Toshi 975 said:

I can't help thinking that this thread took an odd turn at some stage.

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I was thinking that but didn't like to say. It's not unusual for us to go off-subject and I'm probably one of the main offenders.

Toshi 975 said:

Engine components used or new can fail at any stage without warning and you cannot prepare for that.

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From what I read on this forum, the main things that seem to go wrong with this series of engines are external to the crankshaft/conrod/piston area, which are the components I would warrant for many thousands of miles, but the problem is the slow accrual of mileage; so no-one need think a commercial warranty will be much use to them because you'll never get a 6 year or 70,000 mile guarantee from anyone.

Toshi 975 said:

I really enjoy putting the little Fiat Engines together and I suspect Peter does too.

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I do and that's the key point. I don't want another Fiat engine dispersed into parts on eBay and as it is already stripped-down from the time prior to me discovering.....erm, a few 650 engines, (the first of which took precedence and which is now driving me around), I need to re-assemble it. I love the idea of someone else getting pleasure from a reliable little lump that I have lovingly assembled without consideration of the time expended needing to be reflected in the price. Then again, I won't be so charitable as to give it away at less than cost price.

For the time being I'm so wrapped-up in real work and electrical mods that the engine is heading for the back-burner again.:bang:

fiat500 said:

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For the time being I'm so wrapped-up in real work and electrical mods that the engine is heading for the back-burner again.:bang:

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Ohh so you are converting Murph to an EV???

I do think that you could sell your rebuilt engines... easily to people on the Forum who know your work...

but to a wider market?.. have you done the numbers?
If so.. throw an example out here... say a short engine block, crank head...
Other than the well known dealers there seem to be many "online" sellers with prices ranging from £1600-£3500..

I know from other forums people were upset when "DIY" people would copy something made by a big dealer... arguments would ensue that they were undercutting dealers only by a fraction, and they were accused of making huge profits doing such things in their lunch time at work using work equipment and materials.... perhaps it was envy...
I have seen dealers defended for high prices because they have overheads etc...
Yet a keen DIYer castigated for offering a similar service at a lower cost because it is something they enjoy doing...