Re: [DML] Value of low mileage but engine swapped D?

[Marc A Levy <malevy@xxxx>]

The Michelin tires are not original, so I would venture to say that this
car has more than 4,000 miles on it. You can look at other wear items
to verify the true mileage on the car. Look at the wear on the seats,
the pedals, the shifter, and such... 

There is a high failure rate of the spedo angle drive on the DeLorean,
so most (if not all) DeLorean odometers are incorrect. In addition, you
say the spedo has been changed. You trust that this person took the new
spedo apart to reset the odometer to match the old one? I doubt it!

As far as the conversion goes, is this chevy supercharged? does it have
any significant performance modifications? If not, then you have to
question the motivation of the conversion. If this motor only has 2K on
it and the car has a total of 4K on it, are we to believe that someone
went though the expense and effort to remove a motor with 2K to replace
it with a chevy motor with a minimal performance improvement for the
heck of it? I would assume the motor that was in it was damaged and
this was a inexpensive way to get the car running again.

Disregarding my above comments about WHY the conversion was done, buying
a modified car like this is a BIG risk. Unless the conversion was done
by a reputable mechanic, I would keep away from this car. I have seen
some really bad conversions (on non-deloreans) that were just waiting
for a sucker. If you are seriously considering this car I would have 3
or more trusted mechanics look it over. 

Based on the information you have given, I would base the price on this
car as if it were a parts or project car.

Just my opinion!
Marc


heskin@xxxx wrote:
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> Forget my last question about garaged vs. stored deloreans.. I just
> visited a D for sale, and I would like to get some input on the value
> of the car: 1981, manual, black interior, w/gas flap, and about 4,000
> original miles. The car has been garaged and meticulously maintained.
> Visual inspection reveals only minor cosmetic issues (loose
> headliner, broken gas gauge, door locks are clunky, very loose
> shifter linkage, very tight clutch). The body is in excellent shape -
> the doors don't sag and operate flawlessly. The leather is in
> excellent condition. Tires are in VG condition - Michelin Sport GTs.
> >From what I can tell, the frame looks good (in the engine
> compartment).
> There was a small amount of oil drippage from the trans area. The
> front and rear fascias are in perfect condition. Now here's the fun
> part: The engine was swapped in 1992 with a 4.3L Chevy V6, with many
> performance parts: Edelbrock carb, chrome valve covers, MSD ignition,
> all hoses are steel braided, performance wires, etc. The engine has
> about 2000 miles on it. I believe the trans to be the original, but
> am only relying on the fact that the shift pattern (i.e. reverse) is
> the same.
> The speedometer and tach have been replaced with higher number
> versions (obviously not original), and three small accessory gauges
> have been added to the dash area next to the glove box (battery, oil
> press, temp). I did not get a chance to drive the car yet, but am
> seriously considering it's purchase. If anyone can help place a
> value on this car (even a ballpark), I would appreciate it greatly.
> Also, if anyone has any opinion about maintenance and/or ownership
> risks of such a hybrid car, I could certaintly use that info as well.
> Many thanks in advance,
> 
> -Hank