JEC_31

Read Big Dave's write-up on the process (that he kindly posted above), it's not something I would want to do unless I truly loved that particular car.

Imo000

Jim, that’s exactly what I was trying to say. Buying a used engine from a reputable place like yours will guaranteed the engine to be in at least the same or better condition that the old one was before the t-belt broke.

I agree that it’s impossible to test the AC and the transmission. That’s a sort of a gamble (educated guess) he might have to take. This is the reason why the price has to be worth the potential risk. If the owner is honest, he/she might actually tell you the condition of the car. Recipes of previous work are extremely valuable in this case. Also, the ’85-up 5-speed transmissions are much better in design that the earlier models. They are pretty robust under normal use. The AC can be at least tested for pressure. If there is pressure the chances of it being good are much better.

There are too many variables, maybe it’s only worth buying this car if he can fix it himself.



“Sometimes you just have to say WTF!!!” and go for it.

docmirror

Doc's law: Comparitive Neglect states that the visible or known fault on a system hides 5 times more faults not discovered until after the check clears.

You will be fixing stuff for years. Ask me how I know.........

Doc

goliver

Unless you know everthing else is okay you could be getting into this thing REALLY deep money wise, really fast. Run away.

Imo000

On the other hand this very well could be a great deal. As stated in the original tread, the car apears to be in a very good condition. This can be an indication of a well cared for vehicle.

Never the less, it's important to check as much as possible during this car's inspection.

Even if the t-belt wasn't broken you would be fixing small things for years to come.

rixter

I'd like to know what the owner is asking for the car
for $1k this could be a steal, for $5k it's a real gamble

tammons

I would say its value is that of a parts car. Not worth a whole lot as that is a very expensive repair. Just the Valves are $45 each and you can count on at least half of them being bent. While you are at it you might as well rebuild the entire engine or buy a good used motor and go through it.

I have been down that road and I dont think I would touch it unless I planned to repower it. Also you dont have S4 brakes with the 85 cars.

What is he asking for it ??

jcb928

I have talked with the owner of the car if its the white 85 in Gig Harbor. He is asking $3800 if it is the same car.

tammons

$3800 is too much IMO.

Imo000

I agree, $3800 is too much. I paid $3000 for mine 5 years ago. It's also an '85 5-speed and had a broken timing belt. $2000-maybe $2500 max.

DFWX

A complete gamble as you also then do not know about the A/C or nearly anything else. However, there is a prospect that it ONLY needs a timing belt and no damage. Unlikely, but I remember reading of a fella getting an awesome deal on a 928 (early 32V) with bad belt - and that is all it was.

The wise thing to do would be to figure the worst - motor gone. Early 32V s have been going for around $1,500 on ebay, supposedly good ones - add hundreds for shipping and then what it will cost you to get it in.

Pirce it as a bum motor 928 and if you still like the price, buy it. Lastly, there is no law that says an 85 MUST have a 32V. 16V motors are dirt cheap lately.
Mark
DFWX

Jim bailey - 928 International

Mark....." Lastly, there is no law that says an 85 MUST have a 32V. 16V motors are dirt cheap lately.
Mark"......... there are numerous laws including some physical laws like electricity. The USA 16 valve 80-84 and the 32 valve 85-86 are about as different as Fords and Chevies when it come to engine management ,wiring etc ! Dumping a 16 valve into a 32 valve chassis is just so wrong ! it creates a monster bastard which no one can work on expect the guy who butchered it into the car. Yes it is that wrong in my opinion .