[Dangerous Doug]

There are two ways to register in CA: SB-100 and by the year of the engine.

I purchased a 1965 date-coded 289 short block for rebuild, intending to register by the year of the engine. (Side note: there is no VIN number on the block). When I saw the quote come in at $7600 today I was pretty astounded as this was for a long block assembly---a price I would expect to pay for a complete, running engine.

I liked the idea of using a vintage block and a local builder (hot rodder with a great local reputation), but, uh, not THAT much...