So here is what I know. It runs and has been in the daily driven car for over a year and a half. Its an auto wich sucks cuz I really wanted a stick but Im sure I can change that later. Paint is decent and interior is decent. Hardtop rs 91. Ok so all that being said the heater works and the gas guage works. THATS IT. No other guages work and the check engine light is on. Smog here in california so I'm gonna hve to make all this stuff work. Sorry for such little detail but any Idea on if its worth buying a car like this around the 5500$ mark and tackling what I assume is the wiring issues related with it?

 

Some pictures always help

 

Sounds like a good deal to me. The powertrain alone is worth about 2.5k. Car looks solid, Id kill for a rust free shell.

 

IMO it looks like whoever wired it did about the same quality job my mechanic did to mine. I wouldn't bother with it. If you really want, I can help you get the gauges working, and Pocket has a WEALTH of info on all things wiring.

IMHO it would be better to do your own swap, or get a 4th gen, with something like this you have no idea how extensive the wiring issues are, I also see no electrical tape or wire loom! You'd really need to remove the motor/trans to clean up the wiring proper...

 

Yeah I havent seen it in person yet. @ major things killing it for me is no t-top and like early stated auto.

 

Unless I personally knew the person who did the swap, I would have a hard time trusting someone else's work. But I'm not afraid to do a swap like that either. Not saying you are, just some people get intimitaded by it and would rather buy a car already swapped.

 

I would pass on that. trust your gut

 

I took a risk buying a car with an engine swap, but it was also only $900. Although its an interesting car, there's a lot about it that's not what you wanted and there's a lot of risk. Do you really want to buy a car that doesn't have the features you want, and a big question mark under the hood? Pass and hold out. Your spending limit gives you a lot of options, you can afford to wait for the car you want. Its there, just gotta keep looking.

 

$5500 also = A C4 corvette, clean 3rd gen, or entry level 4th gen

Certainly much better options, especially in a state that is notorious for destroying lives with it's emissions laws.

 

Just check the work as best you can. It should be evident if the thing was a hack job install or not.

 

I'd put the money towards a 4th gen LS1 car, then you have more chances of getting a 6 speed car, and it's original so no chance of shotty work. Plus you won't have to get all that emissions stuff and gauges working.

 

it looks hella clean (rims to big though lol) but i would honestly pass because i dont remember you mention if any chassis/rear end/suspension work was done, so expect a blown rear end soon and flexed body.

 

Thanks guys...sounds like reasonable advice.