Value effect of rebuilding an original engine

[NYNick]

There's a longhood that's got a matching numbers 2.4 in it that needs a rebuild. Of course we're looking at the many upgrading alternatives, as I've posted in the Engine Forum.

But what does the collective think of the effect on value when you do any of the engine upgrades available, like those described in Wayne's book, or even upgrading to RS Spec? Some say it's a desirable upgrade, and helps. Others say the car is no longer original, even though it retains the same engine, just modified.

Opinions?

Thanks!

Nick

[seanratpel]

Remember - they are only original once. regardless of changes big or small!

[Southbay356]

body is going to stay original ?

if it looks and sounds like the original motor then no one will know if you made it more CCs , they will just think it is a strong running motor

if you change too much external stuff then it is almost as bad as changing motors since the average guy will not be able to put it back to the original look..

[blau911]

Nick, others will disagree, but I am of the opinion that as long as the car uses the same matching number engine, the same displacement, the same fuel delivery system and same engine wiring, all internal specs of the engine can be changed with no negative effect on value. In fact, rebuilding a 2.4T MFI motor to higher compression S or RS spec is a plus in value - as long as it was done by a reputable shop with paperwork to confirm what was done. A nice running 2.4T is a good engine, but a 2.4E, 2.4S or 2.7RS is even better....

[dad911]

Instead of spending the money on a rebuild, I'd put the 2.4 on a shelf for the future, and drop in a 3.0 or 3.2.

[NYNick]

Great input so far. Keep it coming.

If these cars were meant to be completely original forever, we'd all have them locked up in a nitrogen bubble somewhere.

I personally think a original, rebuilt engine to higher specs is a plus...but that's just me, and why I'm asking you guys.

I've weighed the replacement engine alternative. Even Wayne talks about it in his book. The cost of a replacement engine, that's in good or rebuilt shape, will be more than rebuilding the 2.4. Of course, you now have TWO engines, and one still needs a rebuild.
Pretty pricey alternative IMO.

More input?

Thx

Nick

[BK911]

Originally Posted by dad911

Instead of spending the money on a rebuild, I'd put the 2.4 on a shelf for the future, and drop in a 3.0 or 3.2.

That's sorta what I would do, but I would want a nice higher compression 2.4E instead of a 3.0 or 3.2.

[Macroni]

Originally Posted by blau911

nick, others will disagree, but i am of the opinion that as long as the car uses the same matching number engine, the same displacement, the same fuel delivery system and same engine wiring, all internal specs of the engine can be changed with no negative effect on value. In fact, rebuilding a 2.4t mfi motor to higher compression s or rs spec is a plus in value - as long as it was done by a reputable shop with paperwork to confirm what was done. A nice running 2.4t is a good engine, but a 2.4e, 2.4s or 2.7rs is even better....

+1.

[Matt Monson]

If it were me I wouldn't go all the way to the 2.7. I would personally stay away from modifying the case for the bigger displacement. If it were mine, I would build it as a 2.5l with 1mm overbore on the cylinders and some JE pistons. Single plug. Low 9's compression with a Solex ground cam.

And just keep all the original parts in boxes on the shelf for if you ever sell the car. You never know what the next guy will want to do with it, unless you plan to make the car your coffin when you check out.

To answer the root question, I think what I suggest is a zero sum game for end value. I think if you modify the case you will devalue the car in the eyes of certain potential buyers. But it's a very personal question. I am reminded of the discussion we had last summer about inoperable AC. For a sizeable group of people the AC not working is a big hit on the car and they wouldn't even contact the seller unless they felt the car was already discounted. For others, it meant nothing because they would rip it out anyway. Engine mods become like the same sort of thing.

[whiterabbit]

Originally Posted by blau911

Nick, others will disagree, but I am of the opinion that as long as the car uses the same matching number engine, the same displacement, the same fuel delivery system and same engine wiring, all internal specs of the engine can be changed with no negative effect on value. In fact, rebuilding a 2.4T MFI motor to higher compression S or RS spec is a plus in value - as long as it was done by a reputable shop with paperwork to confirm what was done. A nice running 2.4T is a good engine, but a 2.4E, 2.4S or 2.7RS is even better....

Agreed if its a period modification with real parts then it adds value. Similar to a 3.4 Mahle upgrade on a 3.2 Carrera.

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by whiterabbit

Agreed if its a period modification with real parts then it adds value. Similar to a 3.4 Mahle upgrade on a 3.2 Carrera.

To this point, Steve at Rennsport Systems can still get original Mahle 2.7RS P&C kits. If the the 2.7 was done, I would use those parts over Nickies and JEs.