Discount for 4-Cylinder Engine

[DeLuke]

Just wondering what people's views are on the value discount for a 4-cylinder engine versus the 6-cylinder on a good driver condition Scrambler (or CJ7). I use the term driver to mean one that is running okay, maybe in need an old-style tune-up, but not an overhaul, i.e. no mechanical reason for an engine swap.

Another forum member and I were kicking around maybe $2,000 to $3,000. Kind of felt reasonable and overlapped with the potential range for a complete engine swap to a 6 (or 8). To some it might be more since it would still be a factory 4-cylinder.

Appreciate any ramblings . . .

 

[tower210]

Depends on what it's in.... If its a running driving survivor with great attributes; not much....

If it's a restomod with big tires......quite a bit (2-3k)....unless the buyer is going to LS'it anyway.

 

[Scramblin Man]

I would deduct 10-15% on a nice vehicle. More percentage as vehicle condition declines. My 2 cents.

 

[CJ7Pilot]

When I was looking for a Scrambler, I was looking for a 4-cylinder. My plan was to swap in a 350 anyway, so my priorities were a straight frame, a straight body, and no rust!

Heck, I would have paid near full price for a nice Scrambler with a blown engine....

As it turned out, I found one that had already been swapped to a 350, so I thought I was a step ahead. However, the previous swap was done hastily, with many short-cuts, and I had to re-do the whole thing anyway.

Oh well, I got my straight frame, and straight body (except for the tailgate), all rust-free. That's where the value really lies with these old Jeeps.

If I had a clean, straight, rust-free, 4-cylinder Scrambler (or CJ7) to sell, I would not discount the price very much based on the engine.

10% might be acceptable... that's $800 on an $8,000 CJ.

 

[Belizeit]

I've had mine since new in 84 with no real damage or rust. I'm not selling but I can't imagine giving much of a discount with a 4 cylinder in it. If someone needs more power that is on them. It's not a race car, it's a trail riding 4x4

 

[LetchcoreCJ7]

It’s at least 2-3K if not more and depends on how high end of a survivor the Jeep is. For example there is a blue SR on eBay right now for 19k with a 4cyl. That same Jeep with a 6cyl would be already sold and likely could bring low 20’s. If you found a sub 10k mile SL all original it would easily bring 40k in premium condition. I would NOT expect the same Jeep with 4cyl to bring anywhere near 40k. More options, bigger engines always bring more money in same conditions. I would put it in the 20%-25% reduction in price for a same 6cyl vs 4cyl. The same applies to cj7 and cj5 renegade and golden eagles from the 70’s. V8’s bring a big premium over 6cyl and 4cyl.

 

[DeLuke]

It’s at least 2-3K if not more and depends on how high end of a survivor the Jeep is. For example there is a blue SR on eBay right now for 19k with a 4cyl. That same Jeep with a 6cyl would be already sold and likely could bring low 20’s.

Yep, that great looking blue SR is what started the discussion between Pimp and me. I agree that it would be sold if it had the 6 in it. Now how much more valuable if it had slate blue interior . . .