Get New Engine Or I'm Crazy
02-02-2003, 03:12 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 28
Hi all
I just got back from the dealer lot where I left my dead '88 NA. The dealer hasn't gotten to it yet to diagnose it. So I did a compression test (on the top plugs). The rear rotor bounces the needle to about 30-40 lbs. The front rotor wouldn't even move the needle in the slightest.
Would it be a waste of money to have the dealer put in a new engine if the price was say $3500 or less? Realistically, the car is basically worth $0.00 now- a total loss. But, I'll wind up replacing it with "something" for a few thousand, and that'll only get me another used car with who knows what problems lurking.
But for around $3500 I could have a red convertible '88 with 120k, but a new engine with a year to blow it up on the warranty (probably change clutch too) and no more fuel or oil leaks. My own custom rear spoiler and the exhaust half-way like I want it with the cats gone now. EVERYTHING works, paint is very good (original color repaint), interior very good, brand new tires and battery.
The only down side would be some rust (not yet through the paint) in front of the rear tires/rocker panel and it still needs a rear wheel bearing replaced.
I may have just talked myself into fixing it. Sounds pretty good put that way. Or, worst case, anybody here interested in dragging it away for whatever it might be worth? Thanks.
I just got back from the dealer lot where I left my dead '88 NA. The dealer hasn't gotten to it yet to diagnose it. So I did a compression test (on the top plugs). The rear rotor bounces the needle to about 30-40 lbs. The front rotor wouldn't even move the needle in the slightest.
Would it be a waste of money to have the dealer put in a new engine if the price was say $3500 or less? Realistically, the car is basically worth $0.00 now- a total loss. But, I'll wind up replacing it with "something" for a few thousand, and that'll only get me another used car with who knows what problems lurking.
But for around $3500 I could have a red convertible '88 with 120k, but a new engine with a year to blow it up on the warranty (probably change clutch too) and no more fuel or oil leaks. My own custom rear spoiler and the exhaust half-way like I want it with the cats gone now. EVERYTHING works, paint is very good (original color repaint), interior very good, brand new tires and battery.
The only down side would be some rust (not yet through the paint) in front of the rear tires/rocker panel and it still needs a rear wheel bearing replaced.
I may have just talked myself into fixing it. Sounds pretty good put that way. Or, worst case, anybody here interested in dragging it away for whatever it might be worth? Thanks.
02-02-2003, 05:08 PM
#2
Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Oswego, NY
Posts: 90
I would get the vert, it sounds like a good deal, although I would probably pay 1500 to 2500 for an s4 vert depending on the shape its in. Otherwise it sounds like a decient deal. Or you could save yourself some money and rebuild the engine in the 88se. I would not go the dealer route, as they tend to make you and get ready for a good reaming. Rebuild the engine yourself or shop around for quotes. atkins rotary sells rebuild kits if you are so inclined. As there are many engine suppliers on the net.
Good luck.
Good luck.
02-02-2003, 08:54 PM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 28
Originally Posted by SilverTurbo' date='Feb 2 2003, 03:08 PM
I would get the vert, it sounds like a good deal, although I would probably pay 1500 to 2500 for an s4 vert depending on the shape its in.
What do you think a decent price range would be for an independent mechanic to rebuild or swap in a new one for me?
It's not really something I want to do myself right now. Not that I couldn't if I really wanted to. Some one on here mentioned 16 hrs. labor- from someone with the right tools and knows what they're doing already- unlike me.
Thanks.
02-02-2003, 09:19 PM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 28
Originally Posted by DaveK' date='Feb 2 2003, 01:12 PM
But for around $3500 I could have a red convertible '88 with 120k, but a new engine with a year to blow it up on the warranty (probably change clutch too) and no more fuel or oil leaks. My own custom rear spoiler and the exhaust half-way like I want it with the cats gone now. EVERYTHING works, paint is very good (original color repaint), interior very good, brand new tires and battery.
The only down side would be some rust (not yet through the paint) in front of the rear tires/rocker panel and it still needs a rear wheel bearing replaced.
The only down side would be some rust (not yet through the paint) in front of the rear tires/rocker panel and it still needs a rear wheel bearing replaced.
I will shop around for some independent quotes on fixing it.
02-02-2003, 11:21 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Vanderhoof,BC(Canada)
Posts: 5,542
Originally Posted by j9fd3s' date='Feb 2 2003, 04:43 PM
i dont think you are crazy at all :bigthumg:
mike
mike
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