970 demonstrator

[Earlj]

I need some opinions from the case collector world, I have an original 970 demo black Knight the engine is plain wore out and needs a major out of frame overhaul, new injectors, rebuilt heads Iam sure will also be needed. We all Know what this will end up leading to in cost with todays prices. I have what I think is a very good engine out of a 1973/1974? 1070 with a bad trans, I am thinking of just swapping the engines out to have a good running tractor again and cut cost, but I am afraid by doing that it will ruin the value of my original 970 demo versus just rebuilding the original engine. What do you guys think? Please be honest and have opinions. If something like this was on a sale and been changed would it hurt the value to you? Thanks for any help

 

[BT in NE]

I would just swap the engines and keep the original one in the shed. You can always rebuild it when you have the money, and if someone questions the authenticity of the tractor you still have the original to prove it. BT

 

[Earlj]

Great minds think alike, but I just wander about everyone else

 

[Ande]

Agree with BT

 

[Nedd]

If you were close to Iowa I would just trade you my good running 1973 1070 for your demonstrator. LOL But I agree with the others keep the original engine and keep that tractor going.

 

[jon f mn]

If you need to hire the job I can see the problem, if you can do it yourself an overhaul is not that bad. Are you sure your crank needs to be ground? That is really not that common, and you can do the rest without a split. Cracked heads are not common so a head job is not costly either. Also, just a good running engine is no guarantee that it is actually good. Most of those have not been gone through in 20 years or more so leaking sleeve o-rings can happen any time. Be bad news to pay for 2 splits to get an engine in only to have it go bad soon anyway.

 

[RGMartin]

Agreed.

Under 2000 for an in frame doing it yourself, Kit, new aftermarket injectors, and having a speed shop check the heads and grind the valves.

Swapping the engine is more work.

My 970 is plain worn out too, but just keeps soldiering on. Goes through a couple quarts of oil a day, and starts real hard. Some day I will get caught up enough on the equipment that is really broken to get her fixed.

 

[Case addict]

Personally I would rebuild the engine and keep all the receipts so that if you ever sell it the purchaser will know what you have done. There are worlds of difference between what people call "overhauls". A serious collector will appreciate the detail and pay according.