Ok, I posted last week regarding buying an APS TT Z with a built block. Looks like I'm moving forward with this deal but I wanted to get some input about checking the car out.

So far, I'm thinking the following:
1) Compression Test
2) Dyno Run (to see AF ratio and power at PSI levels)
3) Oil change (to inspect oil in the engine)
4) All other "regular" visual inspection

Am I missing anything? Or did I list anything that's not needed?

I'm wondering if the compression test alone will be sufficient and I can save the money on the dyno?

 

What you have planned should give you a good indication of the motor's health. I like the dyno idea, giving you a baseline on the car along with knowing the fuel tuning.

 

I believe the dyno idea is a great one. I can't really stress this enough, but test the partial throttle. Roll into it slowly in each gear and test for hiccups/hesitation, full throttle is a ton of fun, but in the long run being able to actually enjoy the car is very important.

 

Sounds like if the owner agrees to all of that he has nothing to hide.

 

^ +1, If you find someone that is open with you doing all those items, the car is most likely going to be in good condition. Its a great idea that you are going threw these inspections before purchasing, buying a car that is already built will save you a ton of money, if you do it right - which it seems you are.

Good luck!

-George

 

Good Luck with the purchase. I think your list should be a good indication. Besides all that, just take it for a drive. See if you and the current owner can take like a 15 minute drive, and just see how she drives. Up shift... down shift.... brakes.... etc.

 

check for herpes

 

Send the used oil to Blackstone for oil analysis. just looking at the color and level isnt telling you anything. You'll be weary of an engine that is putting out 10X the normal amount of metals, if thats the case walk away from the deal, it likely wont last long, trust me on this. Good luck.

 

My two cents: You may want to have a cylinder leak down test performed.

 

 

+2. Seller will agree to this because even if you don't buy the car - if the UOA looks good, it's a great selling tool (if you agree to share with them). You can put their e-mail address on the send in sheet.

 

wouldn't have thought about that, great idea

 

Blackstone = blood work for your car!

I wish more of the built guys would send in their stuff AND share it...

 

The shop I'm having it checked out at is going to do an oil analysis to check for metal particals... I'm not sure who they'll send it to but that's the reason we're doing the oil change... not the color but to look for metal.

I'm also doing a leak-down along with the compression.

 

Ok, so it seems that we're all on the same page with what I'm doing prior to purchase.

Now, the other question:

The car was built by SGP so naturally I want to take it to another shop (in Houston) and I've been referred to two great shops ... Engine Logic and Awsome Z. I've talked to both and both sound like good people who know what they're doing.

Does anyone here have experience with either? I am NOT trying to start a war and I don't want this to escalate to who's "better".... I'm only trying to get some real world feedback so that I can make an informed decision as to which shop is more likely to share my mentality and do things in a way that I agree with.

Thanks for the help.

 

I'd have no issues giving you an oil sample, but unless you gave me the whole price of the car in cash up front and paid for the dyno yourself before I even showed up to the tuner shop, there's no way in hell I'd do any of that. If I knew the person well, then sure, but for a random buyer? haha

Why waste my time for you to do all that then know that I'm in this deal for x many hours of my time then you try to pull the whole offer me less money crap since the dyno #s that day didn't match 100% of what my dyno #s showed. Or maybe "your" tuner make comment that could be total bs VS what my tuner would say... yada yada...

I've sold/bought to many cars/bikes to know how iffy buyers are. No thanks.

bottom line, its a highly modded car, hear it run, go for a test drive, everything checks out? ok buyer beware, sold AS IS!

If the buyer is willing to do everything you ask, then hell, chances are you found yourself A. one hell of a car and B. a buyer who is disparate to sell.

 

I've already agreed with the buyer. Thanks for your input anyway.

 

Sounds like you found yourself a good car then. =)