Quick Questions To Ascertain Value Of Potential Purchase

[Nifty]

I am almost certainly sold on a normally aspirated 1984 S3.

On close inspection last night I raised 4 issues that I will need to fix almost immediately and therefore need to consider when making an offer.

I would be grateful if those of you in the know might be able to answer them for me.

1. The exhaust pipe is cracked right at the point that it bolts onto the manifold.

How easy is it to replace (assuming bolts come undone) and how dear is a full stainless system .. where would I get one from?

2. The cam belt is due for a change. How easy is this to do? Does it necessity many hours of labour?

3. The gearchange linkage is very loose and inspection shows all the bushes to be badly worn. How readily available are they and how easy to replace?

4. The rear tyres are almost on the wear bars. They are Pirelli P600s. How much should I expect to pay for a pair of rear tyres?

Many thanks,

Nifty.

Edited May 23, 2007 by Nifty

[matk]

The gear change linkages are my current source of amusement! New bushes for the "forward backwards" selector (apologies I don't know what it's called properly) aren't too bad. SJ do a mod for the cross gate linkage but you need to buy a new crossgate (bowden) cable for it and whole package works out about

[bigsi]

theres not much there that you cant do yourself nifty.

you can get a stainless exhuast system from swlc, sj sportscars to name two suppliers.

the cambelt change may as well do a full 'c' service if your doing that, get it all done that way you know its done right and sound. and to d this i would pull the engine out to make things much easier also you can clean everything up on the block and framework etc.

do you mean the linkage for the gearstick assy r where the rear link arms meet the arm translator to the gearbox? if its the latter which it may be then they are vary cheap to replace. get them from either supplier also.

as for the tyres shop around and try online suppliers also.

if you want the work done then i know our resident restorer troy halliday is opening his workshops shortly, i cant reccomend him enough.

Edited May 23, 2007 by bigsi

[Backmarker]

Nifty,

If you're not absolutely sold on this S3 you might like to know that my old S3 turbo is about to come back onto the market.

This car had been fully rebuilt so no works to be done. It's well known on this forum.

I think the current owner is going to be asking

[Nifty]

Thanks for the replies.

I intend to do as much as possible myself or with the help of my friend who runs a vehicle workshop, we did my previous Esprit.

I was after approximate values for use in negotiating sale price.

I'll definitely change the cam belt but ddon't want to be removing the engine until the winter .. part of the idea of buying the Esprit now is so I can enjoy the fine weather whilst I continue towards getting the Caterham back on it's wheels .. (it's also retail therapy after finishing a rather tumultuous relationship - must remember to thank her !!)

Backmarker, I'm sure your friend's car is nice but it's a little beyond my budget - the Caterham has sucked up rather more than intended (and still sucking,

[USAndretti42]

Just replaced the cam belt on my S2 for the second time. No need to take the engine out and I think that is also the case for the S3. There is a guide on LEW's maintenance page.

I replaced the rubber bushes in the gear linkage and the change is as sweet as a nut. I would not buy a translator kit until you have done this and, if the change is still poor, checked the adjustment of the linkages and cable.

The exhaust downpipe is easy to change on my car (may not be the same on yours but I would not think it's much more difficult). The manifold itself could be cracked. No problem if you are replacing it with a complete stainless system but, if you aren't, and it is cracked, you may be able to get it welded.

[Nifty]

Thanks Trevor.

I don't think the manifold is cracked, it is just the downpipe right by the weld for the manifold fixing flange.

Good news about the gear linkage, must get on the case for parts.

I have actually agreed a price for the car so will be taking delivery in a week or so.

[tonyp]

On mine the original cast manifold / intermediate pipe join was poor, sealer lasted a few weeks only so the whole lot was replaced by a 4-to-1 job from SJ. Joints still a sod to get spot on but much improvement noted. G/box linkages (fore/aft) new bushes & a good fettling sorted that. never bothered about the cross gate upgrade, mines a tad of slop but quite ok.

Prices ? buy cheap, spend lots, but hey, its only money, just splash out & enjoy!