Advice for a friend...
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Advice for a friend...
So one of my friends is lookin' at an '83 Trans Am, V8, not sure on mileage or tranny as this point. He seems pretty dead set on it, I'm kinda edgy though, the guy only wants $1500 for it, and that just rings of problems to me.
Haven't seen it yet, no idea on interior of condition. We know the engine needs new head gaskets (that just sounds like fun to replace...). Anybody got any experience with this thing? Any idea on the engine displacement, reliability, stuff like that? Notable problems?
Thanks
RP
Zach
Haven't seen it yet, no idea on interior of condition. We know the engine needs new head gaskets (that just sounds like fun to replace...). Anybody got any experience with this thing? Any idea on the engine displacement, reliability, stuff like that? Notable problems?
Thanks
RP
Zach
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
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From: Alvin, Texas.
It will have a 305 or 350 if it is factory as GM went to the corporate engein setup after 82, if memory serves correct.
Actually, the v8 should be a 305 in that case until alter on in the 80s.
Okay, you'll be letting him in on the 350 swap in any case.
Get it inspected. That's all. Carfax, to me, is overrated and it's a crapshoot that all the important info got reported to where you have no need for a thorough inspection. I worry about the actual vehicle condition (past wrecks and whatnot) and if the owner has the title right in his hand for me to grab from him.
Anyway, the other engine options were the 2.5L I4 (oh yeah, that Iron Duke) and the 2.hate v6.
Actually, the v8 should be a 305 in that case until alter on in the 80s.
Okay, you'll be letting him in on the 350 swap in any case.
Get it inspected. That's all. Carfax, to me, is overrated and it's a crapshoot that all the important info got reported to where you have no need for a thorough inspection. I worry about the actual vehicle condition (past wrecks and whatnot) and if the owner has the title right in his hand for me to grab from him.
Anyway, the other engine options were the 2.5L I4 (oh yeah, that Iron Duke) and the 2.hate v6.
Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
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Originally Posted by RangerPilot
We know the engine needs new head gaskets (that just sounds like fun to replace...). Anybody got any experience with this thing?
Thanks
RP
Zach
Thanks
RP
Zach
Dono
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
You're trying to figure out why it's so cheap, yet you know it needs head gaskets...???
Only way I'd be interested in that vehicle would be if I was only interested in the body, and planning to drop a 350 into it, and the body and interior were good enough to justify whatever it will cost to get the vehicle.
Only way I'd be interested in that vehicle would be if I was only interested in the body, and planning to drop a 350 into it, and the body and interior were good enough to justify whatever it will cost to get the vehicle.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
How many engines need "just head gaskets" and not a complete rebuilt motor?
No many. By the time the coolant gets noticed, it has been in the oil and it has been driven 1000s of miles, the engine is nothing other than scrap metal at that point.
I would rather buy a unibody car with a rust hole in the floor for Fred Flintsone then a vehicle that "needed just headgaskets".
The cost of a rebuilt motor would exceed the value of the car, in excellent condition for a private party it is only worth $1100 and in fair shape $600. It is in poor shape. What more needs to be said to your friend then that?
No many. By the time the coolant gets noticed, it has been in the oil and it has been driven 1000s of miles, the engine is nothing other than scrap metal at that point.
I would rather buy a unibody car with a rust hole in the floor for Fred Flintsone then a vehicle that "needed just headgaskets".
The cost of a rebuilt motor would exceed the value of the car, in excellent condition for a private party it is only worth $1100 and in fair shape $600. It is in poor shape. What more needs to be said to your friend then that?
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
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From: NW burbs of chicago
the guy only wants $1500 for it, and that just rings of problems to me
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 966
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From: Hudson Florida.
heres my advice for him. RUN AWAY from that vehicle. its probably got many many more problems to go with the motor.
it aint worth $1500 for a car that needs headgaskets, and probably MUCH MUCH more.
it aint worth $1500 for a car that needs headgaskets, and probably MUCH MUCH more.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Las Vegas
Originally Posted by rebocardo
How many engines need "just head gaskets" and not a complete rebuilt motor?
No many. By the time the coolant gets noticed, it has been in the oil and it has been driven 1000s of miles, the engine is nothing other than scrap metal at that point.
I would rather buy a unibody car with a rust hole in the floor for Fred Flintsone then a vehicle that "needed just headgaskets".
The cost of a rebuilt motor would exceed the value of the car, in excellent condition for a private party it is only worth $1100 and in fair shape $600. It is in poor shape. What more needs to be said to your friend then that?
No many. By the time the coolant gets noticed, it has been in the oil and it has been driven 1000s of miles, the engine is nothing other than scrap metal at that point.
I would rather buy a unibody car with a rust hole in the floor for Fred Flintsone then a vehicle that "needed just headgaskets".
The cost of a rebuilt motor would exceed the value of the car, in excellent condition for a private party it is only worth $1100 and in fair shape $600. It is in poor shape. What more needs to be said to your friend then that?
Paying yourself $20 an hour, that's a MINIUM of $300 off of an "iffy" $1100 POS.
Anything over $500 is pushing it............and I'm sure I'll get flamed for that ...LOL!!
BTW......was he fan of Knight Rider"???
"Micheal, I don't think we can jump over that semi truck..."
"Don't worry Kitt..........you can do it old buddy..."
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
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I'd have to agree with the "don't buy it" crowd. If it needs head gaskets, it probably needs a radiator as well. IF the body and interior are in GREAT condition and your buddy is planning on an engine swap anyway, then MAYBE it's worth $600-$700. If it's an 83 V8, then it's probably a 305 with a computer 4 bbl Quadrajet carb, or possibly with TBI. Not sure when TBI was first put into these cars. I like the 3rd gen F bodies alot, but I learned a long time ago not to let emotion get in the way of logic when it comes to car purchases. If he has his heart set on Firebird, he might shop around a bit and come up with one that needs less work but may cost more initially. A little more money up front could save thousands of dollars in repair work and parts.