Pro. rebuilt motor vs. DIY: how much is value affected?

plymouthcolt · plymouthcolt's Garage

Most ads I see online for cars with rebuilt motors indicate a lower value than a non-rebuilt. I see that non-rebuilt have an edge in value even with excessive mileage (say 220,000).

Will an engine that was rebuilt by a reputable shop help recoupe some of the cars vaule, versus an engine that was rebuilt in a garage with the help of Wayne's book? (I love your book Wayne).

It seems once an engine is rebuilt the car is "tainted".

Sould cars without extensive documentation and machinest notes be avoided like the plague?

ubiquity0 · 11-24-2004, 04:51 PM

You have to question an owner who rebuilds his engine, and then keeps no records at all. I mean, if you're going to go to the trouble of doing it you might as well document it (receipts, notes, pics) along the way.

chrisp · 11-24-2004, 05:04 PM

plymouthcolt,
I decided to go with a Pro level rebuild. I knew I could do the work. I own Wayne's book and was ready, eager, and willing to do it. Spent weeks reading, researching, and pricing out parts. Just before I pushed the button to DIY I realized that I would never buy DIY rebuild myself.

It cost me about $2500-$3000 more but as far as I am concerned it protected the $6-8k it takes to rebuild these.

My guess is that most people consider a DIY rebuild on the same level as a non-rebuilt engine. It's just an unknown quantity.

I have the utmost respect for the guys who do it themselves. It's probably a very satisfying accomplishment.

I would have done it myself if I didn't need to protect my resale value.

john walker's workshop · 11-24-2004, 05:11 PM

i would think that a 220K car with a rebuilt engine would be much more valuable than an old leaker. regardless of how well the job was done, a prospective buyer may get twitchy when you tell him you did it yourself at home, so you might go thru a few guys who are nervous about it before you find one that's more realistic. if it runs well with no noises or leaks, it will speak for itself. records and pictures always help.

randywebb · 11-24-2004, 05:14 PM

How much does a MotorMusher rebuild reduce the value of an old leaker?

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

You have to consider time since rebuild also. I'd be wary of a DIY rebuild that was just done-no time to prove itself. On the other hand, if the motor had some time on it, and it was documented as to what was done, then this would be more favorable IMO.

Jeff Higgins · 11-24-2004, 07:17 PM

I bought my '72 T from a DIY rebuilder. It had about 17k on it at the time and I have subsequently put another 12k on it with no problems. He had everything well documented, and the external, visable work was all very well done. Talking to him gave me a feeling of confidence that he knew what he was doing. When buying older cars like this, it can be pretty much a crapshoot, so I always feel more like I'm buying more because of the owner than the car. I know some folks are not comfortable with this approach, so it probably does lower the value of these project cars a bit. Would I have paid more if he had receipts showing a well known shop had done the work? Unless it was something well beyond a stock rebuild, probably not. If it was some super 2.8 RSR spec motor from Supertec or some one, then yes. What I'm trying to say is that if you can present what you have done in a reasonable, documented way and don't try to b.s. a buyer, I don't think you will loose money in the end if you do it yourself. You have already saved thousands in labor; it really should't knock thousands off the resale.

dad911 · 11-25-2004, 06:13 AM

I think most problems turn up in the first few thousand miles on a fresh rebuild. If it isn't a fresh rebuild, and receipts are available to see what was done, I would be less concerned.

LakeCleElum · 11-25-2004, 06:38 AM

Over the years, I've sold many cars and m/c's after I rebuilt the engine. You never get your money back. If you're concerned about resale, put the funds into the cosmetic stuff, sell it and buy something with a fresh engine.

Personally, I will look to buy my next P-car that has all the updates and a fresh rebuild. It's much cheaper than buying for a few thousand less and then forking out for a rebuild, whether I do it myself or pay someone like JW to do it!!!!!!!

asphaltgambler · 11-25-2004, 07:22 AM

It would depend on a case-by-case basis. Good documentation that should include receipts AND detailed pictures of the build; step by step. Plus the needed improvemnts for each particular model of engine.

At some point pros (like a machine shop) would certainly be involved for cleaning, valve work, rod sizing, etc. Were they an experienced Porsche guys or just your 'average' shop?