Originally Posted by Just Dave

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.