280z4life

I found a '81 280zxt for sale but it has a blown head gasket is the motor a lost cause. What could cause the head gasket to blow? Would it be worth it to fix it?

thanks

nick's81240zx

Do you know any more info on the engine? The only way to find out that i know of is to take the head off, and how much do they want for it?

SHADY280

head gaskets blow from time to time, is really not that big of a deal, you just gotta make sure you plane the head at the machine shop to insure it is perfectly true, the cause could be the motor had a overheating problem, but the owner prolly wouldnt tell you that, and even so, thats easy to fix. if you can wrench than the problem wont cost that much (if its just a head gasket) i suggest if your going to buy the car and do the work, read the stickeys at the top of the main 280zx page, and get a manual. if the body of the car is in good shape, and the price is right, get it.

280z4life

how much do you think it is worth because he is asking me to make an offer. the body is ok but i just want it for the motor to put in my 77 280z

any input would be great

thanks

EatmyDust

wouldn't give more than $700 in that condition. heat can cause head seals to go, and time. If it was heat you defenatly want the head checked for no warping or cracks. either way you want to have the head checked.

SHADY280

if all you want is the motor, then get one from somebody, or a wrecker, cause if you steal the motor on a car that has a o.k body, then we are robbing our world of restorable z cars, if the body is totally dented and rotted, then i say screw it and take the motor. it makes no sense to part out, the destroy a good bodied cars, there arent tons left.