So what is a 12a worth now?

[junkyard racer]

With the 12a now gone from Mazda, what is the value of a good used one now? I have been told not to accept anything less than $800 for it, and I have been told if I parted the engine, I could get in excess of $1000 for it.

Long story short, I have one that has 40k miles on it (rebuilt), with good compression. I also have a factory replacement with around 35k mikes it.

What is the value of these engines?

[Kentetsu]

That seems like a bit of a stretch. I recently paid 250 for a running motor, 67k on it with no rebuild.

If it were a recent rebuild, then I could see 800 or so.


.

[WE3RX7]

The cost will always be driven by demand - unfortunately, most guys will opt to throw a 13B in their car when the 12A gives out. This will become more true as time goes on and 12A parts get harder to find. Just because its limited quantity doesnt always mean its going to drive up cost.

[codytheoutlaw]

more than likely the lack of replacement parts will make them worth less. when my 12a dies my car will get a 13b.

[j_tso]

Originally Posted by codytheoutlaw

more than likely the lack of replacement parts will make them worth less. when my 12a dies my car will get a 13b.

That's why I went with a 13B in my first gen as well.

However, I have been hoarding 12A parts because I want an old school project/race car, so I'm going to be using carbon apex seals.

[bwaits]

Yes, as stated, the race classes that mandate 12As will be where the demand comes from. This will subside when the sanctioning bodies are bombarded with request from competitors for a cheaper alternative. Normally takes a good number of years from parts becoming NLA - but it will happen.


-billy

[91GSL-SE]

I sell good used 12A motors for $650 with core. These are tested with our RE compression tester to ensure it has good compression. We also test coolant pressure making sure it proplerly hold, and there are no leaks in the system. Also the oil pressure is tested. We have had success selling our used 12A motors at this price for some time now. A rebuilt 12A can range from $1600-$2400, depending on mods.

[12arotary]

Originally Posted by RW-7

. A rebuilt 12A can range from $1600-$2400, depending on mods.

i've tried selling my fully built boosted 12a for some time now and I never get offers over 1200 for everything so 1600 is a stretch unless your a company and offer a warranty- i've gotten several good running 12a's for 200-300$ and that is very normal, i've never had trouble finding them

[91GSL-SE]

Originally Posted by 12arotary

i've tried selling my fully built boosted 12a for some time now and I never get offers over 1200 for everything so 1600 is a stretch unless your a company and offer a warranty- i've gotten several good running 12a's for 200-300$ and that is very normal, i've never had trouble finding them

Yes we do offer Warranty.

Considering all that goes into one of my builds $1600 is a good deal.
I could build one for a lot less, but you would not be happy with the results, and as a builder, I will not do this.
All parts out of spec are replaced, including housing. Plates are lapped to spec, all new seals, o-rings and gasket. I use OEM parts also. Plus the time it takes. You do the math.. Its a good deal on a motor that will last you many many miles.

[12arotary]

Originally Posted by RW-7

Yes we do offer Warranty.

Considering all that goes into one of my builds $1600 is a good deal.
I could build one for a lot less, but you would not be happy with the results, and as a builder, I will not do this.
All parts out of spec are replaced, including housing. Plates are lapped to spec, all new seals, o-rings and gasket. I use OEM parts also. Plus the time it takes. You do the math.. Its a good deal on a motor that will last you many many miles.

that is a good deal, I was just speaking for those of us who don't have shops- like an engine personally built by me isn't worth jack

[Rotarydave]

Originally Posted by 12arotary

that is a good deal, I was just speaking for those of us who don't have shops- like an engine personally built by me isn't worth jack

Not saying that your motor isn't worth jack.... just that you don't have the engine building reputation that a shop does so they can command the higher price tag. The second piece is (and this if for everyone building their own engine and wanting to get money back on it later) if you put the same number of new pieces into a rebuild that a engine builder does it will push the cost of your rebuild into that same price range even without considering labor. They are able to keep prices down because they buy parts at shop rates and also in quantity, they also have to buy large numbers of core engines to find the good parts. The profit margin they are making on an engine is not as large as you would think.

You do get what you pay for. I think that the best rebuilt engine write up i ever saw was done by mazdatrix in one of their hard catalogs i don't know if it is on their website but the jist was anyone can build a motor out of a pile of crap that can last 12months (in a street car that is)

As for the value of an engine. I have been severely burned lately by used engines and it is for that reason i don't recommend buying them at all regardless of their pedigree. on the other forum i am listed a BAD GUY because someone bought an engine from my friend (i hooked them up and made the deal happen my involvement) that was supposed to be a low mileage engine it was sold for around 800 in parts and money and it turned out to be bad in less than 30 days after install. Now it was compression tested and it was coolant pressure tested but that doesn't always mean that it is good. When I am buying a used engine I really only look at it as if it is a core... and when i sell a used motor I (me that is I can't speak for my friends obviously) tell the buyer up front that it may last a long time or no time at all. bottom line it is a used motor that we (usually) don't know the whole history on.

What do I think is a good price for a core 200$ no more at this time not willing more and that would be for an unopened motor.

What do I think is a good price for a used motor no more than 800$ and I would have to see it run in a car and preferably under some type of load. Just because it runs doesn't mean it is good. I would suspect the motor to be bad if when I am coming to check it out it has already been warmed up.

What do I think is a good price for a rebuild 1600 is on the low end and although it may be a very good motor i would want to know what went into building it... specifically what parts and who made them.... there are companies out there that make really cheap parts that aren't all that good but they are new and they will last a couple of years.

Also about a rebuild that doesn't include special engines and porting and special prep... these guys are professionals you will get what you pay for but you will also get a warranty as well.

[PDXGSL]

Originally Posted by RW-7

A rebuilt 12A can range from $1600-$2400, depending on mods.

Tell me about it.

[junkyard racer]

Originally Posted by RW-7

I sell good used 12A motors for $650 with core. These are tested with our RE compression tester to ensure it has good compression. We also test coolant pressure making sure it proplerly hold, and there are no leaks in the system. Also the oil pressure is tested. We have had success selling our used 12A motors at this price for some time now. A rebuilt 12A can range from $1600-$2400, depending on mods.

The 40k mile engine I have, I am TOLD that it is in very great shape. Of course it came with my car as a spare engine, so that's all I really know if it. I also was thinking the 650- range until my buddy told me other-wise. (which is why I asked)

I am with everyone else though. When my 12a lets go, a 13b will be in its place. If I could sell both of these 12a's for decent money...I would in a heart beat and just get a 13b.

[spankle my wankle]

I have a brand new rebuild on mine, less than 300 miles and its got 3rd gen corner seals, and Id sell the whole dang car for $1,300.

[PDXGSL]

^indeed.