Engine swap: devalue car?
 

Given a nice, original condition '86 Carrera coupe, if the engine were not original to the car, would it hurt the resale value today? Do you think it would make a difference in the value twenty years from now?

Thanks for your opinion.

-e.

I have a pristine 48K mile 87 Cab. The wooden MOMO steering wheel devalues it. In the last year, I have seen extremely well done cars w/ motor swaps that command premium over stock. My instinct says for long term value originality is the way to go.

It depends... a nice documented 3.6 Vram in a carrera with some other mods could bring a little more than stock....

Then again it would probably cost you 12-15k to do the swap and the car could sell 3-4k more than a stock 86

E, I think with the numbers manufactured (many) the current market on Carrera's and mid year 911's have been pushed (down) about to the limit.
An engine change as long as it's the correct series and type should make little if any measureable difference I believe in todays values.
Twenty years from now as long as Carrera's don't somehow vanish off the face of the earth un expectedly I doubt the value difference will be discernable..

why not try looking onto review sites or.. appraising sites for cars to see what's the best value. tried to use that from time to time as you replace and improve your truck parts. :)

Another 3.2 in a Carrera doesn't hurt the value at all. A 3.6 probably increases its value.