Should I trade for a swapped car? (rb20det)

[epoch707]

A guy wants to trade me his swapped 89 s13 w/ a rb20 for my 91 stock s13 (which is in great condition; engine, interior, paint). Here are some of the mods he has:

Front mount ICTop Hat intake manifoldTop Hat engine mountsNismo FPRIchiban 5 Lug conversion aroundShort shifter300zx Brake and rotor upgradeBrand new Optima red top battery relocated to the rear.Greddy Boost gaugeGreddy water Temp gaugeGreddy Oil Pressure gaugeMegan 3 inch exhaustNismo thermostatKoyo radiator

The thing is that the car starts and runs but dies if under a load

He says it ran fine for a few years, and thinks that the problem has to do with the TPS because it is dumping fuel.

What kinds of things should I look out for in a swapped car. I don't want to inherit someone elses mess, so give me some pointers.

I have the storage and the time to fix this up; so if this is a simple problem (aka not engine internal problem), then its alright.

Here's a shot of the engine bay:

[Coolwhip]

Well taking a car that is not running correctly is pretty much taking over someone's mess.

Rule of thumb... if it is only a $40 part that can be changed out in less than an hour = $90 in total

If you sum up the difference of what he is trading you its not worth it for him.

I would make sure that you know what your getting before you trade. As well you didn't supply us with whats done with your car. If its stock then you make out better even if the motor is shot.

Places to look: (but not limited to)TPSBoost LeaksMAFVisual inspection of everything as well.

[epoch707]

The guy has two projects going on, and he's getting kicked out of his garage. He says it starts and runs fine, but you can't let off the gas or it stalls. Also, you can visibly tell that the car is running Really rich by the black smoke and the smell of fuel.

It seem that it has something to do with the grounds, MAFS, or TPS

how should I check the TPS, Boost Leaks, and MAF? Any other advice that is important?

[lilskyline240]

where does thsi guy have it up for sale now? i was interested in it and wanted to buy it like 4 months ago when he had it posted on clubfr.net.

[Coolwhip]

If it doesn't idle by itself then you might have:timing problemsleaking injectorsbad intake manifold gasketIACVetc.

Could be anything, but like i said if you don't have the know how of finding out the problem then I suggest that you probably won't have a easy time fixing it.

[S14-NEO]

if you are leaking out already metered air after the MAF then you are dumping excess fuel which would explain why its puffing black smoke and it doesnt want to idle.to me it sounds like an easy fix. look for a boost leak by spraying couplers with brakleen injector bosses, any gasket before the head on the intake. from the way you are making it soundit sounds more like a vaccum leak than anything...check for the first then move onto a boost leak.

[epoch707]

yeah, we already made a deal, so I'll be driving up to inspect and hopefully trade with him.

anywaysthanks guys, I'll be sure to look out for those things. In the meantime, Im looking up all I can about the rb20det

[BoostFab]

here's my thought on this; from the parts listed on top of the motor and a shell + labor...and if it's a straight trade; i will jump on it. i don't see deals like that around here. do a compression test on the motor first. sh1t even if the motor is blown; it's still a good deal. just as is already worth a lot more than your stock car.

[ryan15]

I would trade in an instance without hesitating, but im also not scared to get my hands dirty... soudns liek a great deal to you, and im sure its just a boost leak or vacuum leak.

[epoch707]

The im going to make the trade tommorrow. The only problem is the car is 30 miles away. Is it ok for the engine if you are running on the highway/stop and go traffic with a boost leak/vaccum leak?

I figure driving would be REALLy tricky since I would have to be on the gas non-stop from keeping it from stalling out. I just don't want to cause any internal harm to the engine

[DriftX]

drive it. if it stalls, start up and go. Boost leaks wont hurt, just foul out the plugs after a while.

[RedStage]

drive it. if it stalls, start up and go. Boost leaks wont hurt, just foul out the plugs after a while.

just watch out for getting rear ended...if possible have a friend follow you.

I'd say you've got a good deal. Even if the engine is shot, all the work is done. You'd be able to drop in another RB with little to no problem and much less money involved.

Good luck with her. take your time with the difference in power once you get her straightened out.