New here, just bought '90 ZR-1

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by bdw18_123

Yeah, I was excited, but not so much anymore. I'm worried about the possible damage. I don't have another $6000 to spend on an engine, or heads (heard those cost like 5k each? Yikes... what have I gotten myself into...) Could the head possibly be repaired if the damage is not too extensive? Maybe just replace the valves?

you know what.. don't sweat it yet.. Check it out, be sure it is what you expected and go from there.. if you buy it and bring it home, then the fun begins.. Take your time, and go through everything..

if I recall it broke one chain right? so you might have to replace one head, maybe not. Everything is speculation.

but look at it this way.. assume rest of car is fine... you spent 7K on the car.. buy a motor for 6K and you are still under the value of it in good shape

I think Ron ( Cuisinartvette) might still have a motor for one and he is in Cali

[flyin ryan]

Originally Posted by bdw18_123

Could the head possibly be repaired if the damage is not too extensive? Maybe just replace the valves?

Oh ya, depending on whats wrong. I doubt the head itself is that far gone, by any stretch of the imagination. Bent valves are no biggie, maybe some guide work too, whatever, nothing that can't be taken care of. Very hard to know for sure what your dealing with until you get in there, though, TBO.

[A26B]

Welcome! It will all work out whatever you should decide.
You don't have to buy new parts for everything as there is a fair amount of used available. Depending on the damage, heads can be repaired (new seats, little welding & grinding in the chamber, etc.) I have "some" used parts that could be helpful. There should also be used pistons & liners out there from engine upgrades.

I have all the gaskets & seals available. (Thanks for the recommendation Tom!)

The Registry is the best tool in a members box. Great folks here always willing to help.

Good luck with the project.

[phrogs]

Oh yeah I have the head you need with valves, I have pistons and liners if you need those as well.

Just hit us up plenty of good used parts out there.


When you get it home pull that baby out and lets see what you got to work with!

of course do not be afraid to ask around here about this alot of us have done our own work on these cars and know what your facing.

[tccrab]

You should have the car in your garage by now.
What have you learned?

TomC
"Crabs"
"Wetblanket #1"

[bdw18_123]

Yeah, it's in the garage now. Haven't got a chance to tear into the engine yet. My brother had his car in our garage cus he was working on it today, so I had to wait. It's a 2 car garage but the other side is occupied with stuff, lol. I didn't get it into the garage until late Thursday nite. I'm planning to start working on getting the head off on Friday.

I did clean it up real good, it was filthy inside and needed a good washing outside. It looks a lot better now after a good vacuuming and washing. Engine bay is still filthy though. Gonna have to give it a good cleaning. Probably will pull the engine to give it a going over.

Just from looking at the cam covers, looks like he was trying to get some of the bolts off, but they must have been stuck/stripped cus a few of the bolt heads are drilled up and ground on. Those will be fun to get out, uggh. Guess I need some cam cover bolts too. This guy was not much of a mechanic. Luckaly, I am, lol.

I'll post some better pics of its current state tomorrow.

[Geof180]

and a big welcome to you

[bdw18_123]

Well, its in the garage now. Here are some pictures of the car, the extra parts that came with it and all the owners kit stuff, window sticker, etc. Before I pull the engine out, I want to pull the driver's side head off. I'm anxious to see what the damage looks like.

[bdw18_123]

More pics...