Re: [DML] Update on the 81 D.

[Louie Golden <louie@xxxx>]

If you think a DeLorean is carbureted with a Lotus engine, I think you needto hold off on buying a one for a little bit, until you can learn a littlemore about them. Buying a non-driveable car when you no absolutely nothingabout the mechanics of these beasts is totally masochistic in my opinion... unless you have obscene amounts of money to pay someone else to entirely restore it, like DMC-Houston. With your knowledge of DeLoreans right now, you'd have a tough time keeping a decent one running.

So while we're at it let's clarify some things about DeLoreans. They use a version of the PRV-6 engine. PRV stands for Peugeot-Renault-Volvo... the 6 stands for 6 cylinders. This engine was developed in the mid '70s for use in all three of those product lines. Many people simply refer to the engine as a Volvo engine... which is actually a misnomer. The PRV is more Renault than any of the three. They employ Bosch FUEL INJECTION... they're not carbureted. They use a Renault transaxle, (transaxle==transmission/axle as the car is rear engined) and have a Lotus designed frame.

As I said before I strongly urge you to hold off buying a DeLorean until you learn some about the cars. I read the DML for 2 years, and went to several meets, and met as many owners as I could before I finally bought mine. I'm sure this is the first DeLorean you've looked at, and you're excited... but you'll thank yourself if you hold off on this one. As far as I know, thegoing rate for mechanics in general is $80/hour... someone please correct me if I'm wrong. And don't think that any old garage can work on your car... this list is littered with stories of guys who have had damage done to their cars by amateur mechanics who don't know how to work on DELOREANS specifically. Just so you know, a new fuel system will be AT LEAST $1000 for parts alone. That's not to mention all the other things the car will need after sitting like it has, and the various upgrades that are essential to keeping these cars on the road now. The general rule with DeLoreans is this- Price of Car + The Cost of Repairs == $20,000. This rule really doesn't alwayshold true. In fact, the cheaper/worse condition car you buy, the MORE you're going to spend on it in the long run. There's also a saying around here that goes "what's the difference between a $15,000 DeLorean, and a $20,000 one?" the answer "about $10,000." I'm not trying to discourage you from buying a DeLorean, I'm just trying to scare you into doing your homework. If you don't, you'll end up spending 3 times the money and time restoring the car... and you'll likely give up before the car is completed. You CAN own a DeLorean on a tight budget... you just have to be very educated in the cars, and know which one to buy. I'm a good example... I'm a 21 year old college senior, and I can afford to own one. Good luck though on whatever you decide, and remember, we're here to help you! :-)

Louie Golden
VIN 10115 Sanford, NC