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Chris · Guest

Right, here's the story (and it does bring a tear to the eye!)

I own a K reg 33 16v, and I love it (well I did).
I've recently spent a lot of money on the car, firstly because I knew it had it's MOT coming up, and secondly, because I wanted the machine in it's best condition.
I bought the car back in early September last year, and since owning it, I've done numerous things to it! Here's the list (off the top of my head!)
-Whole new exhaust, and catalytic converter
-Four new tyres
-Brake pads
-Strut pans, bearings, and rubber gators (now the stearing is noise free!)
-New lamda probe
-Fitted a 57i induction kit
-Fitted a squadra tuning chip (and have always ran the car on super unleaded!)
-and many other little bits, just for cosmetic purposses!!

So, after doing all of this, I had the car just how I wanted it!
I put the car in for it's MOT last Thursday, and nervouslly awaited the result! I was told £140 all in, which I thought was very good for a 33!!
All that needed doing was one of the rear breaks, and a few other minors bits (like light adjustments, bolt was missing from one of the seats, etc!)

I was more than happy with the result, and even decided to treat the car to another oil and filter change while it was there!

Got the car back on Friday, used it over the weekend, and all was good!

This is the distressing bit, so you might want to look away!!!!
I drove the car to work on Monday, and popped out at lunch for something to eat! Well, whilst on my journey into town, the worst possible thing happened! A loud knocking noise, and I broke down!
As my heart sank, I got out, checked to see if anything was hanging off, or smoking, or even showing any sign of malfunction, but couldn't see anything! Tried starting her up again, and got nothing more than a load of very, very, disheartening noises!!

Called the RAC, and got towed to the garage where I have all my work done, and left it with them to investigate!!
I received the phonecall yesterday, with the worst possible news! The engine was terminal!! GUTTED!!

I now have a couple options:
-pay for a new engine to be fitted, which I've been quoted (very basic quote) at least £1200
-sell the car to someone for either spares, or for them to install a new engine.
-break the car up and sell the parts individually!

I'm a busy man, and although I do love that car, I really don't think I'm willing to pay out for the new engine, so I'm looking more along the lines of selling the car to someone who wants to pick it up!

Remember, the car has just passed its MOT, so I can guarantee that other than the engine, the car is in good health!!
I had a diagnostics test not too long ago, as it was running a bit rough! This was the reason for me fitting a new lamba probe, as this was the only error found! The car ran perfectly afterwards!

The exterior of the car is brilliant! A very, very small amount of rust at the bottom of the drivers door (doesn't stick out what-so-ever!) And a couple little spots above the windscreen! But to look at the car, it really is in good condition!
The interior is even better! Full Recaro interior (half imitation leather, half material!) Spotlessly clean!

I did enjoy keeping this car as tidy as possible! And I enjoyed showing it off! However, I need to make a decision!

If you would like any further info. please ask!
Feel free to make me an offer!

I'll give out my phone number once I see what kind of response I get!
I live in Devon, near Exeter.

Regards,
A very sad and depressed Chris!!

johnboy · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:32 am Post subject: Re: K reg 33 16v

The engine was terminal!! GUTTED!!

I now have a couple options:
-pay for a new engine to be fitted, which I've been quoted (very basic quote) at least £1200
-sell the car to someone for either spares, or for them to install a new engine.

Hi chris.
sorry to hear about the your car. this happend to me. i bet that its only lunched the drivers side of the engine.so all you will need is one head.which you can get for about £150ish.you need to turn over the engine at the crank. if the passenger side turns over ok, then its just one side thats dead.i did all the work on my 16v in the road out side my house.it just takes abit of time.but its still going strong 10 months on.
plus i have three spare 16v heads. if your interested Wink

. your car sounds to good to break.

hope this makes you abit happier.
all the best john
_________________
WODA WE NEED? MORE POWER!!

Alfa gt jtdm blackline
1990 S2 16v veloce sleeping!
2002 ts gtv the wifes now
1997 seadoo gsx 800
1999 freestyle superjet

Chris · Guest

You're right, that has cheared me up a bit!
I'll make a phonecall to the garage and get back to you!
Cheers!
Chris

Chris · Guest

John,
I've spoken to my garage, and I told them your thoughts! They think you might be right, but they don't deal with re-building engines, they will only replace them, and he said he can't get hold of a 16v engine from anywhere!
If you don't mind, could you tell me a bit more about the task?
I myself haven't got much experience with engines, but my dad has played with them in the past, so I might try and get him on the case!
What, realistically, will it involve?
If you could break the job down into steps, that would be usefull!
Also, other than the head, what other costs may I expect!

If I'm confident enough to have a go with my dad, I would definately be interested in buying one of your spare heads off of you!

Like you said, the car is too good to break, so I think I should make every effort to try and get it back on the road!
I guess other than time, I've got nothing to lose!

Thanks for your help, and thanks in advance for any other help you can give me!

Chris!

johnboy · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:09 pm Post subject:

If you could break the job down into steps, that would be usefull!
Also, other than the head, what other costs may I expect!

If I'm confident enough to have a go with my dad, I would definately be interested in buying one of your spare heads off of you!

Hi chris

you will need new cam belts head gasket for that side a T55 head bolt and the belt tencheners which you will have to get pressed on to the head.
_________________
WODA WE NEED? MORE POWER!!

Alfa gt jtdm blackline
1990 S2 16v veloce sleeping!
2002 ts gtv the wifes now
1997 seadoo gsx 800
1999 freestyle superjet

johnboy · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:12 pm Post subject:

Hi again

if you send me a PM with your phone number were have a chat about your engine ok
regards john
_________________
WODA WE NEED? MORE POWER!!

Alfa gt jtdm blackline
1990 S2 16v veloce sleeping!
2002 ts gtv the wifes now
1997 seadoo gsx 800
1999 freestyle superjet