Demand for m5x 3.0l engines?

[spyderg0d]

Just wondering what you guys would think is a fair price for a freshly built m50 or m52 3.l engine?
I get many m54b30 and m50 and m52 at my workplace (salvage yard) and I think I can realistically have my machine shop put them together with a top end for a relatively low price. I think I can offer a freshly built, in broke in motor obdl or obdll with new components and gaskets for around 2 grand, maybe less.

[gdavid]

That would be a good value to anyone that is seriously considering building one but I doubt there will be much demand because most people don't stop to consider true build up cost new bearings, rings, machine work, hardware, seals etc. The other tough part is warrantee. Unless you are doing a lot of volume, I doubt you could afford to offer a warrantee and without one, many buyers would turn to a warranteed used motor instead. I like the idea but would expect a limited market. I spent about $1300 in parts alone and know where I compromised along the way. I could have easily spent twice that in parts.

[spyderg0d]

What about as a "full assembly required" kit? So the buyer could see the components, and offset a warranty. And imply a part by part warranty offered before engine assembly only. Obviously everything would be either new in a box as far as gaskets/hardware if needed or used cleaned and inspected for spec. I think that would also drive down the asking price a bit.

[gdavid]

That sounds like a good option. It would appeal to the do it yourself type of enthusiast who would be interested in such a motor in the first place. I bought my rings, seals and bearings as a package which was a good value to me and I imagine the seller had a modest profit. The option to get the rotating assemble and possibly a cam all in one bundle would be nice and this would avoid shipping an engine or paying for machine work on your end.

[spyderg0d]

So, you would suggest more of just the assembly and hardware with gasket set?
No head, no block, no intake, ect? I assumed buyers would be more inclined to just buy the engine as a drop in product? Since maybe race teams, enthusiasts, or even the drift guys would like the time savings of not having to assemble?

[gdavid]

Yes, if you have a source to provide the m54b30 rotating assembly and overhaul kit at a good price, that is where you can turn a profit and make it worth your effort. Shipping engines and paying for machine work is just more overhead that may not pay off. Just my 2 cents. I'm guessing most guys that want to put one together are like me and do it for the sake of tinkering versus value.

[werfer]

I may be interested in the not so distant future in an aluminum block m52b30

[spyderg0d]

Mmm. M52 aluminum block are hard to come by. I dont get many of those at all. I am now getting tons of m54 and some v8s. Out of 740 and 540.