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Value of 1983 4.2L engine complete (and running)

8

83CJ8er

Member
City
Lake Havasu City
State
AZ
Hi everyone,

It's been awhile since I've posted. Anyway, I'm planning on a LS swap in my Scrambler and I'll be selling my 4.2L engine. The vehicle has just under 179,000 miles. The engine was rebuilt at 155,000 or so. It is equipped with Howell TBI fuel injection, HEI distributor and Borla headers to name some of the goodies. My question is: what is the best source to come up with a value on the engine?
 
Research on line what used engines are going for with your extras. my guess around $1000
 
I was thinking $1000 also. With the fuel injection it should help it sell quicker, if a buyer doesn't want that, you could take some $ off and sell that seperate and bring in more $ overall. List it higher and see what happens but I personal wouldn't take less than $1000.
Do you have papers for the rebuild, that should certainly help with a a sale.
Check marketplace, craigslist, car-parts.com to see what others are listed for. Location could dictate price some also.
 
Thanks for the replies... I'll continue my research.

And I do have the specs for the engine rebuild and all receipts.
 
You will get more if it is still in the vehicle and buyer can witness it running.

After it is pulled, I would guess $500 is optimistic. The 4.2 is not that rare of an engine. Heck, I have 4 sitting in my barn from casual buys. I was not looking for them, but they were thrown in with the other stuff I really wanted.
 
Since the chances that I'll have a buyer for the engine prior to it being removed is slim. I took a video of the engine running and the dash showing the gauges.

After poking around on the internet, I've seen the 4.2L go for as little as $500 to $1500. Most of them weren't complete engines. Maybe I'll get more money for the TBI, distributor and headers separately and then sell the engine?
 
Hi 83CJ8er,

My local mechanic's finally completely lost my confidence.

Four times he's rebuilt my 4.2L. None made it two seasons.

Most recently a nut anchoring the air cleaner stud in the carb dropped into the engine. He scoped it and says I've got a cracked piston, scored cylinders and the engine's been bored out so many times I need another block! And, he couldn't find/extract the nut! Doesn't feel at all to blame for the issue either.

Quick swap of a running fuel-injected engine - even with 25,000 miles on it - sounds pretty appealing.

Did you ever sell your engine?
 
Hi Olin,

The engine was just pulled out of my Jeep this past Thursday (9/19). It is still available.

Regards
 
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