this poor car i owned for about three years about 15 years ago and sold off when my son turned sixteen.

after a few months i regretted it and contacted the buyer and asked for the chance to buy it back when he tired of it.

so about a year ago he called and said it was mine for a pittance. so i went down to get it with the cash and pulled up to where it sat about 40 feet from a largish stream. i opened the door and found the interior very dirty. i said "it looks as if it has been flooded" he said he didnt think so. but i felt it had been for sure but bought it anyway. and it had sat for at least 4 years with some minor problem.

it has some rust, is very dirty in side and the motor was extremely stuck. so i had my indie pull it and took itover to my favorite machinist's shop and waited for him to tear it down, and waited and waited and waited. finally yesterday i said you want to tear it down tomorrow? he said ok.

so i spent the day tearing it down with his supervision. it was rusty in the cylinders but he thought it was not flood water but just condensation. the valves and cams look very good as does the chain and main and rod bearings. not much ring ridge and the rust in the cylinders is miniimal. the actual mileage is unknown but i estimate it at over 200k.

so the question is does anyone know the cost of euro 280 pistons? he has a dealership for mahle pistons but doesnt think he can get the euros. he thinks if they aren't too expensive we should buy new ones and bore it. if they are like $200ea. we will prob clean up the existing ones and bore if nec and sleeve. or just hone it if the taper is in the allowable spec.

overall it looks very good and the dist. didnt go under by the looks of it. that is good 'cause i remember buying wires and dist. cap and they cost nearly $200, back then.

so my latest plan is to get it running, install the black euro interior from the 83 300 i parted out and drive it. i think i will put on the eibach (or k & whatever) sport springs i bought for it 15 years ago but never installed. and a growley exhaust.

anyone have a clue on the piston cost?

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.