Sputes Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 (edited) Basic background. I have a 1983 280zx N/A. I met a fellow Z enthusiast a few days ago, who has a turbo engine sitting behind his shop. He ripped it out and did an ls1 swap, which blew my mind at how clean the install was. Anyways, It has almost 150k miles on it and is 85% complete. Wiring harness is missing key parts due to being donors, injectors are gone, and the turbo itself wont spin by hand. The engine does crank by hand however. It is a p90a head, sadly not a p90 but for my power goals hydraulic will be fine in my opinion. Upon looking at the engine, it has sat on a pallet behind his shop for almost 2 years. Out in the elements. Due to not having injectors it, obviously water has gotten into the engine, and through other various places im sure. The plugs are still in it lol. The exterior of the engine does have surface rust on various places, pretty much anywhere rain was able to pool. I am wanting to purchase a turbo engine with plans to do a 100% overhaul. I can have this baby for under $400. My questions are, with water being in the cylinders, is the rust that im sure is there going to cause any problems with a rebuild? Ive never rebuilt anything thats sat in the elements this long. Do I have any other things to worry about? Do you guys think this is a good buy or should I continue my search. For the price im really not wanting to pass it up, if the minor headaches are worth the money saved, since im doing a complete overhaul anyways. Thanks in advance for any responses. - Also the rust on the exterior of the engine, im assuming sand blasting the outside is the best option? Thoughts? Opinions? Edited August 9, 2013 by Sputes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluDestiny Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 How bad the rust is will determine how expensive the rebuild will be. I would pass that up, but I can easily source a decent not rusted L28, which I would rebuild with dished pistons. I'd offer $150 for it and see what he says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skirkland1980 Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 If it turns over by hand the cylinders shouldn't be rusty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sputes Posted August 11, 2013 Author Share Posted August 11, 2013 After soaking it in tranny fluid for a day just to lube it up some, it does turn by hand. However the price is $400 firm. Still a good deal I think, but having never bought a turbo engine before i am not sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sputes Posted August 11, 2013 Author Share Posted August 11, 2013 And if it helps, The engine ran before being pulled for the ls1. Figured I could use an electrolysis tank to take care of most of the rust. Unless my thought process is not heading in the right direction. Any advise is always appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domzs Posted August 11, 2013 Share Posted August 11, 2013 (edited) $400 for an almost complete turbo motor is a great deal . Edited August 11, 2013 by Domzs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattd428 Posted August 11, 2013 Share Posted August 11, 2013 I say buy it its a great deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new2Zs Posted November 24, 2013 Share Posted November 24, 2013 Did u get it? For me it would depend on how many are in your area. I'm looking for a r154 swap, and there are exactly 2 on Craigslist and none in he junkyards. 700-800 wouldn't be bad for that tranny, people other places probably pick them up for 100 bucks. So really it depends on your local market Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domzs Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 I sold it to him . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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