I found 2 3800s/c engines in j/y they want 150.00 for them(each) and then nickel and dime you for the alt/ps pump/starter/ac compressor/etc harness is included with engine,ecu extra 35.00 so it be like 300-350 ish not knowing if it runs, guessing because the body's in good shape that it had issues.. and would be a rebuild, trans is 150.oo is this a fair cost price for a engine that is basicly a rebuildable core...? should I get the half shafts(axles) also..? There seems to be tons of threads on this swap. is there one that goes real in depth?
I found 2 3800s/c engines in j/y they want 150.00 for them(each) and then nickel and dime you for the alt/ps pump/starter/ac compressor/etc harness is included with engine,ecu extra 35.00 so it be like 300-350 ish not knowing if it runs, guessing because the body's in good shape that it had issues.. and would be a rebuild, trans is 150.oo is this a fair cost price for a engine that is basicly a rebuildable core...? should I get the half shafts(axles) also..? There seems to be tons of threads on this swap. is there one that goes real in depth?
Must b nice to get em that cheap, they want $15-2000 around here.
------------------ 86 SE Convertible 3800sc 4t65e HD.
I bought a "Running/Driving "car and ended up "rebuilding" it anyway. (Cracked Crank at the balancer keyway !) It's All a crapshoot. People junk cars because of "strange reasons", fuel pump, sensors, Trans, a mouse ate the wires..... hard to tell
getting a wrecked car is your best bet. I got a 96 Riviera with a 3800 sc for 250 bucks. it was crashed and it just messed up the ac condenser. I probably could have fixed it if it didn't set off the air bags but it still would run and drive just fine. if you get it wrecked you get motor, trans, wiring, computer. then when you get what you need you can still make some money back by scraping the car.
When Im looking for a used engine, I shop for a whole running car. Even if you cant drive it, you know what kind of shape the motor is in AND you know you have all the parts you need. The guy next door paid $2500 for a used engine with installation in his Explorer. Its in worse condition than the one that was in it. Anti freeze leaks on the engine (not hoses), oil leaks, and rod knock. They told him they dont guarantee used engines except to run. There are so many 3800's in cars and vans, you should be able to find even a driveable one for $500. I tried to sell him a driveable Explorer that was totally rusted out for $400 that ran perfect.
I have been kind of wondering what a fair price for a 3800SC engine trans and harness would be as well. I have been searching craigslist in my area and found a couple ads and considered calling about but I have no idea what a fair market price would be? I know mileage would come into play as well, so what are you guys paying for your engines?
I would think it would depend on the MILES on it. A "LOW" Mile Engine(30-50K) I would think $800 is a "Fair" price,* *As long as you can Verify Miles AND "HEAR It RUN." ** If You Can't hear it Run... $150 . a low mile wreck is best.
