What should I look for?

[ZCarGuy]

I've run across a 1990 Plymouth Laser Turbo that I'm going to go check out for possible purchase. Apparently the car was over heated due to a blown head gasket about 2 years ago. The owner pulled the top end off the motor to replace the gasket, had some work done to the head (shaved to remove warp and rebuilt) but then let it sit after that. So the top end is off the motor and the car has been sitting for approx 2 years. As far as I could gather the bottom end has not been touched and the car was stock when the gasket blew.
The owner has since moved to Montana and the car is at his dad's house. The father knows some of what has transpired with the car but was not real clear on the work done to the head. The owner told his dad to get what he could for it, so the asking price is currently at $900.00.

Here are my questions:
1. Are there any distinguishing marks I should look for to verify the head is correct for the engine?
2. Are head gaskets a common problem with these engines?
3. What are the major gotchas to watch for during re-assembly? (I'm experienced at engine building, but each is a little different).
4. Is 1990 a good or bad year for these cars? It has 146,000 miles on it.
5. How durable is the bottom end on this engine? Bearings, crank, rods, pistons, etc..
6. What would one of these cars in relatively good shape other than the engine be worth?
7. What are the other problem areas in the drivetrain to be aware of, clutch, differential, axles, tranny, etc...?

Thanks
ZcarGuy

 

[Mist3r Spool]

Sounds like a gamble to me, do a compression test and a leakdown test-they'll give you a pretty good idea of the integrity of the motor. Anything else concerning maintenance of the car is just going to be whatever he/she tells you. I have about 170K on my GS-T and it's running solid. Good Luck.

 

[madmader]

im sorry does this thing run??? Is it an AWD or FWD?

 

[ZCarGuy]

The top end has not been re-assembled so no it doesn't run and it would be a bit difficult to do a compress test on it. In other words the head has not been put back on the engine.
It will give me a chance to look at the cylinder walls and the tops of the pistons but it's hard to tell anything about the condition of the rings without pulling the pistons.

It is FWD.

ZcarGuy

 

[T2Small]

I've run across a 1990 Plymouth Laser Turbo that I'm going to go check out for possible purchase. Apparently the car was over heated due to a blown head gasket about 2 years ago. The owner pulled the top end off the motor to replace the gasket, had some work done to the head (shaved to remove warp and rebuilt) but then let it sit after that. So the top end is off the motor and the car has been sitting for approx 2 years. As far as I could gather the bottom end has not been touched and the car was stock when the gasket blew.
The owner has since moved to Montana and the car is at his dad's house. The father knows some of what has transpired with the car but was not real clear on the work done to the head. The owner told his dad to get what he could for it, so the asking price is currently at $900.00.

Here are my questions:
1. Are there any distinguishing marks I should look for to verify the head is correct for the engine?

Most are stamped with 4G63T on the end. At least my 1G head is. Besides that, heads are somewhat swappable between turbo 4G63 blocks.

2. Are head gaskets a common problem with these engines?

Yes, it is a somewhat common problem. Check the block and head for flatness and finish. If you have a warped head or block or too rough a surface you will have issues with gasket sealing. They seem to be more prone to problems with bad machining than say a SBC.

3. What are the major gotchas to watch for during re-assembly? (I'm experienced at engine building, but each is a little different).

Definitely read the articles at VFAQ.com and pick up a service manual. I had no issues re-assembling my head and motor and this is the first car I've rebuilt.

4. Is 1990 a good or bad year for these cars? It has 146,000 miles on it.

I would say that 1990 is the strangest year as many things changed on subsequent years. Besides the weak rear end (3 bolt), there is nothing particularly bad about them besides age.

5. How durable is the bottom end on this engine? Bearings, crank, rods, pistons, etc..

If they haven't been abused, a 1990 should be plenty strong.

6. What would one of these cars in relatively good shape other than the engine be worth?

I've seen them from $500 to $5000.

7. What are the other problem areas in the drivetrain to be aware of, clutch, differential, axles, tranny, etc...?

Check the transmission and transfer case for fluid levels. Transmission of a car of that age will probably have worn synchros and dislike shifting into second gear. The rear differential and axle setup on the 90 is the weaker "3 bolt" style. (Again check over VFAQ.com.)

 

[madmader]

Well for 900$ you want that body/paint ect.. good also the interior good condition.
If it was an AWD then 900$ could be fair.

Take a look at the pistons and what not. The heads are off so that means a lot of work getting that T belt back on. Then assembling the heads and what not. Offer 500$.


Anyone think of a fair price? I mean you know nothing about the motor or transaxle condition. Nothing about brakes, suspension ect because you can not drive it.

I myself am looking for a AWD one and those or some of the things I look for in a car to determin the amount i would pay.

I am also selling my 90 GS-T (FWD is GS-T AWD is GSX)
It runs good, new t belt and tensinors, water pump, brakes, suspension fine and what not.
Only thing i notice wrong is the dents and dings in it. And i want 1700 for it but 1500 will work. Thats with an HKS EVC and autometer boost gage, K&N and all the free mods.
just to give you an idea...


A stock 4G63 turbo motor had very strong rods. It is said that a 1G 6bolt block could handle 400hp. But the stock turbo can't.
So the internals in that motor for stock, are excellent.