What Are Engine and Transmission Scrap Values Today?
Scrap engines sell for $150 to $600 while transmissions bring $100 to $400 at salvage yards. We pay based on weight, metal type, and whether parts work. Aluminum engines command higher prices than iron blocks.
Current scrap metal prices drive these values up or down weekly. Your location affects what buyers pay too. Urban areas with more recyclers offer better prices than rural locations.
Complete engines and transmissions fetch more money than partial units. Working parts earn premium prices over non-working cores. We evaluate each powertrain component individually to determine fair market value.
How Much Is a Scrap Engine Worth?
Four-cylinder engines typically sell for $150 to $300 as scrap. Six-cylinder engines bring $200 to $400. V8 engines command $300 to $600 depending on make and weight.
Engine weight determines base scrap value. Most engines weigh 300 to 600 pounds. Scrap yards pay $0.10 to $0.25 per pound for mixed metals.
Aluminum engines are worth double what iron engines bring. Modern engines use more aluminum components. Diesel engines contain more metal and bring higher prices.
| Engine Type | Weight Range | Scrap Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Cylinder | 300-400 lbs | $150-$300 |
| V6 | 400-500 lbs | $200-$400 |
| V8 | 500-600 lbs | $300-$600 |
| Diesel | 600-800 lbs | $400-$800 |
How Much Money Can You Get for a Scrap Transmission?
Manual transmissions sell for $100 to $250 as scrap metal. Automatic transmissions bring $125 to $400. Four-speed automatics are worth less than modern six or eight-speed units.
Front-wheel drive transmissions contain less metal than rear-wheel drive units. Transaxles combine transmission and differential components. These integrated units bring $200 to $500.
Overdrive transmissions have extra gears and more complex internals. Electronic-controlled transmissions contain valuable computer modules. We pay more for these advanced units.
What Factors Determine Engine and Transmission Scrap Prices?
Scrap steel prices range from $100 to $200 per ton currently. Aluminum brings $0.50 to $0.80 per pound. Copper wiring and components add extra value to your scrap total.
Complete assemblies are worth more than incomplete cores. Missing parts reduce value by 20 to 50 percent. Damaged blocks or cases may only bring core prices.
Local demand affects what we pay for engines and transmissions. Areas with active rebuilders pay premium prices. Export markets also drive regional price differences.
Popular vehicle makes bring better prices than rare models. Toyota, Honda, and Ford parts have strong resale demand. Luxury and performance parts command specialty market prices.
Which Engines Have the Highest Scrap Value?
Diesel engines from trucks bring $400 to $800 in scrap value. Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax engines are especially valuable. Their heavy construction and rebuildable design increase worth.
Performance engines like LS-series V8s command premium prices. Buyers seek these for rebuilds or swaps. Import performance engines from Honda and Toyota also bring top dollar.
- Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L diesel: $500-$800
- GM LS1/LS2/LS3 V8: $400-$700
- Ford Powerstroke diesel: $450-$750
- Honda K20/K24 four-cylinder: $300-$500
- Toyota 2JZ inline-six: $500-$900
How to Calculate Your Engine or Transmission Scrap Value
Weigh your engine or transmission to establish base value. Multiply weight by current scrap price per pound. Add premiums for aluminum content or desirable models.
Check if your parts qualify as rebuildable cores. Core buyers pay 50 to 200 percent more than scrap value. Clean, complete units bring the best core prices.
Call three local buyers for price quotes. Prices vary between auto recyclers, scrap yards, and specialty buyers. Online marketplaces may offer better prices for popular models.
Should You Sell Engine and Transmission Together or Separately?
Selling together saves time and effort on your part. Many buyers prefer complete drivetrain packages. We often pay bonuses for matched engine and transmission sets.
Separate sales can bring more total money sometimes. Specialty buyers may want just the engine or transmission. This approach takes more time to find individual buyers.
Consider transportation costs when deciding how to sell. Moving heavy parts separately doubles your delivery trips. Selling everything at once reduces hassle and expense.
Where to Sell Scrap Engines and Transmissions for the Best Price
Auto recyclers pay more than general scrap yards for powertrain parts. We specialize in automotive recycling and know true component values. General scrap yards just weigh and pay basic metal prices.
Engine rebuilders seek specific models for their core inventory. Transmission shops buy popular automatic units for rebuilding. These specialty buyers pay premium prices for the right parts.
Online marketplaces connect you with distant buyers seeking specific parts. Shipping costs reduce profits on heavy items though. Local sales usually net more money after expenses.
Junk car buyers like us purchase complete vehicles including powertrain. We handle removal and pay cash on the spot. This option works best when your whole car needs scrapping.
Common Questions About Engine and Transmission Scrap Values
Do you need to drain fluids before scrapping?
Most scrap yards require drained fluids for safety and environmental reasons. We handle fluid removal as part of our recycling process. Leaving fluids in can reduce your scrap price or cause rejection.
What if my engine or transmission is damaged?
Damaged parts still have scrap metal value. Cracked blocks, burnt transmissions, and seized engines bring core prices. We buy all conditions though working units pay significantly more.
Do I need a title to sell engine and transmission parts?
Part sales typically don’t require vehicle titles. Selling the complete car requires proper ownership documents. We verify ownership before purchasing complete vehicles or major components.
How quickly can I get paid for scrap engines?
We pay cash immediately upon pickup or delivery. Most recyclers offer same-day payment for automotive scrap. Online sales take longer due to shipping and payment processing.
Will you pick up heavy engines and transmissions?
We provide free towing for complete vehicles. Individual part pickup depends on value and location. High-value engines or multiple parts usually qualify for free removal service.
