'76 3.0 Turbo Long Block - Pricing Help

[henrymfisher]

So I am thinking about selling my 3.0 turbo long block (original motor in my '76) and need some help estimating it worth.

Core motor only, no intake, no exhaust, no harness.

Motor was just rebuilt about 4000 miles ago. All heads rebuilt, new crank bearings (standard), SC cams, boosted compression (7.10 vs. 6.0), 3.6 turbo oil pump, twin plug heads. Nicely prepared, runs great.

I am thinking about building up a 3.3 turbo motor so will be looking for a clean 3.3 long block once I sell my 3.0. The plan is to use all of my exisiting intake, electrical and exhaust systems.

Give me some ideas on what you think it is worth and if anyone is interested let me know privately. I can send photos/videos since the motor is still in my car.

henrymfisher@comcast.net

Thanks,
Henry
'76 930

[haycait911]

if it's the correct numbered case for your chassis.........don't sell it. a 76 turbo is a rare car and will be much more valuable with the original case. stick it on the shelf and build another engine if needed but keep that case.

[henrymfisher]

Yeah, I hear ya. All of the serial numbers match. It all comes down to cash flow.

[jpnovak]

Why not build a 3.2SS on the original case?

[henrymfisher]

3.2SS ??? Please tell more

[jpnovak]

the 3.2SS uses your stock 70.4mm crank and bores the cylinders from 95 to 98mm. SS is for short stroke. This allows for a 3.2L engine on the shorter crank stroke (The stock 3.3L crank has a 74.4mm stroke and uses 97mm pistons). this is about as large as you can go without cutting the case spigots. Though I believe that Charles at LN Engineering has a slip-fit 100mm Nickies Piston/cylinder set that will fit your case without cutting. This will give you a nominal 3.3SS.

One of these would be the best way to go. You retain the factory case in an unmodified state and gain the performance as well.

What is it about the rebuilt 3.0 that you are looking to change? I see you already have the 965 intercooler and electronic ignition. Why not just spend the money on EFI to integrate fuel and then crank up the boost. Accurate control over fuel and spark will allow you to do many things that remains prohibitive with CIS.

If it was me, I would keep the stock displacement and compression and install EFI. Allow it control boost as well and you will likely have more gains than if you had just increased displacement and retained CIS.

[LS1951]

Off topic....is that the original paint color? Beautiful car!

I would keep the original case as well. Of course it's your car and I can totally understand the need to sell for cash flow but numbers matching early 930's are quite rare these days.

[henrymfisher]

The color is Maritime Blue which was an optional color on Euro/Asian/Middle East cars. My car is a Euro '76 so although is was originally copper metallic it could have been painted in this color. I just finished a total restore of the car.

As far as the motor is concerned the 3.0 motor always seemed limited in what could be done. And since it was only produced for '76 and '77 replacement p&c's were cost prohibitive, so I figured the 3.3 would give me more flexibility.

The turbo motor is a funny beast. They are fairly enemic around town, not a lot of fun. Only until you get on the highway and then it is a bomber.

I put in a shorter R&P which woke it up, but oviously chopped off a fair amount of top end.

So I'm torn between the fun of a normally aspirated motor and the power of the turbo.

[LS1951]

Originally Posted by henrymfisher

So I'm torn between the fun of a normally aspirated motor and the power of the turbo.

I totally understand, this is my solution



Sorry to de-rail your thread. Back on topic...I would think that you're long block should be worth north of $10k to the right person?

[adomakin]

just sent you an email henry

[henrymfisher]

LS1951, that's awesome. You have solved all of my problems. Now lets see, how do I kick my wife's car out of the other bay? Humm and my Dinan prepared 330i has to go to make more room. Sounds like a plan!!

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Hi Henry,

I can tell you that these longblocks are worth A LOT! I sold one for a friend who just told me what he wanted for it, a decent $ I thought, but you wouldn't believe the number of emails and PMs I got wanting it. I think he could have gotten twice the price. It was sold in 2 minutes. that was some time ago, I'd post on both the Technical forum and Engine Building forum asking for help.

But I agree with the others, you should keep it.

Hope you are weathering the storm OK, it's bad down here.

[quattrorunner]

A good turbo upgrade will help a lot with the lag. And replacing the exhaust will also help. I have the 3.0 turbo from the 77 turbo in my car and I can tell you, It's fast with the GT30r and headers.

[zinger]

can you run the 965 intercooler with the stock 76/77 deck-lid and tail, or did you have to upgrade?

...and i agree, don't sell it - and if you do the 3.2SS option, please share the experience

[drola]

i have a 965 3.3l longblock if you are interested

[winders]

Originally Posted by zinger

can you run the 965 intercooler with the stock 76/77 deck-lid and tail, or did you have to upgrade?

You can see in the photo in post #8 that it is a '78 or later whale tail.

Scott

[henrymfisher]

The tail on my car is from a 1991 C2 Turbo.