What do you all consider more important? the miles on chassis or the miles on motor? I am considering swapping a somewhat new s5 tII motor (40k) on a 86 chassis with (180k), and would like to see some opinions on whether i should search for a new chassis. If in the future i want to sell the car, will the milage on chassis screw around with its value?

 

miles on the body matter more than miles on the engine.

That high of miles on the body will result in lower than average value, even if there is a newer motor in it.

Things get old... simple things like brake lines, or suspension bushings, or wire harness/plugs exposed to the elements, or even dash plastic that was brittle at 3 years old... well alone at 15+. Even if it looks perfect, those things are still going to be on the down hill side.

So replacing the motor is just one thing... there are too many other things when the miles get up there.

 

I think it really depends on the condition there is nothing wrong with a well kept high mileage body, I have an 86 that is perfect and I have an 86 parts car with 30000 fewer miles and its rusted to hell, go with a good solid body regardless of mileage or age

 

I say it depends on the condition of the chassis. If the body has 500,000km on it but has absolutely no rust on it and paint is in great shape (if even possible) then I don't really care that is has that high of mileage. I'd say to me, engine condition is more important. I'd rather have a rock solid engine that runs like new in a chassis that needs some work then a mint chassis and an engine that is pretty much toast.

 

Miles on chassis. There are alot more stuff that can wear out on the chassis compared to the motor. Including wiring, supension, rust, electronics, ect.

Nothing is worse than having bad wiring problems.