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having bought a 91 turbo 6 minths ago the stuff i WOULD check (now i know :-( ) are:-
1 the turbo will be toast unless its been replaced, budget on replacement ($1000 diy). The best way to check is to remove the big rubber hoses from it and check inside them, any oil other than a very fine film the turbo is on the way! (hint mine was...)
2. Check the big rubber hoses microscopically they are >$100 EACH
3. The engien oil cooler will be rotten if it hasnt been replaced, you wont know till you get it off the car...its a electralitic reaction thing that corrodes the legs, then in under the fittings...your looking at $100-$300 depending if you go genuine or non genuine and about 1/2 hour to fit ...I looked at several on 91 cars in scrap yards...all toasted!
4. The oil on the cam cover is from the filler, may just be the filler seal (lasts approx 12 months im told) but is also a symtom of blocked 'flame trap' or breather box & associated hoses...you will want to change the breather box and clean the trap hoses anyway ($50 parts) 1-2hours of filthy work, but easy, fun and satisfying...
5. switch bulbs on the dash are easy, the dial bulbs are not
6. replace the stereo they are crap...
7. fit a calibrated boost guage, made mine from a carb balancing guage some scrap alluminium and some piping cost $15... and about 1 hr
8. basic service items (note air filter is not the same as a NA)
9. if the turbo is leaking oil (i.e. oil in the pipes) then the plugs are shot and the cat. may be on the way...
10. unless done the radiator/expansion tank etc are comming up for doing, but budget $45 for the later expansion tank/loss of coolant sensor...swap that NOW and wire it to a buzzer in the cabin, that way if the rad goes before you get round to doing it.....at least you dont toast the engine...
11. Compression test the engine...
none of the above (with the exception of the turbo change) are difficult or really expensive if your a competant DIY'er...
i wish id checked the pipes from my turbo before i bought mine...oh well..
somee things you should be aware of:-
1. 20 mpg
2. high insurance
3. high tyre wear
4. use SYNTHETIC OIL ONLY AND CHANGE EVERY 3000 miles...
5. BIG GRIN!
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