Thread: What would you do

Hi All,

In somewhat of a quandary and your thoughts and views would be appreciated.

A week before Christmas my wifes car (2007 Territory) was written off by an out of control old lady driving backwards from a side street onto a major road in Canning vale.

My wife's fine, insurance has paid us out and we are deciding on a vehicle to replace her car.
Initially we were going to replace it with another Territory, ($25K) but our circumstances have changed and we're looking at possibly buying a Hyundai i45 with low kms ?? though that's not set in stone

We can pick up the above with low Km's (25,000) for $16K and my wife has suggested we could use some of the savings to do some work on my old Rangie ?.(up to $5K) or sell it (as it is) and buy something newer ie a Disco 2 which you can pick up for around $9K in Perth.

I have a 81 RRC 2 Door 3.5 v8 which I've owned for 12 years ?. the body's straight, interiors complete and its a rare auto (borg warner 35) which was fitted as an option when purchased new and is mated nicely to the v8 ?'she's my baby.

Unfortunately she needs an engine rebuild ?.its not blowing smoke from the exhaust but its smokey if you open the oil filler cap and it has a the dreaded tappet noise (although I have recently changed all the Hydraulic lifters, and pushrods to no effect ?..

It also needs the steering box (its leaking) and probably has 1 or 2 other issues but overall she's a reasonable example.
I learned to turn a spanner (since owning her) but have never rebuilt an engine myself ?. and know that engine parts are available to rebuild her.

I don't have a lot of spare time, tools or equipment to pull the engine out and do a rebuild ?.. It's not totally out of the question maybe ??

So ??
1) Can I get someone to rebuild the engine for under $5K and does someone know anyone in WA who you trust to do so.
2) Should I buy a good S/Hand engine and do a transplant.
3) Try rebuilding the engine myself or
4) Sell her as she is and purchase a Disco 2 or something else newer and more reliable???

Your thoughts appreciated


Cheers

Baggy

Definitely a keeper. Take Steve's (Rock Dr)'s advice, even if you have to go into hock a little. Plenty of good and fair people in Perth to do the work. The i series Hyundai have a good rep and my BiL is absolutely wrapped with his 45.