Possible flip candidate on the periphery of my realm

A friend of mine has a 2004 Cavalier with 150k on it, and he is the original owner. It is in good shape except the clear is starting to flake on the tops of the rear fenders, and the minor issue of the timing chain having supposedly just snapped.

I've read that these 2.2 Ecotecs are interference motors. I've never dealt with an interference engine that has suffered from excessive intimacy between parts. Should I be able to simply replace the head? Or would the bashing of pistons into valves destroy the pistons as well? I feel stupid for asking.

He was quoted $3000+ for a new engine installed, so he went out and bought himself a new Sentra. He's going to send the Cavalier to the salvage yard, so if I want it, I can get the car for $300.

WWGRMD?

put the $300 back in my wallet and let it pass.

-J0n

I'm with Jon, just let it go. A Cadevalier is worth about $1000 running and driving, and a replacement motor is cheaper than a rebuild, but still way more than $700.

I would crank the motor. Does it sound like it has compression? If not, pass. It's not that it cant be fixed relatively cheaply, it's just that it's basically pointless to fix it. You'll have a hard time justifying your effort with profits.

For $300 you could sell parts off it and make money for a month and then scrap it for your original purchase price. Or just sell it whole for $500. Just sayin'.

Thanks guys. I'm letting it pass. Too many things in the garage already anyhow.

Changed my mind! I bought it because I was able to pre-re-sell it to another guy for $500. And he is picking it up for me. So I get to pocket $200 without ever touching the thing. W00t!

well played

Now, sell an Eskimo a fridge. Well done.

yeah, not enough profit margin in that to make it worth your effort.

Speaking to your general initial questions though, typically on an interference engine when the chain goes at minimum you're going to have to have the head reconditioned, new valves, and all the reassembly bits/gaskets, and fluids. I've rebuilt 3 VW's and the pistons have always been fine. That said, I've seen them once a valve head breaks off (rather than just bent) and then the pistons get destroyed as well.

With a car like this, the cheapest fix is usually a used/junkyard engine rather than pulling apart and rebuilding the cavalier motor.

But, non starter overall given the lack of profit on resale for your efforts.

xflowgolf wrote: yeah, not enough profit margin in that to make it worth your effort. Speaking to your general initial questions though, typically on an interference engine when the chain goes at minimum you're going to have to have the head reconditioned, new valves, and all the reassembly bits/gaskets, and fluids. I've rebuilt 3 VW's and the pistons have always been fine. That said, I've seen them once a valve head breaks off (rather than just bent) and then the pistons get destroyed as well. With a car like this, the cheapest fix is usually a used/junkyard engine rather than pulling apart and rebuilding the cavalier motor. But, non starter overall given the lack of profit on resale for your efforts.

Wait didn't the OP post up that he purchased it and re sold it with out touching it and made $200? No effort and $200.. .. . . Non Starter? Did I miss something?

dean1484 wrote:

xflowgolf wrote: yeah, not enough profit margin in that to make it worth your effort. Speaking to your general initial questions though, typically on an interference engine when the chain goes at minimum you're going to have to have the head reconditioned, new valves, and all the reassembly bits/gaskets, and fluids. I've rebuilt 3 VW's and the pistons have always been fine. That said, I've seen them once a valve head breaks off (rather than just bent) and then the pistons get destroyed as well. With a car like this, the cheapest fix is usually a used/junkyard engine rather than pulling apart and rebuilding the cavalier motor. But, non starter overall given the lack of profit on resale for your efforts.

Wait didn't the OP post up that he purchased it and re sold it with out touching it and made $200? No effort and $200.. .. . . Non Starter? Did I miss something?

doh! missed that.

but yes that's the only flip/resell worthwhile.

He said no garage space so parting wasn't an option. the insta-flip is the move of choice.

For 700 dollars you can buy a running driving one and have done none of the work of engine swap to make it driveable. Sure it may not be very safe but it will work.

I don't know where you're at, but its almost impossible to get a running driving car for under a grand here. I see people trying to sell 10 year old neons with broken timing belts for 600-1000.

That might be the easiest $200 I have heard of today. well played.