I am going to go look at a SVO. What are some tell tell signs that I should look for. What are some of the problems these 2.3's have? What should I run away from when I see?

 

Normal turbo problems.... seals, play in the turbo blades, exhaust leaks, oil/water leaks around the cyl heads. what condition the intercooler is in. Just the normal stuff really when buying a car, the big thing is the condition of the turbo system.

 

Can you feel the turbo play by turning it by hand?

 

it should spin freely but there shouldn't be any wobble or play in it. Rev it and listen for any noise other than the noise when it spools up like clanking metal etc. Hope this is helping.

 

This is helping. I have no back ground on Turbo's or a 2.3l

 

Since it's basically a 25 year old car, you really can't expect everything to be in perfect shape.

Besides the normal foxbody stuff, there really isn't much that can't be fixed for more than $400 in the engine bay, so as long as the body and interior is straight I could live with drivetrain problems.

 

I was thing the same thing.

 

First, without a bit of disassembly, you won't be able to check shaft play on the turbo because both the compressor and turbine have curved outlets bolted in place.

Things to look for? The SVO specific items are getting tough to find and expensive. So if you really want a true SVO, those items need to be there and in nice shape. These things are the hood, nose, side spats (lower body cladding in front of rear wheels) rear wing, seats, dash insert and guages, and other bits and pieces.

If having a non-original SVO is OK with you, I'd strongly consider swapping a car or buying one that's swapped. You can find a nice clean 2.3 car that is much more solid than a V8 or beat to hell 86 SVO for much less money, and throw a motor in it and have just as much fun, people won't be trying to lynch you for "ruining a rare car" and you won't want to stab yourself with the antenna if you get in a wreck.

 

Whats up dave. I dont know if you remember me but I am a friend of Jays. He tried to sell me your car when I mention I was looking at a 2.3 turbo.


Cut your grass man!

Thanks for the info.

 

Did I ever meet you? I've been to some of Jay's parties and I've heard them mention Drew, but I don't think I've ever met you.

I'm sure Jay wants you to buy my car, he's probably tired of looking at it sitting in the yard

I'm still trying to decide if I want to sell the mustang or not. I'd like to keep it, but at this point its just another car to insure. If you're interested in a swap, we can set up a time for you to come look at it. I'll shoot you straight about what its got and what it needs and I'll make you a really fair deal.