Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

[Steve Antonucci]

Hello everyone,

I ran into a guy two weeks ago who offered me an original L/88 crankshaft
( part number 7115 ) along with some other SHP goodies. I only need to
establish a fair price for the crank and offer it to him. This crank is
NOS ( cross-drilled & tufftrided ) and I'd like to get it. Can any of you
give me an idea of the price of a new one from GM ( assuming they are still
available )? If not currently available, what was the last "known" price for
one? And the important question, how much should I offer for it? In other
words, how high should I expect to go for it in case the seller wants more.

Thanks,
Steve

[Dick Whittington (8804)]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

I believe that if you search the archives you will find that Howards Cams had "7115" cranks for sale at a deep discounted price. I believe that is was under $200. I do not know if they have any left but it would be worth checking out. Probably cheaper than yer buddy

Good Luck
Dick #8806

[Joe Lucia (12484)]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

Dick and Steve-----

I think that all of the cranks available from Howards are "3856223" forgings, although they, apparantly, have them both nitrided and non-nitrided. Actually, the 3856223 forging may have been used on some L-88s, especially SERVICE engine assemblies. The "7115" forging was last available from GM under GM #3967811, but it was discontinued in February, 2000. At the time of its discontinuation it carried a GM list price of $695.00.

If the crank you are speaking of is NEW, it might be worth the above price, but for that money you'd be close to the price of some aftermarket cranks that are likely better. Rather than pay $695 for this GM crank, I'd spend another $200-300 and get a top quality aftermarket piece.

If the crank is used, it's not worth anything like $700.

[Steve Antonucci]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

Dick,

Thanks for the pointer towards Howards Cams. I just called them - NG on the
'7115 crank! They never had any is the story I got. Only '6223 cranks.

So, my price questions are still out there. Any input?

Steve

[Steve Antonucci]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

Joe,

You beat me to the quick on the Howards Cams '6223 crank issue. No surprise
there! So then let me ask you this question. If I build an L/88 engine with
an aftermarket crankshaft ( non-'7115 ), will this be a negitive factor in the
value of the engine? L/88's mean Corvette anyway, so the point is moot beyond
this realm.

I often bounce back-and-forth on the engine internal originality issues.
Obviously, new pistons & cams get applied all the time. But what about the
crankshaft and rods? Do many of the members here put in top of the line
aftermarket rods & cranks as well? Just wondering?

Lastly, what crankshaft would you recommend as a "better than" replacement for
the infamous '7115 crank?

Steve

[Clem Zahrobsky (45134)]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

flatlander racing has 3967811 listed on their web for $821

[Steve Antonucci]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

Clem,

Do you have a ontact number or name @ Flatlander I can talk to?

Steve

[Steve Antonucci]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

Clem,

I found them. I'm there, but I don't see the crank you mentioned listed.
Did I miss something?

Steve

[Clem Zahrobsky (45134)]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

i went to google and typed in "3967811 crankshaft" and it came up

[William Clupper (618)]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

I think the search for 7811 crank is a waste of money, if not time unless endurance racing is actually your goal, and then, as Joe has mentioned, a better aftermarket solution is available, so what is the point of spending premium dollars for 35 year old tachnology?

[Mark #28455]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

Lately, I've been rebuilding my motors with the Eagle 4.25 stroke internally balanced crank available in 4130 and 4340 for $600 and $700. Since it's internally balanced, all the 427 flywheels, harmonic damper etc can be used and it can't be identified on an assembled motor. It will also gain about 50 ft/lbs torque.

[Steve Antonucci]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

... so what is the point of spending premium dollars for 35 year old tachnology?

Bill,

A fair question. That's why I asked my questions in the first place. I wasn't
sure the '7115 crank was worth the probably $800.00+ the seller will ask for it.
Since many members here are quite knowledgable about this stuff, I thought I
would defer to the "more experienced" big block guru's.

Steve

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

Steve,
Have you investigated SCAT crankshafts? They are pretty competively priced and nice pieces. If you want the best, give Velasco cranks a call. They have built a few for me and they are the best. When you walk in the door, the cranks waiting to be picked up are tagged with the who's who in racing.

[Mike McCagh (14)]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

a buddy bought up 18 of the howard cranks. non nitride were 99 with free shipping . he got the nitride ones for 135 with free shipping also. i got one of each for the same prices. they aren't gm products. appear to be overseas based on the cardboard boses they came in. mike

[Steve Antonucci]

Re: Need help establishing price for L/88 crank

Hi Mike,

Run that by me again please!

The '6223 cranks available from Howards Cams are overseas products? Are they
liscensed by GM? Are they the same forging quality as the GM '6223 cranks?
This is the first time I heard this. I talked to Howards Cams today and they
told me that they bought approx. 5,000 of these cranks from GM. What's wrong
with this picture? Is GM out sourcing the cranks?

Steve