RLHornbeck

I am looking at a roller and wondering what a good value would be. One car I found is a 2002 c2 manual coupe with around 140k on it (supposed IMS Failure). It is in good shape otherwise but can’t test items like the transmission. No special options like areo or sport seats, just a standard car. What do you think it would be worth?

Chris(MA)

Not sure, but when I was looking I found a 1999 3.4 cab with 141k miles for $9999 running, drove pretty ok too

808Bill

$5-6K

cds72911

Agreed. My experience is $5-6K depending on overall condition for a '99-00 vintage 996 with a blown engine.

Keep in mind, this probably isn't the bargain that it initially seems - the engines are what cost a ton when you try to save these cars. You could get lucky with a salvage engine (for $6-8K), but if you go for a rebuilt or improved engine, you're in for a shocker on price. If you can't do the work yourself, plan on those labor costs (edit: I meant to swap out the old engine for the new one). Even if you do all the work yourself, once you replace all the deferred maintenance items and miscellaneous parts, a $6K roller quickly turns into a $15K driver before you do any performance or cosmetic upgrades.

Unless you love the satisfaction of having saved a 996 by doing it yourself (which I do), I think smart money is to buy a running 996 that is already in good shape. They're all over the place ranging from $15K to low 20's. You may not get a one owner garage queen for that money, but you're stepping into a lot fewer unknowns and variables. Then spend your money and wrenching time doing whatever degree of maintenance and upgrades you are into.

AWDGuy

Labor is a small portion of the engine rebuilding. Parts alone, built right with nickies and new pistons and all new internals will be in the 15k range. Someone here has a rebuild package for 10k. That would be something to explore.

lowpue

I would pay 4-5k and find a good used engine to throw in....you should be able to get that done for about 10-12K. But truth of the matter, you should look at it as a project to do something different. Otherwise its almost not worth it.

Slakker

I took an '00 C4 roller with 133k miles on it, put a Raby 3.4L stocker engine it, and it brought 24,750 on BaT. FYI.

lowpue

I wouldn't mind hearing the details on this project...how much did you put into it? Did you do the work yourself?

MoeMonney

Slakker knows what he's doing. I agree it can be done. There are high millege cars out there in really good condition. I would always check first on the condition.

808Bill

There's a nice roller on CG right now with no tranny and a running motor for $10K

Slakker

FSI did the work and Jake was very active during the auction. I think these were the two main factors for the value it brought. I was using the original engine from the car as the core for my (now Blue Chip's) 3.8L build so I was very happy with the outcome.

Mark Wilson

The seller is dreaming

AWDGuy

I would think so.