New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

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New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

May 07, 2007, 04:23:25 PM

Ok, I'm sure most of you remember when I bought this car. I was criticized left right and center for trading away my Shiny Brown 87 LX for what appeared to be a "Ratty looking Turbo Coupe". Well, a gallon of Nu-Finish and some wheel cleaner has netted me the following:

After seeing these images (Which have unfortunately been reduced in resolution to save space), should I sell or keep this car?

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #1 – May 07, 2007, 04:30:25 PM

i would keep it but thats just me

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #2 – May 07, 2007, 04:31:18 PM

I have to admit she is CLEAN! That's what my car "should" look like if it wasn't for MI winters and neglectful owners. If you seriously want a V8, just start saving your pennies for the conversion. Until then invest in a boost controller and have some fun.

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #3 – May 07, 2007, 05:02:32 PM

I'd keep it! But I'm biased. I used to have a Black 87 w/raven leather just like yours. Except yours is nicer than mine was.

I can understand you thinking about selling it because of all the initial greif it gave you but you seem to be working through all that stuff and you're gonna end up with a very nice ride in the end. That thing's a beauty... Looks like a great candidate for a 5.0 HO swap;)

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #4 – May 07, 2007, 05:09:18 PM

I'm a 5.0 guy.Like stated above,save a little money and do the conversion.Actually,it's not that expensive.Just buy your parts one at atime,don't get in a hurry.make a list,and check things off as you get them.It'll all get done before you know it.Then,you'll have a great looking car and 5.0 power.

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #5 – May 07, 2007, 05:43:52 PM

i would keep it or sell it 2 me later on maybe but you might sell it to someone else since i would repaint it and change out the wheels.

i am a 5.0 guy to but why not race a few high school kids with your 2.3 LITER just to be mean.

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #6 – May 07, 2007, 05:48:30 PM

STFU Vinnie! LOL J/K

KEEP the thing. I swear to god.... Its a nice Turbo Coupe. You dont find them in that good of shape too often anymore. It looks like the twin of mine. If you decide to get rid of it, dont sell it to someone who is going to part it or otherwise destroy what it is. Sell it to me.

DO NOT swap a 5.0 into it. As much as i like the 5.0 it only belongs in a turbo coupe (IMHO) if there is a serious problem with the 2.3L. If you had a blown engine or something, I'd be the first one to throw a v8 into it. But i say as long as its working good, and you ware getting past the problems, keep it a 2.3. But my opinion doesnt count, because I'm somewhat of a purist. :)

On the plus side, if you spend the same amount of money on the 2.3 as you would buying, swapping and making the 5.0 fast........You'd have a pretty fast freaking 2.3L. And a lot less of a headache at the end of the day. :)

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #7 – May 07, 2007, 06:22:18 PM

Do what you want to do with it. Just make sure your are sure it is what you want.
It looks nice.

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #8 – May 07, 2007, 06:25:53 PM

The mileage thing is what scares me. At 230k, I'm just waiting for it to throw a rod-bearing or some other internal problem to come up. I know that having the engine rebuilt would probably put a grin on my face, but I don't know how much that would run me, more importantly, how long that would take. I'm sure having a rebuilt 2.3 would feel incredible compared to the 230k tired engine I'm running now, but I know it probably takes a long time to have it re-done. And I have no beater to drive to work and back with while waiting.

Selling the car would be next to impossible unless I give it away for $800 or less. As good as it looks, the mileage and salvage title would scare too many people away.

Anyone here have their 2.3 rebuilt? If so, how long did it take and how much $$$?

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #9 – May 07, 2007, 09:49:45 PM

2.3 short blocks last a long, loooong time. I have MULTIPLE customers in the 12's on 200K+ mile motors. Don't worry about the motor. At the absolute worst you'll have to do a head gasket swap and put in new valve seals.

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #10 – May 07, 2007, 10:14:38 PM

Quote

2.3 short blocks last a long, loooong time

I agree these little 2.3's can take a beating and continue to run ask me how I know.

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #11 – May 07, 2007, 10:51:24 PM

t5 swap= a happy chap.

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #12 – May 08, 2007, 12:49:40 AM

Thanks for all the encouraging comments. It's very refreshing!

Speaking of transmissions, is it normal for the Console to get very warm, almost to the point of being hot, while driving for extended periods of time at night? Is that just a product of the lights being in there? I ask this because it never warms up that much during the day, only at nights when I have the lights on.

....And, 88Cat, how do you know?

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #13 – May 08, 2007, 01:13:58 AM

Well Ill tell you how I know on my race tbird I got my engine from a junkyard car with a blown hg and had alot of water in it and who know's how much time. I just replaced the bearings and have been going to town with it 30+psi and still going strong. I was at one time running the stock injectors and would backfire like thunder and detonation you could hear a block away and still kicking butt. I am currently running a holset turbo and im in the process of installing a supercharger also this is with a stock na head ported by me. So yea this lil engines can take a beating any questions lmk.

New Nickname...SR-71..."The Black Bird" (Ton-o-Pics)

Reply #14 – May 08, 2007, 01:17:15 AM

Also if you have the automatic tranny a4ld If I were you I would install the biggest oil cooler you can find the sooner the better.