When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
What do you guys think a brand new, still in the crate LT4 engine would be worth? I found a guy that has one that he bought from GM in 96. It's still in the original GM crate and has been in a climate controlled storage building ever since. It's complete with the flywheel, clutch, bellhousing, exhaust manifolds, Intake, injectors, etc. Basically a "bolt in and go engine". I asked how much he wanted and he replied, "Make me an offer that I can't refuse". I didn't have a clue so I said I would have to ask around. (I didn't want to make a fool out of myself by "lowballing" him.)
I'm thinking it would be cool to install it in my 86. Tell me what you guys think . Thanks.
Probably not worth as much as this guy is hoping. LT4's are no longer the cool engine for streetrod projects... LSx's are in. But I would ballpark it $4000-5000 depending on accessories wiring, PCM, etc.
Think about. New, never run, and 11 years old? Just how well oiled, preserved is it internally? Seals, gaskets, even rings would worry me.
Offer about 1/2 what you think it is worth, or just walk away.
In storage for 11 years? Never run? My first question would be, why? I'm sure it's possible but I would be a little skeptical. Plus, as was said before, many of the composite materials inside could be rotting. You may want to rebuild just because of that. I would start @ $1500 maybe, no more than $2500 because either way it will cost you some $$ to get it running. Sometimes no miles over 11 years is not a good thing.
Stored well it should be alright. The heads and intake are worth more than $1500. The cost to buy the parts would be way up there. It should be worth $4500 to $5500. I built a 383 stroker that got put in the back and covered up, and it did fine when I pulled it out and put it in a car seven years later. Pre-oil it before trying to start it and I would bet it would do fine.
I wouldn't worry too much about it being crated for 11 years. I purchased a GMGoodwrench LT4 long block in October from Pace Performance that was built and crated in 1997. It's now in my car and running fine (with the exception of high oil pressure due to a HV pump with high pressure spring, but that's another story!). By the way, I paid $3100 for the long block without flywheel.
LT4 heads (new) sell for ~$1500.00. GM LT4 intake, new, on Ebay goes for $700 to $950.00
I sold a LT4 intake on ebay last year with a starting price of $250.00 and it sold for $950.00!
Luckily the prices on those have been dropping since the release of the Edelbrock. I've seen some go for $550.
I think this engine would be best sold to someone who needs a replacement LT4 to keep it stock. You can purchase something freshly rebuilt for around $5k with more power. If it was me I would offer about $3500 and deal up from there.
Thanks for all your responses. Perhaps I should elaborate a little more about the engine. I'm not concerned in the least about it having been stored for so long. The owner is a retired GM employee who purchased it for a project and didn't use it. It, along with a brand new LT1, a brand new LT5 and several brand new big blocks have been stored in a heated and humidity controlled garage. The spark plugs have been removed, cylinders oiled and desiccant plugs installed in each cylinder. To say this guy is **** about his collection would be an understatement.
There is no wiring harness or ECM but I'm not concerned about that. Those are readily available. I know it won't be "plug and play" into my car but it's not like I have to re-invent the wheel to install it either.
I don't think he is looking to get rich from this and judging from the other "toys" I saw sitting around, he's doesn't need the money.
I think I know now from the responses what the low and the high range should be. I'll visit him again and see what I can work out.