Im looking at a 1987 5.0 5 speed T/A. Power everything and t-tops.

It has almost 180,000 miles on it.

The interior is in need to be totally redone.

It has a new transmission.

It has a somewhat new paintjob which is in good condition except for a ding in the rear drivers side by the light.

It's never seen a winter (apparently) and the undercarriage is in good condition along with the dynomax exhaust.

The seats and the headliner needs to be replaced, along with the radio.

A key has to be made for the T-Tops and door locks since it was lost.

But my biggest concern is there's a knock in the engine coming from the rear of it on the passenger side.

I have spare seats, and headliners arent too much trouble. The car runs, but needs a battery and 4 new tires.

The aftermarket parts it has are, dynomax exhaust, some type of chip (not sure which brand) B&M Ripper shifter.

It's going $1,400, I talked the guy down to $1,200.

If I do decide to get it, it'll be put away in a garage for the winter while I spend the time saving money and repairing it. What do you guys think, is it worth it??

 

If you are preppared to possibly put a new engine in it. Could be a piston or rod problem.

1200 isn't to bad if the body is good and the trans is good.

I would be cautious of the engine noise...

 

The car was sitting for a while before and that the noise must have developed when the car was sitting because it wasn't there before. It isnt a loud rapping noise, but it is a knock. What could it be? Piston, rod, cam or crank... anything else?

 

well, i think depending on what you wana do with the car, it can be a very sweet car. It sounds like a good sound solid car, and if you have plans for a motor swap, etc.. then this is the car. If you want a quick fixer, this aint it. If you got time to do a sweet car, and money to spare, then id get it and make it a very nice ride. engines can be swapped, paint can be sprayed... but when chassis and body are twisted or rusted or in crappy shape... the car is worthless IMO. good luck.

 

Right on...that's why I got mine when I saw it. Maybe I paid more than I should have but in the long run, it is better to get a car with a solid frame and body...

Knocking noises can be from bearings with excessive clearances, pistons with excessive clearances, wrist pins with excessive clearances. All the noises probably have their own unique sound but I say when a knock is heard from inside the engine, not the head or manifold, then that engine should be considered mortally wounded. Not necessarily junk, just in need of some TLC.

 

Id say go for it, you can rebuild the motor for not alot yourself. 5 speed tpi cars are kinda hard to find, and alot of fun