About to buy, need advice about knocking

[isantop]

So, m about to buy a new 2G GS (guy seems to think it's an RS, but I'm not complaining there). It's in decent shape, needs some paint but tires, brakes, suspension, etc. all seem fine. The one concern I have is there's a loud knock sound coming from the valve cover area. It sounds like rod knock, but here's the thing: it's not constant at all.

It only happens above around 3k RPM and under heavy throttle. Under 50% or less throttle, it sounds great, and its always great under 3k RPM.

My understanding of rod knock, was that it will always be heard. Because of this, I'm reluctant to call it rk definitively.

Any ideas?

 

[isantop]

This question is 100 percent impossible to answer. It could need the crank turned and rod rebuilt, it might not. Chances are that it will need machine work. Another thing to factor in is that there will be metal particles in the engine. IF there is a bearing failure the whole engine needs to come apart and be cleaned. I would assume the absolute worse when buying a car like this. Going into something like this being optimistic will end up costing you a lot more money and down time than what it's worth. What are they asking for this car anyway?

He wants $2500, but there's no way I'm giving him that. Blue book for the car in excellent shape is 23, and it needs paint and some interior work too. I'm pretty confident I can talk him down.

 

[bryanwheat]

He wants $2500, but there's no way I'm giving him that. Blue book for the car in excellent shape is 23, and it needs paint and some interior work too. I'm pretty confident I can talk him down.

A 2g n/t with a knocking engine that needs body work. That is a 500 dollar car at the most. You can get a good condition good running 2g n/t for around 1500-2000.

 

[isantop]

Whelp, I had a dinky-flakey buyer who kept missing our appointments, and the people selling this car sold it (can't say I blame them).

So I found a different one. It's a Minden Sliver 99 GS. Paint and body look to be in excellent condition, and it supposedly runs great. He's asking about the same price. I'm gonna go down and have a look later today. Wish me luck!

 

[WES_393]

Just noticed your in Colorado. Good luck with the DSM market around here, people are insane with their asking prices. I recently saw a bone stock Spyder GST for $11,000 and often see RS/GS asking over $5,000. But I'd honestly suggest looking for a clean turbo DSM rather than an RS/GS (unless Spyder GS). The price is often the same but you get more car with the turbo models. Just a thought.

 

[isantop]

Just noticed your in Colorado. Good luck with the DSM market around here, people are insane with their asking prices. I recently saw a bone stock Spyder GST for $11,000 and often see RS/GS asking over $5,000. But I'd honestly suggest looking for a clean turbo DSM rather than an RS/GS (unless Spyder GS). The price is often the same but you get more car with the turbo models. Just a thought.

I don't personally like turbos. I've always been a natural aspiration guy. I find that I don't honestly use that much power, and the economy tradeoffs aren't worth it to me

{NOTE: I'm not saying turbo cars are bad, or that theyaren't good, or anything. They're excellent for some people, just not for me. Someone's got to drive all the N/T cars, right? }

I like turbos in GT5, where there is no money and no maintenance, but IRL, they just don't suit me.

That said, the GS I'm looking at is in the Springs. Maybe you can come have a look at it with me? Make sure everything is good? It may have a grounding problem.

EDIT: I know you (I think)! You were at the little meet we had in Caste Rock earlier this year (I think)! I was the guy with the red base model... I got sick of manual windows.