Need advice on engine rebuild
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Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Clearwater
Need advice on engine rebuild
So I’ve got a question of worth really. Guy is selling a Z with 86k miles for 3 grand, but I want to offer him something around 1500. Reason being a mechanic has said that there Are broken rods. Now without much searching I see this is a frequent problem with these cars. Let’s say it’s best case scenario and I don’t have to make any changes to the block. How much would a OEM engine rebuild, parts not included probably cost? I’ve found a few engine kits by some reputable brands and I would rather invest the money to put oem quality parts into the motor and skip the hassle of anything aftermarket performance wise. Is the car even worth 3500 at that point ?
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,623
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From: Aurora, Colorado
Welcome and that's a helluva first post. First off, the VQ engine series has never been prone to breaking connecting rods. Not sure where you came to that blind conclusion from. You are making several assumptions here, and my blind conclusion is that you are not all that familiar with engines. If the mechanic who inspected the engine confirmed there "Are (sp) broken rods", there's likely severe damage. Chances of you being able to use a rebuild kit are slim to none if the alloy block is damaged.
You'd be better off buying a salvaged VQ (same type and year) than attempting a rebuild in such a case. How much is the seller asking: $3K or $3,500?
You'd be better off buying a salvaged VQ (same type and year) than attempting a rebuild in such a case. How much is the seller asking: $3K or $3,500?
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Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Clearwater
He’s asking 3500. The reason I made the broken rod assumption is because most of the posts on forums I’ve seen all complain of rod knock and such. So replacing the engine, sounds like a plan. Is that car still worth 3500 in your opinion ?
I'd consider getting a second opinion on the car. Assuming the car drives? how are rods broken? But DK makes a good point that if a legit mechanic has identified rod issues there are likely other issues on the car.
Regardless - plan on dropping a replacement engine in. I doubt the engine is salvageable compared to the cost of a used engine pulled from another Z. $1000 - $2000 for an engine and $1000 for labor and you're good to go.
Regardless - plan on dropping a replacement engine in. I doubt the engine is salvageable compared to the cost of a used engine pulled from another Z. $1000 - $2000 for an engine and $1000 for labor and you're good to go.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,623
Likes: 1,392
From: Aurora, Colorado
Your post really doesn't give us much to base a wild-*** guess on. What year and model Z are we talking about? Any mods or options? Depending on these answers, it may or may not be worth bidding on. But $3,500? S/he is going to have a hard time getting anyone to pay THAT if they have to tow the car away...
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