New and need advice

[hpfllysdwyssn]

I have made this post in a couple places. there are probably some forum fascists that will be upset by that and I don't mean to offend but I'm looking for some quick assistance.
so i am an imposter, becuase i dont actually own a nissan or an infinity. i am actually a vw enthusiast. right now im driving a mk4 gti glx. i did all the fun stuff you get to do to a vr6 with over 100,00 miles, whose previous owners should never own another car again in their lives , like timing chains, head gaskets, lifters, coilovers and stuff like that. so i am mechanically inclined, but im just sort of bored with vw's especially after being bitten pretty hard with the rwd bug. ive been keeping an eye out for something rwd, and i found this 240 on craigslist. can anyone give me advice on whether or not to even bother? should i avoid looking at a car like this that hasnt had a tune for idk how long and has who knows how much gobbed up funk in the valve train and exhaust?
http://omaha.craigslist.org/cto/4728280384.html
*edit* the seller says it has 50k on the swap but he'd have to get back to me with more pics and info as he is not at home

[Dattebayo]

An SR equipped or even a turbo-modded KA 240 would make the exact same power (if not more in the long run) without all the hassles of owning an RB20 IMO...

This is only based on what I've heard from other members and posts I've seen about the hassle of finding parts for an RB20, etc. all over the 240 forum, so take that as you will.

Also, link is broken. You deleted the letters tml off the end of the link.

[hpfllysdwyssn]

Yeah. I just did a quick search and found the same thing. Vdubs need a lot of maintenance sometimes, but the aftermarket support for them is huge. Im not used to not being able to find parts.
So the ka motor has more potential for power even though it's just the four cylinder?
Btw thanks for the heads up on the link. One of my pet peeves is being on the forums and finding the info that I need but it being all garbled and links to pics that go no where. Here's the link I meant to include http://omaha.craigslist.org/cto/4728280384.html

[Razi]

RB20s are quite reliable, but like Dattebayo said, they're a hassle to upgrade and source parts for.
For power potential, the RB might be able to handle a bit more power than a KA but getting there will probably cost you more than if you had an SR or KA-T setup.
I have a few friends who run RB motors in their S chassis and they all agree that the extra weight makes their cars handle oddly. Even though they all have RB25s, I'm sure the long RB20 won't do your car any favors, handling wise.

I wouldn't advise anyone to buy a car that's been modified by someone else (hard to find an unmodified 240 though, I know!). Too many of my friends have done that and ended up with terribly built cars that were a headache to make right.

[hpfllysdwyssn]

It's safe to say big power doesn't mean drivable power. Tbh I've had the idea of modding and building a rwd car for a while now and the daydreams I've had always have twinkling stars around my head and the car, and harp music in the background, like Billy Madison "happy place" style, but then those daydreams become reality and get covered in grease, oil, blood, sweat and kitty litter and that's when the reality really sinks in. Not saying that's not all part of the fun, but I should just take my time and wait for the perfect car so that all the work is worth it.

the previous owner of my golf put a bunch of fuses that were the wrong size in the main fuse box(the wrong size being too big) one night I drove it to fill it up with fuel got back in it and it was DEAD there was no cranking no dash clock no nothing. In vws there is literally a wire that runs from a strip fuse in a box on top of the battery through the firewall to the main box and down under the dash to another fuse box and a bunch of relays. Long story short my car was on fire and burnt all the way through a 0 gauge size copper wire that goes to the interior controls. I will take that experience and apply it to this.

[frapjap]

It's safe to say big power doesn't mean drivable power. Tbh I've had the idea of modding and building a rwd car for a while now and the daydreams I've had always have twinkling stars around my head and the car, and harp music in the background, like Billy Madison "happy place" style, but then those daydreams become reality and get covered in grease, oil, blood, sweat and kitty litter and that's when the reality really sinks in. Not saying that's not all part of the fun, but I should just take my time and wait for the perfect car so that all the work is worth it.

the previous owner of my golf put a bunch of fuses that were the wrong size in the main fuse box(the wrong size being too big) one night I drove it to fill it up with fuel got back in it and it was DEAD there was no cranking no dash clock no nothing. In vws there is literally a wire that runs from a strip fuse in a box on top of the battery through the firewall to the main box and down under the dash to another fuse box and a bunch of relays. Long story short my car was on fire and burnt all the way through a 0 gauge size copper wire that goes to the interior controls. I will take that experience and apply it to this.

Welcome to NICO!

That is a hell of a story! Did it burn to the ground at the pump?

You seem smart enough to know not to pick up somebody elses modified car (unless its an extremely well sorted car). For that kind of money you can get a very clean, stock S13, maybe an S14 with some more miles on it.
This is an auto, but these cars are easy enough to swap since you have the knowledge and this community:
http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/4694042678.html

[Dattebayo]

Holy crap that S13 is clean. Too bad I don't have the $$$ yet, I'm still saving up for a security deposit on a new place...

[numbnuts240]

no kidding. i didn't think s13's could still be found in that condition. ESPECIALLY not in new england.

[nissangirl74]

That is super-clean. Someone needs to snatch that up.

[tr(o)picana]

cant really say one way or the other without more info or seeing the car so if you're interested in the car and like that motor then go take a look, sureif its running rich some parts will be dirty, but much better than running leann , and if you do get it get a proper tune

[RicerX]

MAN why is it that I'm finding all these deals on sweet project cars at the time it's LEAST convenient for me to shell out cash.

That is SWEET. You better scoop that up, OP.