Hidden sources of engines?
 

So I have this desire to get my hands on a 3.6. Its no mystery as to where to get one.

But what about some less obvious, and potentially cheaper sources? Local towing lots? Insurance companys? Finding out when a fellow pelican is on vacation and helping yourself? :)

I am in no hurry. Can you think of where I should put out some lines in my hunt?

I bought a wrecked 1987 Targa at an insurance auction to get my 3.2.

Having the entire car allowed me to use not only the engine, but wiring harness, aluminum banana arms, rear flares, yada yada, along with an incredible supply of nuts, bolts and screws as the 1987 came apart. Selling parts off the car sure helped defray the cost of the engine.

Of course, it helps that I have the garage space so that the '87 sat right next to the 1973 for about a year while I was working on the project.

How do you get access to insurance auctions?

Ya gotta know someone with a dmv dealer's license for most of them.

Dantilla,

What did you pay (approx will do) for the whole car? Would really be the way to go if you are doing this to an older car.

JoeA

Absolutly pristine Targa. About 70,000 miles, hit pretty hard in the right front. Spotless interior. Paid $6500 for the entire car, a few years ago when a good 3.2 cost that much. Sold the G-50 tranny for $1500, Lots of other good parts sold to further reduce the actual cost. Perfect dash pad, guages, seats, yada yada. I probably still have a few parts of that car around here somewhere.

The stripped tub was no more than a few hundred pounds of scrap steel by the time I was done.

The 1973 coupe that the engine went into also came from an insurance auction. Very clean, no rust, but suffered an engine fire. Perfect car to dump the wimpy little 2.4 and install the 3.2. The rear deck lid was bent from the fire, but the lid from the '87 fits perfectly in its place.

The car now is a hoot to autocross. 1987 engine, banana arms, brakes, rear fender flares to cram 275's in the rear. Kept the 7:31 ring & pinion in the newly Quaifed 915. Weighs about 2200 lbs.

Sounds like an excellent deal! Thanks...

Joe A