Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

I currently have a white pearlie sitting in my driveway that has a blown head gasket that I just haven't gotten around to doing much about yet. I had been considering buying a low mileage engine from ebay or some such place so I could take may time and do one up right and the other one so I can still drive the car. Anyway, the cost of most of the engines I have looked at is anywhere from $800-$1200 shipped to my residence. So I did a search and I have found a semi local SVX for sale asking price is $2K. I went and looked at it and checked it out as well as I could let me describe it a bit...

Ok it is a 92' Black LS-L with 99k miles pretty much everything on it was stock. The paint has some typical age blemishes and some minor dings like edge of the door with surface rust starting and the hood has a couple pits and scratches (I would go to fiberglass hood anyway) Interior was really pretty good shape everything seemed there no noticeable tears or splits in the seats, carpet or headliner. I popped the hood and noticed it has the JDM engine cover. I sniffed the coolant reservoir for any trace of exhaust fumes but didn't smell anything but coolant (good sign) checked the oil seemed clean and ok. there was some oil on the valve covers but it really wasn't all that bad but there was also some fresh looking oil on the passenger side valve cover the began to smoke after I drove the car. Anyway I go to start the car and the battery was dead also notice the battery was not strapped in there was nothing holding it the engine bay but the cables. So the useless sales guy jumped it and that is when I saw the CEL but I wasn't too worried since he admitted it was on before I drove there. (He just didn't know what it was on for). So I go to take it for a test drive and the fuel gauge is well below Empty I was thinking how great of a test drive am I gonna get out of this if it doesn't have fuel? But I drove it up and down the local highway a few times (brake warning light came on everytime I hit the brakes assume the brake tail light was out and noticed a rear end wobble at times which I believe to be the wheel bearings but I didn't hear any real noticeable noise but it would kind of come and go. I know the brake rotors were rusty and who knows if they are warped or not? So I pulled into a parking lot and did a couple of figure eights looking for some potential binding issues but it actually did great at full steer with no problems and the FWD fuse was not in (I checked before leaving). So I took it back to them not completely impressed it had a funny feel to the ride quality which could be in large part to the bearings but not completely sure. After I get back to the dealer I pulled the panel and began to check the engine trouble codes and all I could get out of it was code 11 (crank angle sensor if I remember correctly) but if there were more faults I wouldn't know because the battery died right after that. So I am wondering what you all think? They are asking for $2000 and it would be nice to have 2 SVX's so I can use parts from both for upcoming projects. So I ask is this worth it? Even if I buy it and the head gasket is blown on it or the the seal leaks require immediate attention is this a good buy? I know it comes down to a personal choice but my thoughts are 1.) I get a spare engine without having to turn in a core. 2.) I don't have to get the white car painted black which I had originally considered. 3.) I will have spare parts from the bad engine to install on the new unknown i.e. crank angle sensor as well as any other knick knacks.
I just want to hear from those with experience to see their take on it all.

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

That's a fun mess to deal with for two grand.. See if they will lower it..

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

It really is up to you. Try talking them down in price saying that it has the CEL, oil leaks in the valve covers, anything else you find wrong.

Also don't part out your pearlie:( as all it possibly needs is a motor or may just need the HG done and it could be fine even. We need to keep as many of these on the road as possible

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

Oh I agree about the parting out thing for the pearlie it won't be parted out in such a way as to prevent it from being rebuilt just is my temporary parts bin since I will eventually rebuild that motor anyway.

I am gonna try and talk them down just not sure if I want to drive that car 65 miles back to my house hoping there is no big issues beyond what I know. I looked around on many websites and didn't see too many SVX's below $2K and some had either engine or transmission problems and asked for more. Ha one even promoted the car as a 4 cylinder 4x4.

Thanks for the opinions I am just really trying to weigh the pros vs cons and look at the cheapest and fastest way to get to my end goal for having the car I want the way I want it. And will eventually sell the pearlie.

ps if anyone has a lead on parts for a 4.44 swap let me know...!

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

i would fix pearlies headgasket, since that is cheap, and wait til another pearlie comes up. if you only have 2 of the same car, having same colors makes bodywork a breeze if ever needed.

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

Ok point taken but here is my thoughts on that if I pull the pearlie engine now to do the gasket then lets say $250 for gasket kit and another 200 for timing belt and then I should do the water pump since I am in there and maybe oil pump also. I don't think the gasket kit will come with the washers for the valve covers but those bolts and washers would be replaced just to be thorough so I am looking at close to $800 for that. Just seems like a numbers game as to how much money now or later. Either way the pearlie will get the engine pulled and the seals replaced just a matter of when. I would not be swapping body panels. I plan to get a lighter hood (CF or FG) for either car.
I am thinking I will let fate decide I will wait until Saturday when I could actually go and pick up the car if it is still there then I will get it (after talking about price) if it is gone then just wasn't meant to be.

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

Props on not parting out the pearlie:)
As for the ebony, not sure I would drive it 65 mi with the CEL and the possible wheel bearing prob. Try getting them down to at least $1500 by explaining that to fix the valve cover leaks, you have to pull the engine and that should be enough of a point right there to talk them down. Maybe even make up some stuff as they won't know anything about the car anyway:lol:

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

Agreed.. lol

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

FYI The engine seal kit comes with the bolt grommets for the valve covers. :)

The oil pump should not need replacing on that motor as of yet.

I would suggest timing belt, front seals, water pump, atf change, differential oil change etc at the same time you are doing the HG replacement. Also, be sure to have the heads checked at a machine shop. The money you spend on doing the service properly will greatly benefit you versus having a car that develops premature leaks with a nice shiny new hood.

The ebony you are looking at could be just as much or more issues than your Pearlie.

Just my $.02

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

true but if I have read the forums and details right about the crank sensors if the #1 crank sensor is bad it defaults to just reading from the #2 sensor so that is why the car still runs and I was able to take it for a test drive. As for the wheel bearings i dunno I never had one go bad on me and really not sure how bad it is to drive on them but not sure what another 65 miles would do to them. I could order the 05 STI bearings for it but worry I would still have the same issue after replacing them. I am considered pessimistic but prefer to be called realistic.
As for telling them a bunch of stuff to get the price down I am horrible at that, I never was too good at the haggling thing and I don't like to lie because I hope if I am honest and up front then they will be but then again they don't get their "Used Car Salesman" stereo type for no reason.

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

Thanks Mike good info and I have been getting parts lists together and will do as you suggest. Too bad you guys at AWD are just a bit to far outta my way because I would likely enjoy getting my car worked on by people who know their way around them.

Re: Opinions on whether to buy a second SVX??
 

I would suggest, because of where you are located, to contact svxfiles, as he is very knowledgeable as well and is not too far from you.