I'm looking at a 1986 T2 (I'm asking for the VIN to verify the year) and if I do buy it, I would have to drive it 8-1/2 hours to get home: TN to Northwest IN. It has a cone filter and gutted cats, as well as a FCD. Both of which I would want to replace with OEM (or simply new cats) asap. But I was wondering if I should be scared to drive it home with those mods being done? I'm sure all you long-time turbo owners may chuckle at this post, but I have no experience and a very minimal knowledge. My first mod personally would be to port the wastegate. I asked the owner if he has ported it, but he said no and said that it is still the S4 turbo. I have read the FC3Spro guide to buying T2's and I am armed with some knowledge.

The car looked pretty clean to me in the one pic he sent, but i'll be asking for more via email. His asking price is $3500, has 160k mi. Good price or no? He says it runs good, but I'll be having my sweet mother drive the 2.5 hours from nashville to check it out for me and to get a test drive before I make any decision.

So if you guys have any suggestions as to what I should look for and any other misc. things please let me know. Thanks.

 

Those mods are definitely a recipe for higher boost, and likely boost creep as well due to the pathetic size of the S4 wastegate.

Just to easy on the car until you have it home and have had some time to check it out. No reason you have to beat it at wide open throttle at the way home and if you keep out of the throttle, the boost won't be an issue. Then get a reliable boost gauge and make a few runs to determine boost level. Anything over 9 PSI and be concerned on the stock fuel system.

$3500 is a lot of money for a car, any car, with 160K on the odometer. Better be in near perfect condition.

 

wastegate port when you get home

 

Thanks Aaron, he says hes firm on that price, but I'm going to try to dive that down at least a grand. I'll be that nit picky buyer that will find the fault in everything that I can. And as long as i can keep it out of boost. Then it will be fine, check. That's good then. I can port the wastegate very easily once i have it home.

Also, what would YOU guys pay for it? I'll post the picture he sent me of it. Keep in mind stock rims were thankfully put back on.

 

Porting the wastegate is more of a precautionary modification, rather than a power modification. If you get a chance, see if you can source a decent S5 turbo and port the **** out of both wastegate holes. That would definitely put you at ease. Otherwise, do Aaron's extreme S4 wastegate porting. -> Aaron Cake's Extreme S4 Wastegate Porting

 

Yea I plan on porting as soon as i can to prevent the boost creep. How much soups a turbo rebuild cost? I saw that you could rebuild the s4 using a garrett kit for $100, but again, i need to spend more time in the turbo section.

 

gotta love posting from phones, eh?

 

You can rebuild a stock turbo yourself for around $90, if you mark the rotating assembly well before removing the compressor nut.
How to:https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/how-rebuild-stock-ht-18-turbo-build-hybrid-959045/.

Hitachi HT-18-2S Rebuild kit: http://gpopshop.com/hitachi-turbo-rebuild-kits/

Or you can pay a shop to rebuild it for you.

Gpopshop rebuild: $350: http://gpopshop.com/services/rebuilding/

BNR Rebuild: $375: http://gonzaloherrero.com/bnr/index....d=67&Itemid=89

 

I've been reading your thread a lot since this morning, I'm glad my searching paid off. I was able to find both links you posted and read through them. I'm still trying to learn my turbo terminology a bit, garrett's site is a little confusing, but the single turbo FAQ is a bit of help.

Right now I'm thinking I'm going to offer him ~$2k since the cats are gutted, and it has 160k mi. If he can provide the OEM intake box and snorkel then to me that raises the value a bit. What are your guys' opinion about that?

 

$2k is the MOST I'd pay for it. The mileage is high. Who knows when the turbo will go...?

I hope the guy considers your offer. Some people price these things expecting to get top dollar.

 

Okay thanks dwb, that's the straight answer I have been looking for. I'll go ahead and proceed with that offer then. Especially since I will need to fine a replacement main cat so I can pass. DP would be fine since the two pre-cats only aid in cold-start emissions. And I hope he still has the oem intake, if not then I will be scared to boost the whole 350mi journey home... lol