Help! Need guidance on purchase of SR20 swapped 240sx!

[Slidewayz88]

Hello all,

Soo I'm looking at buying a 97 kouki... This car is located about an 1hr and half from where I am, and I haven't seen or test drove it yet. He has only sent me pictures. The seller states: the previous owner before him did the swap, this car has never been tracked or drifted, car "runs like a champ", this has never been his daily driver or the guy who did the swap, and when he has driven it it's never been for more than an hour at a time, chassis has 177k and SR 40-50k. I don't want to get into something that will overheat and blow a head gasket an 1hr and half down the road. I'm not super familiar with SR's(I'm learning). Here's my question: could you have a look at the engine bay photos and maybe point out some things right off the bat that don't look good/red flags? Also, some advice for when I actually go look at the car? I will be going to look at it in just a couple of days. Any help would be appreciated, thank you so much.

https://flic.kr/p/HRW8mW
https://flic.kr/p/HAcTD7
https://flic.kr/p/HXCWVN

[lexcrob]

A simple compression test will give you the best idea if the motor is in "serviceable" shape quickly and easily. It doesn't rule out everything but its a good bet its safe if it blows good. Beyond that check the oil to see if tinkerbell died in the oil pan. Gold and or silver fake on the dip stick oil "sample" is obviously a bad sign. Then there is a coolant leakage tester that you just pump up on a cold engine for a bit. If no external leaks are found and she holds pressure for say 2 minutes that's also a very good sign its all good. Assume nothing when dealing with cars. Price some parts map out some worst case options. Like motor blows on way home. Wont start the next day and its a wiring issue nobody can solve.

Based on pics:
All boost clamps on pressure lines need to be t-bolts or they WILL pop off at some point. Which basically leaves you stranded.
Need to add an electric fan just in case on a toggle. Nice to have back ups to make it home.
The crankcase vent hose above the turbo needs head insulation or the turbo and manifold do. I've seen those melt and drip oil right on exhaust.
The cone filter right off the maf is ok but it would benefit from at least a small length to space it from it.
Lastly the aftermarket BOV will likely make it run rich, stall and possibly misfire and just run lousy.
Covert it back to a factory recirc. valve if its gonna be a daily would be easy enough.

With a swap car be ready for any problem. Id recommend against purchasing it as a daily driver. You will have minor problems here and there. Parts take time to find sometimes. Honestly an SR is the easiest swap id say and parts do seem available.
Good Luck,
Rob

[Slidewayz88]

Thanks a bunch Rob!