Ok, so a friend of mine has a broken '88 GTU. I'm thinking about picking it up as a project car. It has 300k miles on it. Supposedly the apex seals are blown. My understanding is that the engine will crank, but doesn't start. Could I just replace the apex seals and springs, or will I need to do a full engine rebuild? This won't be a daily driver, but I'd like to get it running well enough for a dedicated autocross/track car.

It is also my understanding that everything else important on the car works (transmission, clutch, brakes, etc). Also, it's been lowered. The springs may or may not have been cut. Overall opinions on picking it up?

EDIT: I checked the FAQ but could not find the section on "How to get your 7 running for as cheap as possible without guarding against future breakdowns"

 

Chances are you'll need new or used housings.
http://www.rotaryresurrection.com/te...nt_damage.html

Whether the springs have been cut, or someone installed aftermaket springs, just buy used stock units to return to correct height.

 

Ugh. I was worried about that. I guess I'll have to pull the motor to find out for sure. What's the probability of needing just new housings or both new rotors and housings? Is it a 1 in a million shot to not need either?

 

With that much mileage, you will more than likely need 2 housings, more than likely 1 rotor (the one who's apex seal went out), and maybe even an iron or 3.

If I were you, I'd look around for a freshly rebuilt motor, or something of the like.