What should I be carful of so as not to get ripped off, and get a car that will fall apart/break down on me.

 

I'd say try talking to the guy about what all he has done especially the motor, he if seems to know a lot of what he's talking about then at least it would appear that someone who has experience with motors has put a 396 into the car. Ask about what kind of maintenance has been done to it, such as oil changes, check the transmission fluid. Are you looking for this to be a daily driver since you want it to be reliable, then make sure to get the specs on the 396.

 

Well, normally i'd tell you to drive the car long enough to get it up to operating temperature (180-220) and make sure the oil pressure doesn't drop terribly. This is the best test you can do for worn bearings.... Then park somewhere and check under the hood and under car for leaks/noises. Pay attention to how the car rides as well, not just how it runs. Suspension work costs money too...

However, if this car REALLY has a 396 in it - keep in mind... YOU WILL BREAK PARTS. Thats a lot of tourque for a thirdgen car, and will occasionally cause wear and tear (u-joints, rubber mounts and bushings, drive shaft problems.) If the car doesnt already have subframe connectors i'd be very suspicious of frame damage/twist. Good luck!

Hellraiser

 

well if this is gonna be your daily driver, it's gonna be a gas hog, OD or not, guaranteed it's gonna handle like crap from the extra weight up front, BUT you'll love it when you mash the pedal . The swap itself isn't that nig of a deal, so i'd keep an eye out for the usual used car items. Only thing i can think of is, make sure the exhaust isn't butchered and you have more than 1/2 inch of ground clearance. It could be a a dependable daily driver, DEPENDING on your driving habits. lol

 

Yea like mentioned, just make sure that this swap wasent a hack job. Lots of cars and trucks around here have had engine swaps done and you can tell parts are muismatched and welds everywhere. What you should look out for one a test drive (never buy without driving!!!) is cracking and poping sounds, a 396 can bend a thirdgens chassis very easy, Look for subframe connectors or other mods to the chassis, these will let you know someone has put some though and planning into this car.
:rockon:


SSC