Chance to buy something that intrigues me

[Joshu]

I have a chance to buy a 1985 Monte Carlo SS that I assume was the donor of a 3.8 Turbo'd Grand National engine. They want $4500 for it. I have NO idea what the condition of the car is or the mileage of the vehicle/engine. I am on an email I will receive shortly and I hope to check out the car Friday. I am asking if this is a good idea if everything checks out because I know jack about the GN turbo. I just know that it was bad ass. Are these kinds of transplants common? WHAT THINGS should I look for or ask?

Thanks Guys!

[Joe 1320]

Find what year motor was used. 84-85 were non intercooled cars, the 86-87 intercooled are the most desirable. Since both cars are a "G" body, quite a few parts swap right over.

[Joshu]

Its out of the 87.

[Trash man]

make sure the frame aint rotted in the rear and the swap wasnt a hack job

[Joshu]

Will do I am taking a look at it tomorrow. They sent some grainy pics that made the car look good. My eye will be the real test tomorrow. The body only has 40K on it.

[Trash man]

just remember to gently knock on the body panels(like rear 1/4s, rockers, etc) to make sure they didnt do a bondo/chicken wire/macco paint job. otherwise it sounds like a nice little sleeper

[Wild Willy]

Small bolt-circle wheels, the Camaro wheels of that time will fit. Parts swap from the Buick Regal and Olds of that era, also- Semi-collectible, depending on condition- I thought the Montes came with 305 or 350 V-8's?

Sounds like it would be worth a look. Lots of hop-up parts should be available if you want to make it perform-

[Joshu]

It was a no go guys. The mileage is inaccurate. He says I cant really count on it to be true. The tranny is slippin and the car's paint job is in "eh" condition. I told him thanks for his time and went my way. The engine looked great though. The problem is it has the GN engine, but the carlo tranny. =