Bucik Grand National motor opinion

[1980dhc]

I just located a Buick Grand National engine for $500.00 with all accesories and wiring harness about 60 miles from me. Is that the same motor that John's Cars uses in their conversion? Second question should I do it or not? My right foot is begging me to do it but the logical part of my brain is saying that might be too much power. If the guy still has the motor I think my right foot might win the battle.

Regards,
Holt

[BritCarGuy]

I would just put the money into the car as it sits. You will get a better return on your investment and enjoy the car more.

The TR7 was never meant to be a drag strip car.

[grndsm]

And who said that big power cars are only good for a drag strip? [;)]

Holt, that sounds like a bargain! What condition is the engine in? If you have to rebuild it, this might be a much bigger project than it appears!

Leon
'94 Eagle Talon AWD Turbo 613whp <powered by Mitsu 4G63T
'80 TR7 Spyder GS-T <undergoing Mitsu 4G63T transplant
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2472999

[Rblackadar]

The job will be big enough as it is. Keep it a 4 cylinder!!! Plus you'll keep it original and will actually be more unique than most of the others because there will soon be only a few of us 4 cylinder owners left.

[mnypitTR8]

Unfortunately these cars arent worth anything, origional or modified, so do what will make you happy. Do what you think is most fun to drive. I used to be a purist, but I have about $3000 in a car that I cant get $500 for right now, so whats the point of making it origional?

Sounds like a great deal if its all there. You could resell it if nothing else.

John Peacock
"like many other great ideas this too started with 2 guys in a bar"
80 TR7, Brooklands Green, Maybe on the road soon
98 Z28 over 500rwhp

[Rblackadar]

AHH yes! The Question of value!!! Considering I'll probably put 3 times the value of the car into restoring it, it all comes down to what you want from the car. Value of what it is when you're done should have absolutely nothing to do with being a purist with these cars, They will never be worth anything of what you put into it so I don't know why you even brought that up. I never plan on selling this car ever as it has been a 30 year love affair, keeping it original for me and many is an honorary respect among enthusiasts and how the car was supposed to be. I loved it way back in the 70's as I still do now. Plus, there aren't many completely original cars out there. So to restore one is quite a challenge... that's why I keep it original.People will know the amount of work put into the 4 cylinder ones and the ridicule and scorn that comes with it....I say screw'em. I actually have a deep respect for the guys and gals who have the 4 cylinder cars that have overcome It's maladies.

[1980dhc]

I am not into keeping a car original. I wouldn't cut up a perfect original but once it needs a resto like mine does its time to break out the cutting torch and the imagination. I have a 1966 Corvette that isn't original so a TR7's value isn't gonna be something to hold me back. Just thinking that is a whole lot of power in a little car

[mnypitTR8]

Here is one allready done on ebay USA. Looks like he got bids for up to $2550. Thats is at least as much or more than you would have gotten for a car in similar condition that was left origional. Item #300198534390

Value really is only one factor though. In the end it is your car, and if you are bringing it back from the dead, I personally dont think it matters how you do it, just get another one back on the road. The more visible these cars are, the more desirable they become. No matter what is under the hood, but if you make it fast, it may become more desirable to people that wouldnt normally consider one.

John Peacock
"like many other great ideas this too started with 2 guys in a bar"
80 TR7, Brooklands Green, Maybe on the road soon
98 Z28 over 500rwhp

[FI Spyder]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Century Gothic, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by mnypitTR8</i>

Unfortunately these cars arent worth anything, origional or modified, so do what will make you happy. Do what you think is most fun to drive. I used to be a purist, but I have about $3000 in a car that I cant get $500 for right now, so whats the point of making it origional?


John Peacock
"like many other great ideas this too started with 2 guys in a bar"
80 TR7, Brooklands Green, Maybe on the road soon
98 Z28 over 500rwhp
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I almost bought a Camaro that was mint for $2,000 and my friend bought a Z28 with a new factory fresh engine for $3,000. That was quite a few years ago. Now they're worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. (watch Barret Jackson lately or Dream Car Garage out of Toronto?) Who knows what prices cars might be in the future as demand can change with the whims of people with the money. Lots of TR7's now but will be less in the future. Yes you can buy a TR7 for $1,000 but if you have to spend another $6 to $7 thousand to bring it up to snuff it's still going to be a $8,000 car.

A friend of mine bought his car (his second) TR7 for $4,500, spent another $3,500 on it on tires, paint and wheels, plus another $2,000 plus labour on top of that for SU's, stainless header, resonator,muffler and K&N's this winter bringing him to over $10,000 and he hasn't touched under the hood/bonnet yet, (other than the lastest purchase). Still looks like a 30 year old engine bay.

You spend the money on the car till you get the car you want. Doesn't matter what somebody might or might not give you for it. You're not going to sell it, just enjoy it untill you're joints are to arthritic to lift them over the sills to get out.

If you bought the car to fix it up and sell it for a profit you bought the wrong car.

Enough rambling from a former Rambler man.

TR7 Spider - 1978 Spifire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra

[1980dhc]

Well the purchase price of the car and the resale value are moot points. I have owned the car for nearly 15 years and I don't plan to sale it, I would rather pass it own to my son when he gets older. Even with this in mind I won't be going with the Buick motor, I talked to the guy and found out it is one of the early ones that only puts out 200bhp, somewhere around 275 lb/ft or torque and weighs a ton. I figure based on the shortcomings of the early Grand National engine I am better off trying to find a Rover V8 if I decide to upgrade

[Underdog]

To the original question. I've seen both Woody Coopers and Tim Lanocha's wedges run at the drag strip & autocross. I personally don't think a hopped up V6 or Rover is overkill as long as the other systems are uprated to match. More important would be the ability of the driver not to get in over the top with the added HP. There are many cars with HP to weight ratios well beyond the ability of some people.
Far as keeping it original... they aren't worth much over here. Even the original TR8s don't fetch what you would expect. Maybe a real low mile surviver but mines well past that point. Whatever you decide, have fun with it.

72 MGB BRG
80 TR8 Persian Aqua
If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.