Possible 3.0L purchase Options

[Zaffer]

I am looking for some advice on what a price range would be for a 3.0L engine, long block only, out of a 1980 911 Targa. The engine needs to be rebuilt as there is a knock (though faint) while the engine was running. Shortly after I heard it running, the engine caught fire, but was put out within 5 minutes; the fuel line at the frequency valve failed and blew fuel onto the exhaust system.

The engine is stock, was running on factory CIS, but does have the timing chain upgrade. Some of the components survived the fire (alternator, cooling shroud, distributor, and SOME of the CIS components), but the majority of the CIS system was damaged. The long block is fine, however.

I am considering purchasing the engine to rebuild and put into my 914, but I would like to know what to offer given the above information as I really have no clue. If I don't go this route, I will be doing a 3.0L Subaru conversion instead.

The picture is of the engine in question.

Thanks for any and all advice and I really appreciate everyone on this forum!

[nditiz1]

Just for informational purposes:

Got lucky and found a core 2 years ago for $4300 shipped (only 3 states away). 3.0 had 7 broken studs (1 of which needed Billys expertise). Billy redid the heads (~2500) other misc parts ~$1000. Sent the engine down to Bruce Abbott to rebuild ($3500). At the end I had a rebuilt long block needing an intake and exhuast.

The 2nd one I bought was a running one I pulled out of a 79 targa. Together with the trans for 8k. The engine had great health numbers, BUT someone used bolts instead of studs. I did a top end fix putting in steel studs and removing the bolts.

I would pay a little more for an engine that just needs a top end vs one that has a knock in the case. With that said I wouldn't pay much for a "core" I'd like to believe there are still cores out there for 5-7k. Running or not a core is a core.