Planning on selling my 3.2 engine - what's it worth?

mthomas58 · 02:50 AM

Just bought a low mileage 3.2 engine from another Pelican to replace my stock 3.2 motor with 171,000 miles rather than go down the rebuild slipery slope. Besides, it's my driver and down time is an issue. Need help on determining its value. My thought is to post it on the classifieds here while its still in the car and running in case any locals or near bys want to see/drive it. I'm probably looking at 30-60 days before I'll be ready to do the swap and sell the engine at the earliest.

Here are the details on the engine:

171,000 miles (have all records since 57,000 miles)
I've owned car for 2 years bought from neighbor who owned for 10 yrs
No engine work
Car has never been tracked
Worn valve guides/ oil consumption = 1/2 qt per tank of gas
Pics from last plug change attached (oil worst on 2, 3 & 6)
Smokes on start-up
Has just started smoking some at idle (only notice when engine it hot)
Has a little chain rattle at 2,000 -2500 rpm only when hot
No chain rattle when cold and no rattle at higher rpms ever
No compression or leak down test data - valve guide wear is evident
Oil pressure per guage is good at 4 bars
Engine runs great & pulls strong - just consumes oil
No leaks (just replaced driver side oil tensioner line and now no leaks)

I'll put the car up on jack stands this weekend an post some pics of the underside.

Thanks!

Engine:

Old Plugs

Donor:

lindemans · 03:26 PM

My thoughts:

I would first wait for the newly purchased engine to prove its actual condition,
Then I would seriously consider taking the time to rebuild the engine that belongs to the car; you have all the time to do it right .... and swap and sell the alien again.

Your engine is "tired" and needs a rebuild; I would count on a value of USD 3-4.500.
If you do want to sell indeed sell it with the engine still in the car so potential buyers can drive it.

sig_a · 08-18-2008, 05:35 PM

+1 to lindemans' idea.

Practical or not, the satisfaction of learning to rebuild your own engine/gearbox would have to be right up there with any 911 project.

Hope it all works out.

3.2 CAB · 08-18-2008, 10:18 PM

Hi Mark, if you decide to sell the engine, would it be the engine be sold as is in a complete condition? Tony.

Willem Fick · 08-19-2008, 12:22 AM

Hi Mark,

That old engine is absolutely worthless. In fact, it is a health and safety risk. Send it to me and I'll get rid of it for you at no charge...

mthomas58 · 08-19-2008, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3.2 CAB

Hi Mark, if you decide to sell the engine, would it be the engine be sold as is in a complete condition? Tony.

Yes, that would be the idea. The engine I've purchased is a complete drop in replacement (ex DME and coil) and that is how I'd sell this one.

Rot 911 · 08-19-2008, 05:23 AM

I'll give you my opinion. That engine at the very least needs a top end rebuild and probably close to needing a complete rebuild. It only has a core value, which in this market is around $2000.00

mthomas58 · 08-19-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt V

I'll give you my opinion. That engine at the very least needs a top end rebuild and probably close to needing a complete rebuild. It only has a core value, which in this market is around $2000.00

I was thinking as a good running core it might fetch a higher value than "core value" I guess I'll find out soon enough but appreciate the opinions!

Zeke · 08-19-2008, 11:01 AM

Yeah, even cores seem to get more than that. Sorry, Kurt.

If you were closer, I'd have a look at the old motor. Sure looks nice!

3.2 CAB · 08-19-2008, 12:25 PM

Mark, PM sent. Tony.

mthomas58 · 08-19-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3.2 CAB

Mark, PM sent. Tony.

Tony, PM reply sent.
Thanks!
Mark

mca · 08-19-2008, 02:12 PM

Ya ... cores are going for more than $2k.

3.0s seem to be in the 2K - 3K range.

As a 3.2, I would put it around $2500.

If you parted out the engine you could get more than $2500 ... lots of people want cases, cranks, fuel systems, exhaust, heads, etc. Just look at the classifieds on this board.

jurhip · 08-19-2008, 02:24 PM

At least swap that fan

I think this engine getting core value (for a complete engine) is accurate. Although running, it is not in great shape and a core engine doesn't necessarily mean it is completely non-operational. 99% of buyers will see this as a motor to be rebuilt.

In the end, I don't know what a complete motor is worth core or not.

mthomas58 · 08-19-2008, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mca

Ya ... cores are going for more than $2k.

3.0s seem to be in the 2K - 3K range.

As a 3.2, I would put it around $2500.

If you parted out the engine you could get more than $2500 ... lots of people want cases, cranks, fuel systems, exhaust, heads, etc. Just look at the classifieds on this board.

Enjoyed following your rebuild thread. I wish I had the time, $$$ and supportive wife to do same

(actually she's supportive on everything non-Porsche related)