Valuation of early Turbo engines

RarlyL8 · RarlyL8's Garage

I've got an early turbo engine (930/53) that has been in storage for many years. It wasn't for sale but I mentioned having it in passing and someone wants to buy it. With BaT screwing with the market I don't know what a fair price would be for this engine. When I purchased the engine it had been rebuilt with zero miles but had sat for many years as life got in the way for the owner. The engine was subsequently disassembled to be inspected and that is where it sits. Everything checked out looks good and is organized in boxes waiting for re-assembly. I'm not looking to make a killing on it but I don't want to see it on BaT a week after I sell it either. Any insight is appreciated!

Unobtanium-inc · 10-23-2021, 09:34 PM

We got one in by fluke a few years ago, bought 50 cars from a guy, mostly 356's but one was a 72 Targa, with a Turbo motor! It ran like ****, but it was running. We pulled the motor, sold the car with a period correct motor. Since we had never had one before, we had no idea on value on the motor. Everyone said $25,000 easy. Well, I thought that was high, so we put it ebay for $21,000 and it sat, and sat. Sold it after a year for $14,000.

Here's the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anc92Z3_WeU&t=20s

---Adam

roblav · roblav's Garage

Luck of the draw... if someone really needs that engine type for an early 930, then value is up. I look at that engine as a future hotrod RS type with the nice case and 2.7 crank. Like building up a 930/02 engine. My value guess between $15 to $20K.

jcvass · 10-24-2021, 06:45 AM

Turbo engines seem to be a harder sell . But if your looking for power they are definitely the way to go and imop can be a bit cheaper than trying to build a 300HP non- turbo engine. GLWS

Matt Monson · 10-24-2021, 06:50 AM

With an actual buyer in hand, and the history, I’d be wary of pricing myself out of the deal. See if $15k floats. If he comes back a grand or two less, take the money and run.

RarlyL8 · RarlyL8's Garage

Appreciate the responses. The potential buyer doesn't care that the engine is a bunch of parts in boxes so that's a plus. Does make it easy to inspect. I need to mill it over. These old parts are only getting more expensive, I'm starting to look at them as part of the retirement nest egg.

Matt Monson · 10-24-2021, 09:37 AM

Instant comp…

Bob Hagestad Turbo Engine

JakobM · 10-24-2021, 12:02 PM

I would say, it has to be one of the most valuable cases. If hard to sell it must be the limited numbers of matching cars to justify a premium price. Only few early turbo's build, and only few 3.0L carreras NA with the 70,4mm crank. Anyone with one of those cars looking for year matching engine, good luck finding it. Not often two 3.0L 930 engines are on the market.

If all parts are there beside the case, then it adds up. And if all parts are fresh rebuild (regardles time on shell), then it is like a fresh engine in parts for inspection before assembly. Make sure the buyer does not flip it! If blank case, then keep it in my opinion

faapgar · 10-24-2021, 03:54 PM

It is about a 3 year run for this setup.Not a lot in75 as most were produced in 76-77.Now these are 47 years old.I would think a complete engine apart would be worth 15-30k.Depends on what is there.I would rather buy one apart for the obvious reason of visual inspection.Ciao Fred

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

I see it selling at $20,000 in today's market.

Unobtanium-inc · 10-25-2021, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

Instant comp…

Bob Hagestad Turbo Engine

The ask is $20,000 for a running motor from a known seller, so a motor apart would be worth far less. Yes the engine builders like to see them apart, but most buyers would prefer a running motor over a motor in 10 boxes.

---Adam

Matt Monson · 10-25-2021, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unobtanium-inc

The ask is $20,000 for a running motor from a known seller, so a motor apart would be worth far less. Yes the engine builders like to see them apart, but most buyers would prefer a running motor over a motor in 10 boxes.

---Adam

No different than if he had a complete 70S in pieces and I posted a 70S driver as a comp, They don’t need to be identical to be a comp, especially in such a narrow limited market.

RarlyL8 · RarlyL8's Garage

The Bob Hagestad engine is not a turbo engine, it is an SC engine with a turbo added on. I wouldn't think that engine to be worth $20K unless the 935 parts are proven authentic. BAE kits were very crude.

Yes I believe the 930/53 engine would be more valuable if fully assembled but it would not be as easy to inspect. I'm guessing the 930 this engine originally was in hit the scrap yard decades ago so no need trying to find it. Any more data points are appreciated!

Matt Monson · 10-25-2021, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RarlyL8

The Bob Hagestad engine is not a turbo engine, it is an SC engine with a turbo added on. I wouldn't think that engine to be worth $20K unless the 935 parts are proven authentic. BAE kits were very crude.

Yes I believe the 930/53 engine would be more valuable if fully assembled but it would not be as easy to inspect. I'm guessing the 930 this engine originally was in hit the scrap yard decades ago so no need trying to find it. Any more data points are appreciated!

I missed that it was an SC case. Maybe he wrote it that way on purpose. Sorry. Definitely not a comp.

We used to call the BAE kits agricultural.

Bucketlist · Bucketlist's Garage

If I remember correctly the 930/53 is a 1977 only 3.0l USA Turbo 245/180 which makes this a pretty rare block. I agree that no one would ever find the original car but for someone restoring a 77 930 this could be a pretty close match. If you found this guy you should get top dollar especially since you have the resources for a turn key install. I don't remember the production numbers on this block but maybe 1 of ? (530 or so?)
Good luck finding the right guy.

RarlyL8 · RarlyL8's Garage

Did some searching and found one source stating 717 as the production number of 930/53 engines. I'm not hung up on this specific engine type number but rather the fact that once I sell it I'll likely never find another early turbo engine. I might just wait until the time comes when I've either put it in something or know I never will.

Matt Monson · 10-31-2021, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RarlyL8

Did some searching and found one source stating 717 as the production number of 930/53 engines. I'm not hung up on this specific engine type number but rather the fact that once I sell it I'll likely never find another early turbo engine. I might just wait until the time comes when I've either put it in something or know I never will.

Absolutely no risk in doing that.