Buying a car for engine rebuild

[Ryan Van Tress]

Hello, I'm new to this forum. I'm thinking of buying a used car sometime that has a particularly simple and reliable engine to rebuild. I have never rebuilt an engine before, so I want to start out with something that is simple, and I don't want to rebuild an engine that is known for blowing gaskets. I would prefer something larger than a 4 cylinder, and the car would probably be somewhat old, early or mid 90s, maybe even older, because I want to get something cheap. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Ryan Van Tress

[Chris V]

If you dont' want to rebuild a 4 cyl (which is really your best bet these days) then you might want to look into older RWD V8 domestic cars or trucks. Parts are inexpensive and readily available. Good choices are Fox era musangs and 4th generation camaros. But, also look at off models, too, like RWD Buicks and Oldsmobiles, or the larger Chevy's and Fords. Or even go with a full size shot whelbase pickup, like the Chevys from the '80s. EASY to work on and get parts for.

That's what we did with my stepson. His first "car" was a truck. A '79 Chevy stepside.

Started with this:



And rebuilt it:



And ended up with this:



The 350 V8 was easy to work on and upgrade.

[DerekWhite]

Buy used car is best option because you can get used car in cheap price .In usa FL,GA Plam beach there are many used car dealer that they will provide you a car and hope so they can help to rebuild the engine

[Moppie]

That is a tidy rebuild Chris!
I bet loves it

Originally Posted by Chris V

If you dont' want to rebuild a 4 cyl (which is really your best bet these days) then you might want to look into older RWD V8 domestic cars or trucks. Parts are inexpensive and readily available. Good choices are Fox era musangs and 4th generation camaros. But, also look at off models, too, like RWD Buicks and Oldsmobiles, or the larger Chevy's and Fords. Or even go with a full size shot whelbase pickup, like the Chevys from the '80s. EASY to work on and get parts for.

That is some good advice.


Look for something with analogue ignition (points, cap, rotor) and carbs, from the 70s or early 80s.
That will give you a nice simple platform to learn the basics from.
Something that is well supported by a Haynes or similar manual also helps, as is something with a common engine (e.g. small block chev, ford straight 6 etc).

Then you can get lots of help here on the forums during your journey (and rebuilding a car is a journey).

[armyblog]

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