Did they lower their prices? :p
ebay is not totally to blame for shipping cost, although I would avoid that global “shill” shipping program at all costs. Last year USPS instituted the dimensional shipping weight calculator. Basically, if you have a 1 lbs item in a 14x14x8 box you are going...
Other years and models will work, doesn’t have to be ‘71. In fact,
I had a ‘73 that would have worked perfectly.
This thread will give you all the info you need:
1969 - 1971 C body Stub Frame (subframe)
A decent core, standard 350 hp, easily sells for $1250 if you can find them. As said, the air cleaner alone would go for $250. However, $5K is way out of line, but the seller even says he is thinking of selling, maybe just testing the waters.
$2500 is a little pricey for what is basically just a core, but I guess the "date correct" B body guys will be all over this. He should have kept the '69 Sport Fury with the 440.
One bolts up to the rear studs of the front seats, the other on the next frame rail back. They should be slightly different shapes. This shot is from the underside of a ‘70 300 vert.