head gasket questions from newb

[CincyNewb]

I have the opportunity to pick up a 92 Talon TSI AWD w/ Auto tranny for about 1K. The guy said the radiator went out and caused the car to overheat and blowing the headgasket.

He claims that the engine was rebuilt about a year ago, but I can't confirm that. He also said the turbo was upgraded to a 14B? I'm not too familiar with turbo specs.


First I'm wondering is 1000 is too much to pay for the car. It seems to be in good shape other than the engine problems. Normal wear and tear on other parts. It has just under 100K on the odometer.

I'm replacing the head gasket myself and am under the impression that I should be able to get it done under $500 using a Felpro Gasket set, ARP studs, new timing belt, new water pump, and standard head decking if needed. Maybe a little more if the head is cracked. Is this too much to ask?

Are these blocks aluminum and do they warp easily? I don't want to pull the engine out and I really don't want to have to replace it.

Is there anything else I should expect to go wrong when I have the engine apart?

All I really want to do is get it running good and use it as a reliable winter car.

Ohh. One last question. Are these forums always slow to load pages or is it just cause I'm still a newb?

Thanks for the help.

 

[romeen]

The block is iron but the head is aluminum and if it overheated there is the possibility of a warped head.

Your being a new member does not affect the speed at which pages load. There have been ongoing, occasional problems with the server but that is being addressed soon (new server--check out the red "upgrade" announcement at the top of the page).

Sorry, I can't help you with whether or not $1K is a good deal. Realistically, no one can without being able to see the car in person.

 

[Mikael SS]

sounds like you know what you're doing (by installing a new timing set) and getting the head surfaced. i don't think you'd go over $500 with all of that.


my only concern would be the condition of the trans, otherwise seems like a great deal

 

[CincyNewb]

he said it shifts quick. I'm not sure what that means exactly, but was thinking it needed a fluid change. I haven't seen the car in person yet. Just some pics.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=160158789023&rd=1

 

[Locke]

He also said the turbo was upgraded to a 14B? I'm not too familiar with turbo specs.

The factory turbo on the A/T 1g DSM's was a 13g. The 14b is an upgrade, and can power the vehicle to around 300hp.

First I'm wondering is 1000 is too much to pay for the car.

As mentioned, it would be difficult to know for sure, without being there. It does not run, I wouldn't pay $1000 for a broken '92 AWD, but that is just me. If it is worth it to you, get it.