I bought the car 3 weeks ago, it came with paperwork stating the engine was rebuilt in late 99'. The block had been decked, head rebuilt, etc.

I was wondering about that too. The liners seem perfectly flush with the block, but the piston! seems to ride up just a smidgen on the same side as where the crack in the gasket was/is.

I'm iffy about the failure after 150,000 kms., too, John. Usually they last a lot longer than that. The car has never overheated on me personally, but I've only had it for 3 weeks. I remember a bit of white coming out when I first fired it up at the place of purchase,but at the time I didn't really care, a head job isn't too scary for me.

Best part is, it came with $1300.00 worth of summer and winter tires (i live in a snowy climate, so big +++++!), the body is damn near perfect and rust free, interior is pretty good, all the service records came with and I have an 86 760tic for parts! (Thank god)

Right off the bat, new turbo and intercooler hoses. Then a week later the timing belt goes, replaced it with a wat pump, all metal rad, clean intercooler and good coolant hoses. Properly timed, as well.

Then a week after that, more white smoke. I quit driving it, tore it open and found the leak.The block and pistons are exceptionally carbon free, everthing looks in good shape, so I took the head in, they're planing it and cleaning it, I'll put it back together and test the compression.

Did I mention the spare 230FT and tranny I had out of the wagon? :>

We'll see how it goes, It's a little bit of an experiment, I know, but what the hell!