Have you priced a used engine lately .

[fastfredracing]

I would say, prices have doubled in a little over a year

[asphaltgambler]

........have not, but would imagine the trickle-down theory still applies all the way to the junk yard. Logical really as people can't (or like me...won't) buy used / new in this climate so they fix what they have, demand goes up......

[rwest]

I would also guess that less people are sending vehicles to salvage, so less parts as well as more demand.

[Baz]

I have both a 2.7 and a 356 spare engine. Not complete. But most is there. Tempted to sell just to free up some space but keep wondering what the future holds wrt values of these. I know the 356 value will hold but what about the 2.7?

Time will tell I guess......

[Shaun @ Tru6]

3.2 engines are stratospheric. You used to be able to get a good 3.2 for $5500 to $6500. Now they are $15K.

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by Baz

I have both a 2.7 and a 356 spare engine. Not complete. But most is there. Tempted to sell just to free up some space but keep wondering what the future holds wrt values of these. I know the 356 value will hold but what about the 2.7?

Time will tell I guess......

I’ve got the original 2.7 engine for my 1975 S in a corner of the garage, under tarps waiting for a rebuild . . . If the price for a core engine goes up I may sell it. How many of the mid years have matching numbers?

[KNS]

While getting slightly off topic, I think the elevated prices (with fluctuations) may be around for a long time. Whether classic vehicles or their engines.

When the classic/sports car market tanked around 1990 not only were fun, vintage classic cars plentiful but the manufacturers were still producing similar cars that you could purchase new. Looking for a manual trans sports coupe with minimal (or no) driver nannies - you could by a 964/993 or even an F355. Or perhaps an RX7 or Supra. Or M3. There were plenty to choose from new or used.

With a few exceptions there's very little to choose from these days (a BRZ/G86 comes close). New 911s, while fun and extremely capable, are a very different beast compared to an early 911. An M3/M4 or Supra, etc. is big, heavy and loaded with tech. There are plenty of buyers for those cars but something is missing in them that you can *only* find in a dwindling supply of vintage or classic sports cars. Which is why I think the prices will stay high and/or continue to climb.

[KNS]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

3.2 engines are stratospheric. You used to be able to get a good 3.2 for $5500 to $6500. Now they are $15K.

That's sort of in line with the purchase price of the car. You used to be able to pick up a decent 3.2 driver for $15,000. Now they're around $45,000+

[A930Rocket]

I’ve been looking for an E46 engine to rebuild and swap out in my car but they are $1,200-$1.500 with sky high miles on them. I thought they would be $3-400.

That got me thinking about an LS engine swap and those seem to be stupid money. Add in a manual transmission and install kit and nothing is cheap.

[manbridge 74]

Once the hateful ICE is legislated off the road common everyday engines will be good for nothing. Rare ones will still be useful for museums and closed course events for the wealthy.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by manbridge 74

Once the hateful ICE is legislated off the road common everyday engines will be good for nothing. Rare ones will still be useful for museums and closed course events for the wealthy.

I'm 67 years old. How long do I have before this happens? I want to make sure I time everything right!

[greglepore]

I don't think Fred's talking about 3.2's; I suspect its everyday engines.

We had no friggin inflation for close to 40 years-that's unnatural, and its coming to roost.

And, yes, it blows.

[McLovin]

Not an engine, but I redid my AC system last year. One of those little cans of R134 was $3.99 at my local AutoZone type store.
I was there yesterday. That same can now: $14.99.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by greglepore

We had no friggin inflation for close to 40 years-that's unnatural, and its coming to roost.

Inflation over the past 40 years has run at 2-2.5% annually, which is the Fed’s ideal rate.

[Cairo94507]

Indeed, I bought my '87 3.2 running, complete motor with all the bells and whistles for $5K. That same motor would be $15-20K today. I guess I will never be able to afford an '89 Carrera coupe in all stock condition . . .

[Baz]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

I’ve got the original 2.7 engine for my 1975 S in a corner of the garage, under tarps waiting for a rebuild . . . If the price for a core engine goes up I may sell it. How many of the mid years have matching numbers?

The one I have was running when removed. The seller replaced his 2.7 with a 3.0. Then he disassembled his operational 2.7, steam cleaned everything (he worked at the air base in Pensacola), put everything in boxes and smaller stuff in baggies, everything marked with magic marker (cylinder #1, etc.), and listed it on eBay - which I saw and purchased, thinking it would be a good investment.

I don't really know what that stuff is worth now - haven't looked. It doesn't take up much space so will hold onto and see what happens.

I have a set pistons and cylinders for a 356 --- NOS in original box too --- with rings. I'm pretty sure they are oversize, too. Heavy to lift but again doesn't take up much space.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Baz

The one I have was running when removed. The seller replaced his 2.7 with a 3.0. Then he disassembled his operational 2.7, steam cleaned everything (he worked at the air base in Pensacola), put everything in boxes and smaller stuff in baggies, everything marked with magic marker (cylinder #1, etc.), and listed it on eBay - which I saw and purchased, thinking it would be a good investment.

I don't really know what that stuff is worth now - haven't looked. It doesn't take up much space so will hold onto and see what happens.

I have a set pistons and cylinders for a 356 --- NOS in original box too --- with rings. I'm pretty sure they are oversize, too. Heavy to lift but again doesn't take up much space.

I would rather buy a used engine, (or car, for that matter), in intact and filthy condition than the way that guy sold it. Unless you rebuild them for a living and can do it blindfolded, you are never in a million years going to be able to assemble that correctly with no missing parts or seals, in correct order. Taking something apart yourself and re-assembling it the same way is key. I'm like Rainman when it comes to fasteners and washers going back to exactly where they came from. The ideal situation is anything in factory original condition, no matter how worn out. Last guy who touched it was named Gunther or Rudolph.

[Baz]

Here's what I bought. No fuel delivery or ignition.....

[VenezianBlau 87]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

3.2 engines are stratospheric. You used to be able to get a good 3.2 for $5500 to $6500. Now they are $15K.

So true...been kicking myself for not buying a spare. It wasn't that long ago...less than 10 years.

Not implying it happened recently...after about 2014 or so the 3.2 cars and motors skyrocketed.

[Bob Kontak]

The 4.6L Northstar remains extremely affordable.