Budget six conversion builders, Please tell us how you do it! Options

[anthony]

I compiled the following list of conversion parts. This is just to put a six cylinder engine in the car and doesn't include a 5 lug conversion or suspension mods. So for you guys that throw out low total conversion prices please tell us how you did it and how you cut costs. Often I see references to exceptional deals on engines that can't be easily reproduced or incomplete parts lists that don't include all the parts or headers/exhaust.

[brant]

QUOTE (grantsfo @ Feb 23 2006, 12:39 AM)

QUOTE (brant @ Feb 22 2006, 08:00 PM) Anthony, I never see anyone quoting the t4 used jake motors when they quote used -6 motors or -6 parts..  (just an observation) brant Talking about rare! I havent seen a used Raby engine the entire time I was shopping. And given durability of big bore T4 I would be suspect of buying a used 4. I did look at a couple used T4's that ultimately were more expensive than the 2.4 6 I found. There are a lot more nice used 6 cylinder engines in the market that assure prices are kept reasonable.

hmmm...
I thought my memory wasn't so good.
but I can think of 2 raby kits that have come along fairly recently....

Didn't mike Mueller sell a raby kit 2 months ago.
and someone else did too about 3 months ago.
both were unassembled, but I'll bet you that they sold for a fraction of what they cost new....

I myself sold a used hot -4 motor a few years ago. I sold it for 2100, but I had 6K+ into it.
The buyer got 150hp for $2100 with headers/carbs/electromotive/flywheel/everything

The point is...
that used motor prices to new motor prices are really an inaccurate comparison.

Everyone talks about doing their own welding and paying $0 dollars for things like cooler modifications... but should we not factor in the cost of the TIG class at the local votec school and perhaps the 2K$ that the TIG machine costs?

I agree a -6 conversion can be done cheaply in the 4K range.. but your failing to count your tools, skills, labor and time at that price estimate. Its really just cost shifting and bad accounting.

Let me frame it another way. Trekkor could of factored in the extra $3K of labor and fabrication that he invested into his project.

His total should read: $4K materials + $3K labor = $7K

Your motor was a hellacious deal. but you yourself said it took 12months to find... you cost shifted your time in exchange for a great deal...

not everyone is going to find a 1500 motor like trekkors that is in as good of a shape. In fact a lot of people could find 1500 motors that need 7K worth of rebuild.

brant