So my dad and I are buying an FD soon, either way. Right now we are looking at a low mileage 94, with a brand new rebuilt engine by Pettit. In fact, he owns the car. I've been assured the car is taken care of, and he gave me a ride in it and everything it smooth and power delivery is strong. The car is selling for 18k, deposit is down, car reserved.

My question is, would it be a better choice to buy a roller and put an engine and tranny in it? Price-wise, which way would I come out on top?

Thanks.

 

It depends on what condition roller you buy and what all is already on it. If it has everything but the engine and tranny, is straight, doesn't require many replacement parts or much body work, and the seller doesn't want too much for it, then yes it could be cheaper. But if you have to replace a bunch of parts you're money is going to disappear fast. The nice thing about the 94 you're looking at is everything is already done for you and has a fresh rebuild, you could buy it and enjoy it right away.

 

and also dont forget about all the work ur gonna have to put in if u were to get a roller

 

No. $18k is a steal for a low mileage car in great shape with a new motor from a place like Petit.

Consider a paint job alone is going to run you $5k+. A new motor + labor costs will also wind up over $5k.

 

I just bought a roller a little bit ago and thought everything was in order with the exception of the engine which ate a seal... But that turned-out to not be the case. Now I'm in a situation where I spent all the money that I'd allocated but the car still isn't exactly right.

That said, I'd probalby do it again because it was a great excuse to buy more tools and I learned a whole bunch. Now I have a car with very few unknowns, and that's a big benefit of building your own. Of course you have to have the room, resources, time, and strong desire to re-do a roller.

 

With few exceptions, nearly all rollers look like crap in my experience and have have high chassis miles. In general, you could expect to add $1-2k for interior parts, $5k for a paint job, and another $5-$7k for the engine - and you will probably still have a car that looks a little shabby and have low resale because of the chassis miles.

 

The roller I'm looking at has right around 70k miles and should be about the same exterior wise. 5k for a paintjob? I had no idea they costed that much.

 

I only paid 4K for mine and that included replacing the roof, painting and mounting the body kit and spoiler, and it turned out really nice. Also depends on the area you're in too I guess. But I would still go with the 94, everything is done already.

 

paint job can cost u more then 5k.. depend on ur request. someone i know, did the paint job that cost him 15k.

 

I used to take my car to Pettit for service before I got serious about figuring out how to do maintenance myself. Cam always did great work. I would go w/ the car he has. I wouldnt doubt that car has been gone through 100%. G

 

Yep. No worries. Buy that 94 you are talking about. Cam is a meticulous person about maintenance. I am sure the car is 100% ready to go and be enjoyed. $18k is an awesome price for an awesome car.

You won't be disappointed.

 

Even though I butch and complain a lot, I'm glad that I bought my FD in the condition it was in. It allowed me to spend less on the car, and have it built to my own specifications and standards much easier.

For the OP, I'd reccomend getting the running car.