300 D Missing vacuum tank!

What problems might one experience if the vacuum tank in the trunk is missing? The line is plugged with a bolt, I assume there was a leak and a temp solution was improvised. Is there any chance this would cause a delay in engagement(up to 6-8 seconds) of first gear?
The locks will cycle about 8 times before the vacuum is used up. I don't know if it holds overnight.
I might buy this car, the normal problems exist. The tach doesn't work, I plan to try the cig. butt trick. The HVAC will do heat or cool, but nothing in between, will dig into this, much help in archives. Cruise doesn't function at all, will check bulbs, might also be vacuum related?

Anyone know the price of a replacement tank?

BTW, car is a 1983 300D 178k

Doug