Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Bud on Wednesday,December 14, 2022, 11:17:02 AM
-
Do anyone have a good idea of what a completely rebuilt Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 speed trans is worth in the market these days and are they valuable. This is for the engine and transmission only, not a complete car.
Any and all comments would be appreciated
Have a great day and thanx
-
Value depends on quality of paintwork, interior trim, and mechanicals, and where you sell it.
IMHO the highest prices are achieved in Japan, then Europe, then America.
Originality is a factor. Bad after market changes reduce value.
-
I think Bud means just the engine and transmission.
365 transaxle rebuilt
- all new bearings and seals (receipts with parts listed)
- all new synchros (receipts with parts listed)
- ring and pinion in good shape (photos or shop receipt to prove so)
- 5th gear and selector in good shape (photos or shop receipt to prove so)
- speedo gears good (photos to prove so)
- all assembled by knowledgable person (receipts to prove so)
If all the above is the case, then I would say $2K to $2.5K USD
If you have no receipts or photos to show it was rebuilt, then $1K USD
Similar with the engine.
- receipts for engine machining, parts and labour
- receipts for cylinder head overhaul
- receipts for assembly by a knowledgable person
- photos or shop receipt showing condition of any reused parts
I would say $6K to $7K USD for a thorough, stock rebuild. Special tuning parts and work (blueprinting for example) would push that higher. Weber head also adds a premium.
If no receipts, or "overhaul" was a bare minimum re-ringing and resealing, then $2K or so USD.
-
As a point of reference, I had a 365-04 transaxle rebuilt 3+ years ago (June 2019) by the local Lotus restoration shop. All the bearings and synchros were like new, so only the gaskets and seals were replaced. I had the case and bell housing vapor blasted, which was $225 of the total cost, but parts and labor totaled US $1760.
-
Thanx guys for the advice. Now to see what he is looking for which I believe will be much higher unfortunately
-
Just be cautious. 90% of the time "rebuilt" actually means a slapped-together, half-assed, job. I have overhauled dozens Of "rebuilt" engines and transmissions.
-
So does that mean that there is a very limited market for these engines and trannies
-
The transmission - yes, a very small market.
Engine - let's call it 'niche', doesn't necessarily mean cheap! If you're serious about it, go talk to David Clubine at Britain West Motorsport - shouldn't be too far from you, and he's an expert on these engines.
Gary
-
Limited?
I suppose so. You won't get much response if you post a note on your garage door. But, if you post in the right places, they will sell. Good 365 transaxles are not common at all.