How much value does a NEW ENGINE add to an Old Ranger?

Still Bill · Jun 1, 2011

Say that I have a 1998 Ranger 2WD with a 2.5L 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual. Good tires, etc. Fair body, good interior. It has 200K miles on it. Let's say that it runs fine and is worth $1,800.

How much would the re-sale price go up if the motor were replaced with a completly rebuilt engine? Bored 20-over, new pistons, new crank, valve job, new clutch, new wiring harness, belts, manifolds, radiator, and motor mounts?

gribly · Jun 1, 2011

I'd say it's now worth about $2000. The math for parts value vs. whole vehicle value is skewed for many reasons. In some cases, the engine alone is worth about the same as the whole vehicle because someone can take that engine and get their ride going again.

85_Ranger4x4 · Jun 1, 2011

It wouldn't be worth it to rebuild the engine just to increase the value of the truck.

gribly · Jun 1, 2011

Actually, looking at it again, that would be a $1500 truck around here without the rebuilt motor, and $1700 with.

Still Bill · Jun 1, 2011

I didn't rebuild it just to add value. It threw a rod. Then, had to add motor mounts, clutch......

mhughes165 · Jun 1, 2011

a new motor just means someone killed the previous one, doesnt really increase value at all, lots of times its more cost effective to sell the motor seperate....

85_Ranger4x4 · Jun 1, 2011

Still Bill said:
I didn't rebuild it just to add value. It threw a rod. Then, had to add motor mounts, clutch......

Have you done it yet or are you going to?

A runner is worth more than a pusher... With a rod hanging out the side figure somewhere between $2-300/ton. Runner, figure bluebook.

I would just find another running engine if you haven't fixed it yet.

Still Bill · Jun 2, 2011

Already done. Spent about $1,000 on parts and machine shop. Found some good deals on parts. Engine like brand new. Lots of parts from never-installed crate motor that had been stored upside down for 5+ years with water in cylinders. Lots of work. About 50 hours start to finish.

Took truck as payment for debt. I've got about $3,000 invested total, but alternative was $2,000 write-off.

I learned a lot. Hated it during the process, but very satisfying now that it's done. I think I might keep it for a while with the high price of gas. I never thought I'd be driving a tiny little "truck" thogh.

No hurry to sell, so maybe I'll leave it on CL for a few months and hope for a good price. Maybe I'll guarantee the engine, or offer financing?

Lots of spare parts left.

How much value does a NEW ENGINE add to an Old Ranger?

Still Bill

10+ Year Member

gribly

15+ Year Member

85_Ranger4x4

Wallers in rivers

gribly

15+ Year Member

Still Bill

10+ Year Member

mhughes165

15+ Year Member

85_Ranger4x4

Wallers in rivers

Still Bill

10+ Year Member

Sponsored Ad

TRS Events & Gatherings

Latest posts

Featured Rangers

TRS Latest Video

Official TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

Latest Album Photos

Product Suggestions