Hey all,

Need your opinion - good, bad, or down right ugly...

Went and looked at it today. 4 to 5 years set up in a field. Supposedly it was cranked between 1 and 2 years ago (if IRC).

When I looked at it today the air cleaner was diconnected at the MAP(MAF?) sensor. Probably like this since started last. Hood is on - no good, rusted. Spark plugs are in.

Now this was not sitting on concrete or in a building. Muddy damp ground underneath. Louisiana weather, humid and muggy. I've seen gears get pitted if not turned over in a while.

It is a complete 1990 350 TPI (Is a 350 by the eng code - not a 305), ecm and all, with a 700r4 and rear still in the IROC. No interior, no front fenders, no tires/wheels, no nose piece. Has rear window though. From looking around here I see these are rare but not in a way that makes them worth more. basically for the engine, trans, rearend. nothing else is good. I don't care about the trans much but it is probably good.

Question is, whats the best and worst that you have seen concerning cylinder walls and heads being rusty after sitting up? Electronics going bad? Fuel pump? I need to call him in about an hour or two. I don't mind doing a some work to the engine, don't want to bore too much out.

Want to put this in my 91 Firebird 305 TBI. So, I'l need to reuse most everything.

Thanks,
Doug

 

The only way to really know is to pull it apart. It may get by with a light hone, or may need to be bored.

Expect scale on the cylinder walls, possible rust on the crank journals, and an ugly cam and lifters. The engine is basically a core, so the price should reflect that. If it had been rust-treated and bagged or stored properly, it probably would be worth a lot more.

 

If it has been sitting outside on the ground/grass expect rust/foorboard problems. The everyday moisture will cause rust if not know eventuually. Brakelines, gas tank suspension parts all subject to this type of rust. Get this car up in the air and get a once over.

 

DOn't much care about the body. Just the engine.