Found someone who was selling theirs for $3,000 firm. Here's the details:

-66k miles, automatic
-Rebuilt title (seller tells me he bought it like that)
-The problem? Seller says that he's experienced loss of power, and that the car goes only 5-10 mph max right now. Possibly throttle body, or sensor replacement? Don't know, going to check it out tomorrow.

What should I look out for? I have heard of the valve gasket covers getting oil into the spark plug holes, so how would I check for any other issues on the engine without taking it apart before buying it? Any other recommended maintenance to go along after I own it?

 

That sounds like cam sensor issues

 

My thoughts too. I would have asked the owner if he had the check engine light on and if he checked it for codes, but he said the car needs a jump.

 

LS2 swap

 

^I don't think you're in the right thread.

 

^ He's just implying a wise suggestion, that's all... Ha ha

 

Personally, i'd walk away.

Odds are it's a camshaft position sensor issue, but not a risk I want to take. A 66K mile car for $3K throws a few red flags up, and i'd want to know WHY the car has a rebuilt title?

Was it massive front end damage? Water damage? The electrical issues the car is experiencing could be a pinched harness (from an accident) that was never replaced, or water-logged wiring harnesses corroding out.

Anyway, this car has "risk" associated with it, so if you can't DIY your own troubleshooting and repairs, i'd go find a better condition car.

 

I dont think you read my comment right.

Basically the car is f*cked. It would be stupid to buy a car like that and hope to fix it cheaply. Every time you fix one problem, you will find another. Even if it didnt have a rebuilt title, it would only be worth 6-8k. With that title and bad motor, it is essentially totaled right now. Unless you could fix it for <$500 (which most likely you cant), it isnt worth buying.

BUT it is cheap enough to buy, rip out the motor and do a LS swap and new harness. Remove all the problems and double your power at the same time. Cheaper in the long run too.

 

$5000 for the LS2 and tranny, $2500 for the install kit. Which part about that is cheap? Add in the 3k for the car and it's triple what he is planning to spend and it will take months to complete.

 

LS engines can be had cheaper than that. Go to junkyard and rip one out of a GM truck or an Impala or something from the 90's. $500 and there's your LS engine

 

LS motor/tranny can be had for far cheaper than 5k. Rebuilt title and issues add up very quickly. Might be motor is shot and needs replaced, plus 13 year old tranny is living on life support at this point. At that age and with problems, it could be a cheap fix but most likely not. It can easily get expensive fast. Then youre left with sinking a couple thousand into a car worth almost nothing. Even 100% fixed and running, a rebuilt 03 coupe is probably only worth 4k.

My point is, buying that car and hoping to fix it cheaply is a very bad idea. But it would make a good platform for a LS swap. Yes it will cost more.

 

I'm saying an LS2 from a GTO, Vette, etc. Not a LS1, junkyards know the worth of those newer engines. Yes you can get a LS1 or an LQ9 iron block or cheap but I was going off the LS2 comment. Regardless, it is $2500 for the install kit if not more and then you need a T-56 or at least I would, who wants an auto. I posted up a while ago about doing an LS swap, it wasn't going to be cheap. If you go cheap, you'll end up pulling the motor or transmission down the road. I'm just more of a do it once and do it right kind of guy.

Edit: We're on the same page here, would be cool/almost easy but bad idea financially. Almost as bad as 6MT swapping a G35x

 

Has that been done? I'd imagine AWD logic might be a bit tricky with the 6-spd.




Personally...If I was rich, i'd do an M56x drivetrain into a G35 sedan

 

LS1 is quite a bit cheaper and can be had out of base C5 for less than 1k. Yes I said LS2, because like you Id rather pay a bit more and just do it right the first time. But it still can be done for less than you said. I have been rebuilding a 68 camaro for some time now. I bought a rolling C5 Z06 chassis with LS6, T56, frame, suspension and brakes for $4500. I wish I would have found a LS2 instead, but

I dont think it would be bad. The car as it sits now is pretty much worthless. A decent shape used 05/06 G35 with 150k miles will run about 10-12k. It is entirely posible to buy this one for 3k, spend 6-8k and have a LS2 in it. I figure you can get a 05/06 with anemic vq motor or this car with LS2. Either way it will be around the same money.

 

I'd walk just seeing it was an auto