1983 3.0 SC engine value

Tom_in_NH · 06-11-2020, 06:59 AM

The motor has 83k on it. It has at least a couple of broken head studs. Ran well otherwise, but with the typical hunting idle immediately after a cold start (Lambda issue I believe). It's complete, from the muffler to the air cleaner, including the Lambda controller. I may need the flywheel for the 3.4 I have for the car.

The question is sell it as is, or do the stud repairs and sell it.
Either way, what would be the fair selling prices?

Thanks in advance !

walt · walt's Garage

Sell as is, the next owner will likely want to do much more than replace broken head studs. Valve guides and a complete reseal come to mind. Don't follow engine prices enough to comment.

Tom_in_NH · 10-11-2020, 07:33 AM

I'm still trying to arrive at an asking price the above engine. It's very complete, including the lambda box,.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

have you done any research in the classifieds?

Tom_in_NH · 10-11-2020, 08:05 AM

I have, but all that I have found have been cores, not including full induction, ignition, exhaust, etc. But with the broken head stud(s), I think I'm probably back at a bare core value.

So, from what I've seen, this is a bit of an outlier. Just looking for consensus.
Thanks

faapgar · 10-11-2020, 08:20 AM

Some what low miles so $8-11,000 for a range.Fred

blucille · 10-11-2020, 03:39 PM

I'd say $8-11k if it was plug and play without broken head studs.

as is, I wouldn't think any more than $5k, maybe 4.

faapgar · 10-11-2020, 05:09 PM

Blucille I think you are low.At this mileage just a valve job and new headstuds.Also if it is late 83 it will have the 3.2 case with no sump plate and pressure fed tensioners.Pretty easy fix overall.With later case $10-13,000.Ciao Fred

Tom_in_NH · 10-11-2020, 05:41 PM

It's the earlier '83 case with the sump plate. However, it has been fitted with the pressure-fed tensioners.

Bigtoe32067 · Bigtoe32067's Garage

I’m going to disagree with Fred also. The last three 3.0’s I bought were complete and I paid $6k for one and $6.5k for the other two. All within the last year or two. The last rebuilt 3.0 I sold I only got $11.5k for.

Tom_in_NH · 10-12-2020, 05:19 AM

Tony, just for the additional data point, what was the condition status of those 3.0's that you paid $6k for?

faapgar · 10-12-2020, 05:50 AM

Maybe I am a little high according to your standards.I would always pay a bit more for a motor that has not been apart since it left the mothership.I just took an SC 3.0 apart for headstuds that had been apart before.5 out of 12 valve springs were on upside down.Each of the corresponding cam lobes had pitting and the rockers showed it as well.Half of the cylinder head washers were installed upside down with the bevel incorrect.Now 2 cams and rockers will set you back $2-3,000 dollars.When you do not use a propane torch to warm the cam tower for a little expansion to remove the rocker shafts you can scratch the shaft bores which increases oil seepage even with the O-rings.That is just the beginning when uneducated hands touch these motors.I am with Tom when he asks what kind of shape the motor is in for $4-6 K.You can pay less for junk and it will cost you more at the end to be correct.When the studs are broken the cam tower no longer sits flat so #2 and 3 bearing in the tower can become more oval resulting in lower oil pressure as the additional clearance is now a leak.The cure is to find another pair that the line bore is true.Good luck.Fred

Matt Monson · 10-12-2020, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtoe32067

I’m going to disagree with Fred also. The last three 3.0’s I bought were complete and I paid $6k for one and $6.5k for the other two. All within the last year or two. The last rebuilt 3.0 I sold I only got $11.5k for.

6-6500 isn’t 4-5k.

I’ve got a 3l in the barn I’ve been considering selling so have been watching for a bit. I think the $6500 is about right with the bad studs.

matt930s · matt930s's Garage

Yeah,
$6k sounds right for condition.

G450X · G450X's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt930s

Yeah,
$6k sounds right for condition.

I really wish I had picked up a “spare” 3.0 a few years ago when they were $2.5k to $3k to build while I kept driving my SC. $6k these days for a good rebuildable aluminum 3.0 core is not too bad.

I did pick up 2 915’s ($500 and $600 each) and built a late mag box with nearly everything I wanted, very expensive!

I will be glad to finish the 911 and jump on my vintage Mustang for a near endless selection of reasonably priced performance parts...