Rebuild Engine Before Sell or Not?

lespaul · lespaul's Garage

Looking for some advice. I am now seriously considering selling my 1973 911T. The engine has been dropped in anticipation of a rebuild. I would like some guidance on whether to sell it with the engine in or out and rebuilt or not rebuilt. Obviously, I want to sell it for the maximum amount I can get.

I dropped the engine about 6 months ago because I had a bad exhaust valve and was going to take on the rebuild myself. The engine ran fine but smoked heavily on deceleration. Engine has 185,000 miles on it and is due for a rebuild anyway. There is nothing else wrong with the car (that I am aware of). It was running great before the smokeout.

I don't have the time or will to do the rebuild myself anymore and would have to pay someone else to do it for me.

So -- these are my questions. Will I be able to sell the car for more:

a) as is, with engine out and not rebuilt
b) with engine in and not rebuilt -- running and smoking
c) with engine in and rebuilt

And, if (c) is the correct answer, how much value over the cost of the rebuild can I expect to recover?

I will appreciate any constructive advice.

Packet82 · Packet82's Garage

The car will sell for more with a rebuilt engine, but the price difference is going to be less than it cost you to rebuild the engine.

Put the engine back in the car and make sure it's running. Sell it as is at that point. If the engine is out of the car, it'll net you the least amount of money.

Wiese · 06-13-2012, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Packet82

The car will sell for more with a rebuilt engine, but the price difference is going to be less than it cost you to rebuild the engine.

Put the engine back in the car and make sure it's running. Sell it as is at that point. If the engine is out of the car, it'll net you the least amount of money.

Packet82 is right on. In running condition, even if smoking it will be the most money in your pocket. Rebuilds are expensive these days and you never recover the full amount of it when you sell right away.

gamin · 06-13-2012, 08:36 AM

Since you have the engine out, and you think it has a valve problem, why not remove the heads and get them refurbed then reinstall engine. This is not a high dollar fix. Here in Raleigh area cost runs from $300-$700 depending on what needs to be done. Now you have a non smoker with fresh heads. Can't think of a downside unless it is your time and labor.

Packet82 · Packet82's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamin

Since you have the engine out, and you think it has a valve problem, why not remove the heads and get them refurbed then reinstall engine. This is not a high dollar fix. Here in Raleigh area cost runs from $300-$700 depending on what needs to be done. Now you have a non smoker with fresh heads. Can't think of a downside unless it is your time and labor.

I'm not sure if it's significantly different for the earlier engines, but the head rebuild cost ~$1000 at Ollie's for my SC.

You'll also need at minimum a top end gasket kit for ~$220, and the sealants cost another $100. Tools are $600-800.

If you're doing it yourself, it's not a quick process.

lespaul · lespaul's Garage

These are all terrific suggestions and input. I appreciate your input.

Thanks

HarryD · 06-13-2012, 04:47 PM

As a data point, my 1973 911 had worn valve guides. In 2003, I brought the car to my mechanic to do the job.

Besides renewing the heads, I needed new valves due to excessive wear and a clutch kit.

If the motor runs, put it back in and sell as is.

To my way of thinking, if you pay someone for the work, you will not recoup the cost of the head work and you may find other surprises.

If you do it yourself, you will save the cost of labor (say 25-30 hours) but the buyer may be more reluctant to pay you for the parts due to concerns about the quality of the work and lack of warranty.

Best of luck however you decide.

Dantilla · 06-13-2012, 05:16 PM

One other option-

A nice long-hood with no engine is a great starting point for a hot-rod engine swap.

If somebody wants to stuff a 3.0 or 3.2 into an early car, yours may be a good candidate.
The original engine is probably a 7R case, which makes it another good candidate for small-displacement hot-rod.

It is possible that the sale of the car and engine separately may net you more than if you sell them together.