Ben Z

My car is currently worth somewhere in the mid-high 30s around here and I have a warranty that would replace the engine if it blew. But if not, I would sell it as a roller and put the $20-$25K into a newer car. No point throwing good money after bad. If it was an aircooled, that's different. But these 996/997/991 cars are not rare and not collectible, and they are depreciating.

Byprodriver

Don't forget the testdrive factor. If someone drives 3 996's & the one with the rebuilt engine is obviously faster & smoother, which one do you want? 100,000 miles seems to be the point where any cars health is suspect, even Hyundai dosen't guarantee anything after that! Anyone that can read can see & feel the added value of a properly rebuilt engine, especially with increased displacement.

c4racer

Who is to say the engine is "properly" rebuilt? There is absolutely no way to know that. I have walked away from many a car like that, and I know a lot about engines. I would much prefer a well maintained factory original engine with 100K miles on it that is running well and in good health. Maybe that's just me.

Byprodriver

How is it you can determine a 100K+ engine is running well & in good health, but there is absolutely no way to know a engine is properly rebuilt? I believe you are forgetting the test drive factor of a upgraded engine.

c4racer

I can tell how an engine is running by starting it and driving it.
I know that an untouched factory built engine that has made it 100K miles was built right - at least the vast majority of them are - sure, stuff can break like happened with Cuda's motor, but that is rather rare. And I have no way to know how an engine was rebuilt unless I know the rebuilder and the quality of their work. And I know very few of those for these cars.

LordVicious

+996

Nope definitely not JUST you. These motors are very well known to go over 200k miles (and still going.) Unmolested, relatively low mileage junkyard motors are getting easier and easier to find every day. Consider that your insurance policy.

Hardback

hmmm, so if I were to say my car has 100,000 miles on odo (actual 97K) with an LN sleeved 3.8L with nikasil cylinders, forged pistons, rebuilt heads, new aos, water pump, gaskets, belt, bearings etc etc including other LN upgrades that now has a proven 27k miles including 10+ track events you would still choose to buy a 100,000 factory stock engine/car instead? prices being equal?

prosled8

Not me, I will take the updated engine for sure, especially from a reputable source.

The only flaw in that plan is that you wouldn't sell it for the same as a 100k mile original, would you?

Hardback

nope.

JD ARTHUR

I agree with AGGREGATIONS POST. I think he is being smart by upgrading the you know what as soon as possible and just drive the car presumably worry free. Many owners don't worry about it and in my opinion they are blessed. I wasn't one of them, I had the upgrades done and now I am like them.

alpine003

Gotta love Rennlist with all these would've, should've, could've, hingsight, 20/20, **** pm, replace good parts, heard a weird sound, rust on my lug nuts, which microscope is the best to inspect oil with, etc posts.

aggravation

Well, it is a tech forum.
Not a 'Here, hold my beer while I destroy this thing!' forum.

c4racer

Oh well see that's different! I would take that rebuilt motor!!

c4racer

When did you want to swap cars or motors btw? Mine has a 100k factory motor as luck would have it!