V8 Swap engine sourcing?

[timmmins]

Not sure if this is the right category to post under, but it was the one that made the most sense. Mods, please move to most appropriate category if needed!

I'm currently in the position to start a business in the area of providing good donor motors for V8 swaps, and hopefully at a very competitive price, as well as replacement parts and related items. The purpose of this post is to see what kind of interest builders, enthusiasts, shops and the like would have in this service? I'm one of the same, myself, and I know that many scrap yards can really stick it to you with prices on these, as well as ebay and such. If I could get some feedback from the community as to if this would be needed, and what kind of average prices are out there now, I could certainly see if this would be feasible, and hopefully be able to provide a premium service to the members of this board!

Motors would most likely be GM-based LS (and variant) engines, as well as Ford, and possibly Chrysler (if that's your thing). Let me know what you would want and I can let you know if I can get it.

[Frank_Jaeger]

Naturally, you have to make a profit. So if engines already available on the market are overpriced, how will you undercut them? You would have to obtain engines from preexisting sources. The only possible way I could see this working is by parting out entire vehicles, and that to me seems like a low margin endeavor.

[timmmins]

Naturally, you have to make a profit. So if engines already available on the market are overpriced, how will you undercut them? You would have to obtain engines from preexisting sources. The only possible way I could see this working is by parting out entire vehicles, and that to me seems like a low margin endeavor.

I completely understand what you mean. And it WOULD be from parting out vehicles, but sticking with particular makes and models is a bit easier, and since other parts could be sold, it makes it easier to keep the engine pricing down. Most vehicles would come from private auctions and would be tested beforehand.

[az_240]

What kind of prices are we talkin?

[timmmins]

What kind of prices are we talkin?

Prices are yet to be ironed out...but my goal is to be able to be competitive and have the best pricing for quality pulls. I'd love to have some input form you all on the kind of prices you're seeing on prospective donors that you would be interested in. If I find I can offer these swaps for a better price without losing my ass, then we'll all be in luck! I'm a long time car builder and enthusiast, so help me help you!

[anthonyr sil8ty]

I need an engine harness and ECM from a 5.3l trailblazer or envoy

[timmmins]

Okay so I have an example for you guys....with a full pull (harness, accessories, gas pedal, instrument cluster, manifolds and cats) from a 2006 GTO (LS2) with a T-56, and under 10k miles.....would $5,500 be a good deal?

[discoelk]

Okay so I have an example for you guys....with a full pull (harness, accessories, gas pedal, instrument cluster, manifolds and cats) from a 2006 GTO (LS2) with a T-56, and under 10k miles.....would $5,500 be a good deal?

I'm guessing there are very few of those cars with that few miles...enough to question if that is even possible.

Either way, I'd say that's the going rate, if not more expensive than what I consistently on LS1tech. I'm still trying to figure out how you plan on undercutting junkyards and private individuals without having the capital for large inventory or interest in expanding your market outside of the LS/VQ/UZ swap crowd.

[Corbic]

I'm guessing there are very few of those cars with that few miles...enough to question if that is even possible.

Either way, I'd say that's the going rate, if not more expensive than what I consistently on LS1tech. I'm still trying to figure out how you plan on undercutting junkyards and private individuals without having the capital for large inventory or interest in expanding your market outside of the LS/VQ/UZ swap crowd.

Hopes and dreams.

He'd dumb enough to try and gauge actual interest off the opinions of idiot form members.

OP, I'll buy 5 LS1s from you... $2,500 each LMK!

*WILL NEVER ACTUALLY BUY THEM*

[timmmins]

I'm guessing there are very few of those cars with that few miles...enough to question if that is even possible.

Either way, I'd say that's the going rate, if not more expensive than what I consistently on LS1tech. I'm still trying to figure out how you plan on undercutting junkyards and private individuals without having the capital for large inventory or interest in expanding your market outside of the LS/VQ/UZ swap crowd.

I'm just trying to gauge what the going rate for these types of swaps are so I have a baseline. Ultimately I plan to venture further out and expand the business. Just because someone else has a business similar doesn't mean I can't form one myself! That's why I'm trying to do my research beforehand to see how viable it can be. And, not to be a dick,but who are you to know what my capital situation is or what my capabilities could be?

[timmmins]

Hopes and dreams.

He'd dumb enough to try and gauge actual interest off the opinions of idiot form members.

OP, I'll buy 5 LS1s from you... $2,500 each LMK!

*WILL NEVER ACTUALLY BUY THEM*

My hopes are simply to gain input as to the price of swaps/pulls that are out there that are desired by the people that would use them. It's pretty much just a demographic study. All I'm looking for is what people are seeing these go for, and then I'll see if I can try and help out and give back to our car community. I'm not in it thinking I'm going to be driving an AMG Mercedes and live in a million dollar house...just trying to get by and run a small business on the side.