86 SDL buying advice needed.
 

Hi Guys, Im buying an 1986 300 SDL with 177 miles on the odo, the car isnt in great shape but im gonna use the engine+trans for my SEC diesel project and sell the rest.

So heres the question, the car still has the original vacuum pump, what are the odds that the vac pump will grenade on the 100 mile trip home.

Is it worth changing the pump at the guys house just to be certain.

thanks.

Is the car a total rust bucket or something? I know of a few 3.0L longblocks if you want one to power a car. I'd really hate to see a car torn down for just the motor if it can be saved.

The car is not a total rust bucket, but it isnt a nice example, and realistically there has already been several frame repairs, It was dark last night, so I will re-evaluate if it is ok to save when i get it home, asking price is about 1200,

Anyway back to vacuum pump, What do ya think?

I think it would take thousands to bring this back up to the shape I would drive it in, Some brake work, rust repair around the sunroof, paintjob.

But my SEC, only needs some minor rust repair, and has a much better underbody, So I think the engine will live on.

Let me know if you want non engine related parts.

The odds of the vacuum pump failing in the hundred mile trip home are almost astronomical. If it is the old style vacuum pump of course it should be changed out but not just to get 100 miles home with the car.
Now checking out the rusty old car for safety for the drive home might be important. No suspension point mounts rusted through especially. Brakes not dragging from sitting around etc. A quick check of everything never hurts before a trip with an unknown car. Some people do not warn you of a dangerous situation existing. Sometimes they do not even know it exists themselves.

Thanks barry, yeah i know I have done this many times, I just got an 87 SDL (800 US) with some very serious issues, There was so much play in the steering system that it took me about 10 minutes to get the hang of driving it straight.

And one of the rear wishbones was cracked, and the tire was at a funny angle.

This one looks better
The price of about 1200US is why im buying this car

I have tow coverage so I can have it towed if necessary, but If its driveable ill just drive it slowly.

I wouldn't worry about the old vacuum pump for 100 miles. But it would be a good idea to change it out when you yank the engine.

Do you have a clean not cracked or bent heat sheild by any chance? I need the one that goes bettween the turbo and air filter box.

Ill look for that heat sheild, In a few days ill be posting an add in the parts section stripping down both 86 and 87 SDLs.

Thanks if you find one in a good shape I'll buy it from you.

I'm in need of some odds and ends, I'll PM ya.

See, 2 cars die, but they allow many more cars to live on in improved form. Thus making the 86,87 SDL, rarer, and more valuable. I think you SDL owners should be thanking me..... jk.

I remember when I was planning the first Diesel SEC, there were alot of people who suggested using the 603 engine, so since im nearly finished the 617 SEC, i thought why not make a 603 SEC for a daily driver. It should get over 30 MPG, and have as much power as the 3.8 V8 that im taking out.