I'm just wondering what everyones opinion is of the value of the V6 Swapped celicas. I'm getting ready to do my swap, and plan to keep it forever but am interested, and I'm sure my insurance agent will be interested in replacement value.

What would you pay? Obviously it would depend on the build quality and components, but I'm looking for a ballpark.

For example, my 99 GT with 105k miles on it has a KBB value of $3359

How much more would you think it should sell for with the 3mz/1mz Hybrid Swap?

honestly on dont think it will raise the value at all. in fact it might lower it. you are swapping in an engine that did not come with the car. that makes it less desirable except to an enthusiast like us. no you can have the insurance raised on "your" value of the car.

for example, my Supra is KBB for some stupid low number, but i have it valued at 40K. thats what its worth to me with my time and parts that are on it. yeah the insurance is more expensive, but if its a total loss, i get 40K

Provided it was done professionally(not necessarily a shop, but you know what I mean) and looked and performed like factory in presentation, I personally would find it worth more than the standard GT. I would think most people would too, even if they're not a Celica enthusiast but just a car enthusiast in general. I suppose the best way to determine value would be what are comparable GT's in the area selling for, then add the cost of parts and conversion. Then again, if you're not ever going to sell it then it doesn't matter. Seeing as most likely it'll cost more money than what it'd ever sell for. That being said, if you started with a $500-1000 car that was in nice shape but just had a bad engine you'd have room to get your money back.

Side note, KBB doesn't know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to used car values. According to KBB a Celica like mine is only worth some $1,400 yet I'm selling it for over twice that.

Just one other thing to add to what others have said that you MIGHT need to take into consideration.

Most insurances will not cover any damage caused from racing any vehicle. Your vehicle basically is without coverage if you're bringing it to a track so that might factor into your decision as to how much to insure the vehicle for.

If you value the vehicle at... $10k or w/e your premiums will be higher (but as smaay said you will be covered in case of an accident for the proper value of your vehicle). However do keep what I said above in mind.

I have enough coverage on my car right now for the parts/labor/value of what I think it's worth, however once I transition to racing it I'll probably drop that down to just basic liability which will run me $2 per month as a premium which covers somewhere around $1,000. There's no sense in covering a car for it's proper value if half the time (or whatever it spends on the track) it's basically uninsured anyway.

This post has been edited by cardshark525: Apr 28, 2014 - 4:21 PM