Overhaulin'

Safe To Buy Car With Engine Swap?

hi everyone.. i hope you guys could help me out with this one.. im looking to buy a car with a engine swap.. its a 1995 acura integra se with a type r swap.. body has 181,234 and engine has around 50,000 (not sure)... well i saw the car for sales at a web site.. so i took a look at it.. car looks awsome.. so the thing is the car is 2 hours away.. im looking to drive over there on the weekend... the car is for sell for 5,300.. but car looks awsome.. leather seats and the swap was done right and extra parts.. so what do you guys think is it worth driving and check out the car and buy it.. the guy whos selling it is a really nice guy.. took care of care (sounds like he really did).. so not really sure if i should by the car.. please help me out.. do you guys think the car could pass inspection... does have aftermarket exhaust (skunk2) thanks p.s i am going to negociate and talk about the price.. only currently have 3500 but he said it was alright he will try and work it out for me thanks

Public Comments

1. You say he took care if it? It's an tuner car that has a new engine. He beat that thing like he was driving in a movie (do i need to name the stupid movie) Then he blew the engine and had to put another one in. Now, the engine should last awhile, but what about all the other parts of the car that have taken abuse over the years? I would guess that car will nickle and dime you the whole time you own it. Corey::: a turbo will kill an old engine if your suspension isn't set up for it???? how does that make any pennies???
2. make sure that the motor that he swapped was from a newer car than 95. I would make sure that the exhaust has the 02 sensors connected to it also. Or, make the guy smog it before he sells it to you. This is the law in Ca.
3. Did he do the swap himself, if some one else did it make sure he can show you paper work proving it. I know some people who have bought 240sx with sr20 swaps and take them home and they blow the engine within a week, seriously watch out, people will dog the hell out of a car and never tell you. Check for leaks and everything, make sure the swap was done right, no check engine soon lights no nothing. Its always best to buy a cheap car and mod it your self, watch out buying something some else has modded. If you have a friend that really knows cars get them to come with you or check it out your self. Also watch out if its pushing boost ( Turbo) cause turbo will kill an old engine and if you suspension isnt set up for it, it will really cause some damage. Good Luck to you with the car
4. That is a tough question to answer without seeing the car in person. Usually when a car has had serious work done, it is a necessity to see it in person to determine value. There is just too huge of a span of possibilities. I can say if he is asking 5300 and he is willing to take 3500, I would look the car over well, not saying it's a POS but I would be cautious. As far as smog if the check engine light is on it may be a tough one to get done. Make sure the light does come on for a second though when you start the car, on a 95 it is very easy to pull out a check engine light bulb, if the light does not come on at all when you turn the car on and then start it I would say the bulb is burned out or pulled out. Cars like this will cost you money to keep on the road, powerful cars break parts, it's just a sad truth, if you drive it like an old lady you will have less trouble, but you aren't going to do that, are you?
5. Hey Kevin, I would keep looking if I were you! An engine swap usually means the person was extra hard on the car. Check out http://www.cheapcarhunter.com You just might find a great car at a huge auction discount! Good luck to you!