| Only trust what you can see and verify .... That said, there are quite a few clues that can be found with the engine and tranny sitting on the ground .... Make them do a compression test. Even cold, you'll know if it has a major problem (ie. single bad cylinder or imbalance between cylinders). Look closely at the harness, especially in and around the injectors. There is a big difference between a 30K harness and a 100k+ harness. Also it should be pretty obvious if the harness has never been unplugged - another good sign. Look at the casting on the heads. Are they 40p or 48p? Is it the original (recalled in the USA) PTU? Don't freak out - most JDM are. Just another clue. Pull a spark plug. Is it OEM? What is its condition? (If you don't know how to read a plug ...Google) Pull the dipstick. Is there any oil? What's the oil level? How does it look, smell? (Chocolate milk would be bad. Too clean would make me suspicious too) Stick a shop rag down the coolant pipe. Is there any coolant? Is it brown or green? How are the motor mounts? Again a big difference between 30k and 100k. (Just for clues. I am not suggesting that you re-use them) How are the turbos, manis? Any sign of leaks? Oil or coolant? Are the coolant lines still somewhat supple or hard as a rock? Any sign of 'work" or trouble? Look along the seals, freeze plugs, oil pan to block, valve covers. It's a good sign if they look like they have never been touched. Anyways ...you get the idea. After all that, plan to do the full 120k plus a new oil pan, and some clean up work and go for it. Hope this helps.... Cheers
 ConVerTT - 93 Hi Compression TT Convertible (black)
XtraVerTT - 93 Hi Compression TT Convertible (glacier white)
SlickTTop - 96 OBD1 TT Slicktop (black)
Old Yeller - 90 Slicktop NA (PGY) And their hot Asian Cousin - 01 Acura NSX NA |
