Re: [DML] Questions about Deloreans/Prospective New Owner

[Gus Schlachter <gus@xxxx>]

Greg,

Geez, how is that 308 to work on? That's a car on my "to-do" list. Working on the DMC
should be a breeze after having done so on the Esprit, since you're already accustomed
to the funny suspension and underrated electricals. :-)

The DeLorean car has a few well-documented weak spots (trailing arm bolts, etc.) that
are pretty simple to check and correct. Other than that, it's been a fairly reliable
car for me and others.

The last thing you'll need to fret over is the engine, unless you want to tinker the HP
up (and I imagine you will, given your other vehicles). It all seems straightforward
enough until you get to something like adjusting the torsion bars on the gullwing doors,
which requires special tools, at least two other people and, at minimum, a half-case of
beer.


Gus Schlachter
VIN# 4695
Austin, TX

Twilightcall@xxxx wrote:

> Hello, I am looking at purchasing a Delorean. I have a few questions about
> them. How difficult are they to work on? What are some of the major issues
> and what does the engine have to come out for? I am used to working on my
> own cars. I repair/maintain my Lotus Esprit and my Ferrari 308. Both have
> Bosch K-Jetronic FI systems. I have heard that the engine is basically a
> Euro Volvo engine but then I have heard that it was a Peugeot engine that was
> used in Volvos? Which does it closely resemble? I know that it is a joint
> effort of Volvo, Renault, and Peugeot but I have heard that the engine is
> more like one of them. I noticed that it is on timing chains. Is this an
> interference engine? If the heads needed to be done would the engine have to
> come out or is there enough room to remove the chains and heads in the car?
> How would many of you rate the reliabiliity of them? Thanks for all of the
> info and please feel free to add any additional comments that may be useful.
> Thanks Again, GREG