:

That's an excellent idea! Lol

QwkTrip · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 4:53 pm Post subject:

Residential to residential is expensive. The costs go waaaaaay down if you can ship to or from a business with a freight account. You need to find somebody with a freight account (either on your end or the buyer's end).

It's hard to get ripped off when you are the seller because you are in full control of everything until you ship the part. Most people get ripped off when buying.

aaron_sK · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 5:16 pm Post subject:

QwkTrip · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 5:22 pm Post subject:

What are the circumstances of those scams? I'll guarantee I can give you a counter move to avoid it or overcome it. Scammers use trust to beat you. If you have no trust you can hardly be beat.

aaron_sK · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 5:32 pm Post subject:

QwkTrip · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 5:52 pm Post subject:

Scenario 1: Always purchase proof of shipment and package tracking. Put the information in PayPal the day you mail it (before it is received by buyer) and keep your receipt. I always pay for shipping using my credit card for a second proof of payment. Do not sell to PayPal users without certified address.

Scenario 2: Take a picture of what you are selling and then take a picture of yourself with the item. Post the item picture in your ad and leave it up a while after the sale. Buy insurance on items worth any kind of money and don't take back returns. Let the insurance sort it out. Send insurance the picture of you with it. Comparison of date stamps of both pictures will convince insurance and anybody else it was your item. Buyer never sees your 2nd picture.

Scenario 3: Don't use ebay. Costs too much and they don't protect seller interests well enough. PayPal will side with you if you have proper documentation. It's all about the documentation!

QwkTrip · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 6:24 pm Post subject:

Hopefully he can sell locally and none of this will matter anyway.

For local sales I usually ask for a certified bank check because the payment can't be stopped by the buyer since the check is from the bank to me. I have the person come during bank hours so I can go inside my house for a few minutes, find the bank phone number on the internet, and call and verify the check is good. If it's good then the buyer can go.

One time a guy misunderstood and gave me a MoneyGram. I said I can't take it. He said he paid cash for it and he would lose his money. I took it and kept the parts for another 3 weeks until I had proof it was good when my bank could confirm the money was transferred. Believe it or not he actually gave me a good trader rating.