'89 GT Choices
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Florissant, CO
'89 GT Choices
Hey Guys,
I found out yesterday I have some interesting choices to make with my '89 GT. A couple of weeks ago while doing some spirited driving through the Colorado mountains the motor shut down and a low oil pressure warning came on. I coasted to a stop and had the car towed to the nearest reputable shop.
It turns out they say the timing belt slipped. The belt is only 22k old and I've always kept it tensioned correctly. The shop says the pulleys are worn and this was probably what caused it. There is no compression in any of the cylinders which probably means bent valves.
The shop has quoted me $12 - $13k to pull the motor, rework the heads and replace valves, pulleys, water pump, etc.
Does anyone know if this is a reasonable quote? If I decide to sell the car to someone who has the knowledge and time to fix it themselves, thus saving much of the cost, what might it be worth?
The car is an '89 GT with 86k, no wrecks, very good body and interior.
Thanks for the help.
Mark
I found out yesterday I have some interesting choices to make with my '89 GT. A couple of weeks ago while doing some spirited driving through the Colorado mountains the motor shut down and a low oil pressure warning came on. I coasted to a stop and had the car towed to the nearest reputable shop.
It turns out they say the timing belt slipped. The belt is only 22k old and I've always kept it tensioned correctly. The shop says the pulleys are worn and this was probably what caused it. There is no compression in any of the cylinders which probably means bent valves.
The shop has quoted me $12 - $13k to pull the motor, rework the heads and replace valves, pulleys, water pump, etc.
Does anyone know if this is a reasonable quote? If I decide to sell the car to someone who has the knowledge and time to fix it themselves, thus saving much of the cost, what might it be worth?
The car is an '89 GT with 86k, no wrecks, very good body and interior.
Thanks for the help.
Mark
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,164
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From: Guelph, Ontario, Canada
12k Really? seem crazy expensive to me. But I am forever a skeptic. 12k minus 3k in parts (worst case scenario) at 100$ per hour that is 90 hours. Holy crap that is a long time to pull engine and re and re the heads. 90 hours 2 weeks and 1.5 days? at 50$ per hours that is 180 hours (1 month?)
I'll give you 3k
I'll give you 3k
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 9,601
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From: Abbotsford B.C.
First off, sorry to hear that this has happened.
It would really help to know exactly where you are located, we have alot of guys all over the place who are more than helpful.
I personally would not let a shop even touch the car, things take too long, and the bill is WAY higher in the end.
It would really help to know exactly where you are located, we have alot of guys all over the place who are more than helpful.
I personally would not let a shop even touch the car, things take too long, and the bill is WAY higher in the end.
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From: Rep of Texas, N NM, Rockies, SoCal
Too high. they have you over the proverbial 'barrel' cause you can't move it. Rent a car hauler and get it home. Then decide on your options. If the car is otherwise sound, pulling the heads isn't out of the question with the engine in. although it's not much more trouble to pull the engine. the valves aren't that much, and there's a few WYIAT jobs(chains tensioners) while the heads are off, but it's not a tough job.
As for what it's worth, let's say otherwise good condition, price is around 20k, less 8k(shop price) for heads rebuilt, anywhere around 12k is my guess. A DIY guy would be a better bet, but you'll need someone who want's a 89GT(me), has the money(me), and can repair the car(me). Send me some pics, I'll consider what you've got. I've got a trip coming to CO for skiing over Turkey day, maybe I'll take a truck and trailer. Pics would be nice.
As for what it's worth, let's say otherwise good condition, price is around 20k, less 8k(shop price) for heads rebuilt, anywhere around 12k is my guess. A DIY guy would be a better bet, but you'll need someone who want's a 89GT(me), has the money(me), and can repair the car(me). Send me some pics, I'll consider what you've got. I've got a trip coming to CO for skiing over Turkey day, maybe I'll take a truck and trailer. Pics would be nice.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,164
Likes: 7
From: Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Too high. they have you over the proverbial 'barrel' cause you can't move it. Rent a car hauler and get it home. Then decide on your options. If the car is otherwise sound, pulling the heads isn't out of the question with the engine in. although it's not much more trouble to pull the engine. the valves aren't that much, and there's a few WYIAT jobs(chains tensioners) while the heads are off, but it's not a tough job.
As for what it's worth, let's say otherwise good condition, price is around 20k, less 8k(shop price) for heads rebuilt, anywhere around 12k is my guess. A DIY guy would be a better bet, but you'll need someone who want's a 89GT(me), has the money(me), and can repair the car(me). Send me some pics, I'll consider what you've got. I've got a trip coming to CO for skiing over Turkey day, maybe I'll take a truck and trailer. Pics would be nice.
As for what it's worth, let's say otherwise good condition, price is around 20k, less 8k(shop price) for heads rebuilt, anywhere around 12k is my guess. A DIY guy would be a better bet, but you'll need someone who want's a 89GT(me), has the money(me), and can repair the car(me). Send me some pics, I'll consider what you've got. I've got a trip coming to CO for skiing over Turkey day, maybe I'll take a truck and trailer. Pics would be nice.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,210
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From: Nova Scotia
1) Tow it home - if no garage, rent space
2) Invest $18 for Membership - go to 'Search' for similar at home rebuilds by UK Kid, Big Dave, etc ...
3) Even if you do not have the tools or aptitude, read up on what is required to do a top end job plus a TB replacement ( all in our archives) - this will help enormously in finding and conversing meaningfully with someone who can.
4) Post specifics here to find contacts with local Rennlisters
An '89 GT is a rare car .... but still a car: it is fixable without being tied over a barrel for the proverbial raping; it can be rebuilt for <<< $12K IMHO
Now, if you were closer ...
2) Invest $18 for Membership - go to 'Search' for similar at home rebuilds by UK Kid, Big Dave, etc ...
3) Even if you do not have the tools or aptitude, read up on what is required to do a top end job plus a TB replacement ( all in our archives) - this will help enormously in finding and conversing meaningfully with someone who can.
4) Post specifics here to find contacts with local Rennlisters
An '89 GT is a rare car .... but still a car: it is fixable without being tied over a barrel for the proverbial raping; it can be rebuilt for <<< $12K IMHO
Now, if you were closer ...
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Hi Mark:
I'm sorry to hear this happened, but I'd try and get a second opinion at least. Maybe you can contact one of the local 928 owners and have one of them check out the car. MrMerlin (Stan) comes to mind - he has incredible expertise in working on 928s. Then, once you know for sure what's up, make your decision to sell or fix.
Keep in mind that selling a car that doesn't run is always difficult. Becaue you cannot prove to anyone that all the other systems on the car are functioning. How would a buyer know that the transmission or electrics work properly without the engine running? They'll factor this in as a risk and low ball you to no end.
I wish you best of luck!
I'm sorry to hear this happened, but I'd try and get a second opinion at least. Maybe you can contact one of the local 928 owners and have one of them check out the car. MrMerlin (Stan) comes to mind - he has incredible expertise in working on 928s. Then, once you know for sure what's up, make your decision to sell or fix.
Keep in mind that selling a car that doesn't run is always difficult. Becaue you cannot prove to anyone that all the other systems on the car are functioning. How would a buyer know that the transmission or electrics work properly without the engine running? They'll factor this in as a risk and low ball you to no end.
I wish you best of luck!
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Captain Obvious
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 22,846
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From: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
$12K is just crazy talk. Get a pair of good used heads (~$2000?) then swap them out with the motor in the car (~$2500). If you have a buddy that can do the work, it can cost a lot less (I've swappend an engine (not a 928) once for a bottle of rye)! Replace the t-belt and pullies (~$500) and you are set.
OR sell it as is to Rod!
Replace the t-belt and pullies (~$500) and you are set. OR sell it as is to Rod!
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Joined: Dec 2004
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If you can get it over to Dave Lomas in UT, he will make your car run better than new.
My guess is around four grand for parts, if you need all new valves, which you probably dont.
You want all new timing gears, rebuilt tensioner, all new front seals, new guides, new valves as needed. New waterpump, new rollers. All new vaccume lines, might as well check the flappy WYAAT.
10 to 12 K is fair for A PROPER JOB. You might find a guy who would do it for upwards of 8K, and still do a decent job.
You do want to trailer or ship the car to a mechanic who is a known quantity. If you like the car, I would do this, IF you can afford this. If the car is really nice, it is worth at least 12K as it sits. At least.
If you wanted to try this yourself, you need to post your home location, and find out who is in your area who could help you. Many listers WOULD help a fellow 928er.
What you do not want to do is let a non 928 mechanic touch this engine. It will cost FAR MORE to make it right a second time than it would cost to have the car fixed correctly, supercharged, and all new suspension. No kidding. This is like open heart surgury. You want the doctor to have had many successful operations under his belt. This is not practice, and plenty of master mechanics think they know it all. Make sure that yours is qualified.
My guess is around four grand for parts, if you need all new valves, which you probably dont.
You want all new timing gears, rebuilt tensioner, all new front seals, new guides, new valves as needed. New waterpump, new rollers. All new vaccume lines, might as well check the flappy WYAAT.
10 to 12 K is fair for A PROPER JOB. You might find a guy who would do it for upwards of 8K, and still do a decent job.
You do want to trailer or ship the car to a mechanic who is a known quantity. If you like the car, I would do this, IF you can afford this. If the car is really nice, it is worth at least 12K as it sits. At least.
If you wanted to try this yourself, you need to post your home location, and find out who is in your area who could help you. Many listers WOULD help a fellow 928er.
What you do not want to do is let a non 928 mechanic touch this engine. It will cost FAR MORE to make it right a second time than it would cost to have the car fixed correctly, supercharged, and all new suspension. No kidding. This is like open heart surgury. You want the doctor to have had many successful operations under his belt. This is not practice, and plenty of master mechanics think they know it all. Make sure that yours is qualified.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 1
Remember - you don't have to make any snap decisions. Just make sure the car is secure, and weigh you options carefully. Remember that a good GT is an awfully nice car, and will sell for far more fixed than it will needing work, even if you decide you have had enough.
Good luck on this. The worst is over if you are careful in your choices.
Good luck on this. The worst is over if you are careful in your choices.