Value of 3.0L Engine

[SeaDweller]

I have a question out of curiosity more than anything. I have an opportunity to pick up a completely rebuilt 3.0L engine from a very, very well regarded engine builder for $4,500. My current engine runs perfectly, but I'm thinking if I could get a reasonable amount of money for mine, it may not be a bad way to go. It has the Carrera tensioner upgrade, so basically it would be a drop in and go scenario. By the way, it's a Euro engine, so no emissions...........

Can anyone let me know what the value might be?

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Michael
'78 911SC Euro

[Jim T]

All depends on the definition of "completely rebuilt."

If the term is used as I personally would use it, I think $4500 is a great deal.

But to others, throwing some new rings on a worn out engine constitutes a "complete rebuild."

Surely the seller has a parts list and invoices for the parts. What does the documentation say?

[hilandscott]

Sea Dweller --

What is the rationale for buying another engine when yours is running fine? Do you have some recent compression test results that have you worried?

Although $4500 sounds like a good price, especially if it comes with a warranty, what are you hoping to sell your existing engine for?

As a '78 Euro SC owner myself I think that for the $4500 burning a hole in your pocket you could be contemplating a Paxton supercharger bolt on... or at least a 3.6L conversion.

What price would your reputable rebuilder charge for a rebuilt 3.2 or 3.6?

[Eric Coffey]

If you are going to go through all the trouble of an engine swap, you may as well save up an extra $1000, and wait till you find a nice 3.2L. That way, you would have a true "upgrade", and a good 3.0L engine to sell.

-Eric

[Jack Olsen]

Just as a point of reference, I paid $5,000 for a 3.6 with 17,000 miles on it.

Admittedly, it wasn't freshly rebuilt -- although with that mileage, I'd consider it still pretty 'freshly built'.

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Jack Olsen
My Rennlist page • My Pelican Gallery page • My Porsche Owners Gallery page

[BruceSwanson]

Hey Jack -
Where did you get your 3.6? Thanks,
Bruce


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Bruce
1982 SC

[feelyx]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=594905367

[SeaDweller]

Actually, I've got excellent compression across all cylinders, and my mechanic says the engine is running perfect.

My only rationale for even considering this is that in another 50K miles, I'll probably be looking at doing valve guides on mine. If I could get $3,500 for mine, then I most likely wouldn't have to worry about mechanical issues for a long, long time. Basically, I'd have $1K in a completely rebuilt engine with less than 3K miles on it. Doing the top end alone on mine would cost twice that.

I looked at the rebuild receipt, and this was a crack the case and replace everything rebuild, so it's basically a new engine.

Out of curiosity, what's involved with a 3.2 conversion?

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Michael
'78 911SC Euro

[Early_S_Man]

There are quite a few people that will tell you that a Carrera 3.2 is not a step in a more reliable direction! And, a 2.3 conversion of an SC engine is too easy to do, compared to rewiring the car for a DME engine ... to be ignored!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[rstoll]

A truly "rebuilt" 3.0 for $4500.00 is a bargain.

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944

[SeaDweller]

Ok, now back to my original question....How much is my 3.0L worth?

Thanks!

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Michael
'78 911SC Euro

[Superman]

Question? Oh yeah. I'd help if I could but I don't know much about such things. My thinking is that it would be an excellent "project" engine. Over time, you could put race parts in it and then buy a beat up shell with race seats and a roll cage.

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'83 SC

[rstoll]

I have been quoted $6500.00 by a reputable Porsche shop here in town for that type of rebuild. If you figure 2K for the core, $8500.00 sounds realistic. Is $4500.00 the outright price? No core/exchange? Jump on it!

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944

[hilandscott]

Your question: "Ok, now back to my original question....How much is my 3.0L worth?"

Your answer: what someone is willing to pay for it.

You won't know until you actually have a buyer interested in your existing engine, so post it on the parts board and see if you get a response.

By the way, since you can't guarantee that it will run for another 50K (what were the compression numbers by the way?) I might be tempted if the price were closer to $3000...

John ;-)

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'78 911 SC 3.0

[Joe Bob]

When I was looking for a 3.0 for my 914/6, I paid 4500 at Aase Bros. Felt I got a "reasonable" deal. I ended up doing the top end as a result of a broken stud 15k miles later....

[SeaDweller]

$4,500?!?!? Wow, I didn't think it would be worth that much!

My engine had a complete top-end job done with new pistons, cylinders, studs, etc., as I mentioned earlier. A compression test showed 145-150 across all cylinders last time it was checked, so the mechanic said a leakdown was not necessary.

I'm still quite undecided at this point, so a valve job is being done as we speak, in addition to a thorough "check-up" by a local gentleman who builds Porsche race engines.

Would it be realistic to ask $3,800 for my motor, being that it will truly be turn-key, or would that be asking too little?

Thanks!

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Michael
'78 911SC Euro

[RarlyL8]

What these motors are worth also depends on where you live.
I've been offered $5000 for my SC engine by two different parties in two different states (midwest). Motor has 80K and all updates, SSIs, no A/C.
I do believe good engines are worth that much. If not I would part it out and make the money that way.

[Joe Bob]

3800 is a good "wholesale" price. 4500 is a good "retail" price.

When I was looking for my 3.0, none were available via private party. If you can get 4,000, take it. You will probably have to wait around for more than that.

As the Carreras get older, more 3.2s are coming onto the market. If you have strong documentation on a rebuild with your wrench willing to extend the warranty (if any) to the new buyer, you MIGHT be able to get more.

Owners of 914s and early 911s are the buyers for 3.0s....most SC guys are looking for bigger power plants...like me....8^)

[SeaDweller]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm not looking to gouge a fellow Porsche owner, as I just want a fair price for the engine. I figure since I'll be getting a good deal on the other one, I may as well take care of someone else!!

I guess I'll go ahead and advertise it on Rennlist and Pelican for $3,800 plus shipping and see how things go. If it doesn't sell, I'll just keep it and save the $1,500 it'll cost me to buy and swap the other engine........ That would easily cover the cost of that 930S steering wheel I've had my eye on, and then some!!!!



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Michael
'78 911SC Euro