Fair engine core price?
 

I'm picking up a complete high mileage (200k) 3.4L engine today that I'm planning to rebuild. Was told it was pulled this week from a 1999 996 C2 that is getting a LS3 conversion. I have been told the engine runs fine, no noises, no intermix issues, etc. Assuming the motor is a solid rebuild-able motor what would you pay?

Core or complete motor? Why would someone pull a good running motor to do an LS swap/ Doesn't make sense.

Sorry if I was not clear. It is a complete running motor. Im told the current owner purchased the car specifically to do a LS conversion.

This particular motor has 200k on it. Current owner said it ran fine when it was pulled. Im not worried about the miles in my case because I'm planning to rebuild it before I install it. Luckily the price the current owner wants is way way below that price range you posted.

Ok. Thanks for the feedback. I'm buying it for less then that but wanted to confirm with others before i picked it up.

Yea I think that's about right for a running core to rebuild. Another forum member just paid $1500 CAD for one that "suppose" to be a running engine, but the bottom end was blown up. Luckily he can still part it out and recoup his purchase price.

Someone putting an LS3 into a 911 doesn't know **** about an M96 so pay core price and no more IMHO.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...26f237518e.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...230be679d6.jpg
And that's what I did. Here it is ready to be pulled out of my van. I'm going to start the tear down next week if I have time.

Unless he's got video (with good audio) of the engine running "fine", I wouldn't pay more than $2k (that's what the core is worth). At the very least with that kind of mileage on it, it's highly likely there's some bore scoring or other potential issues lurking. This is not to say that it's not possible that the engine is "fine" - just highly unlikely. Without some sort of proof or at least documentation, you're asking to get burned!

I'm sure there are some gremlins to be found in this motor that's why i only payed $1500. Worst case I can part the thing out and make my money back easily.

I think you made/got a good deal... :thumbup: The chances of it "running fine" without any noises or "gremlins" as you say, are slim...

Hard to pass up deal here for a 3.4 and trans,
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/pts...816546038.html

Seems like a good deal as the tranny's are considered "almost bulletproof"... he doesn't mention the price for/with the engine though...:confused: