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Should I buy this motor?

PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 7:02 pm
by gocart
I'm looking at an '83 SC motor that is for sale. It has 130K original miles and is in good running condition. Asking price is $3.5K. What do you guys think. Any advise is appreciated.
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Thanks,

Re: Should I buy this motor?

PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 8:00 pm
by Autobahn
Compression test...
Check for broken head studs...
Oil leaks...

Re: Should I buy this motor?

PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 10:05 pm
by Steve Grosekemper
what sean says with the addition of a cylinder leakdown test.

Re: Should I buy this motor?

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 5:28 am
by Dan Chambers
+1 for what Sean and Steve said ... an if it's in a car, drive it. Better yet. See how it starts cold, drive it, check for leaks before, and after driving. Look for "spotty" parking spot.

... and, drive it.

Re: Should I buy this motor?

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:46 am
by gocart
Thanks for the info.

I am figuring that it's going to need at least a top end and plan on that and maybe more.

Should I be checking to see if it has Mahle cylinders? Should I avoid an engine that has Alusils?

Would a broken head stud show up in a compression or leakdown test?

On a compression test I've been told that it's more important for all the cylinders to be even. But what if they are all low.

Is a leakdown a better test? Does a leak down have to be done with a warm motor?

Thanks again,

Re: Should I buy this motor?

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:29 pm
by Steve Grosekemper
All your answers...
http://www.dietersmotorsports.com/Compr ... wntest.htm

Well at least a few of them.

Cylinder head stud test is to pull the valve covers and check torque.
If you are going to overhaul Mahle or Alusils don't matter as each can be recoated now.
Nikasil (Mahle) would be better because at 130K you may just be able to re ring.
But 130k doesn't mean OH at all. check it out and decide. 3.0L are very track worthy into 180K range.

Re: Should I buy this motor?

PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:41 pm
by gulf911
If you dont buy it , call Aase Motors they may have just what you need. 714.992.2283 ask for Jeff.

http://aasemotors.com/wordpress/wp-cont ... 008471.jpg