buy or not? 89 5.0 gt

[jonk86]

im lookin to buy a 89 5.0 but the owner says that the head gasket has a leak and the anitfreeze is in the oil, i have no clue how bad that is and how much it will cost to get the gaskets replaced and if its even worth buying. would like as many opinions as possible before i make a decision. really want a 5.0 and this one is within my budget.

Oorah

 

[89CobraGT]

Well if your mechanically inclined you can change a head gasket in a day or so theres a long write up on it http://forums.stangnet.com/715074-heads-cam-intake-swap-write-up.html.. also if he was driving it for long with a blown head gasket it would not have been good for the bottom end...

 

[Coast2CoaStang]

I agree with 89CobraGT. If he drove it for a while like that, and the motor turns out to be junk, It will no longer be within your budget.

I would try to find another one in good running order. Otherwise a motor swap may be in the not so distant future.

 

[strtrcr50]

Figure worst case scenario, you can get a junkyard explorer motor for $300-$500 or so and swap it in. What is your budget anyway and how much is he asking for a car with a blown head gasket?

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

Shopping thread - moved to talk.

Honestly, I'd take a pass unless you plan on having a car you need to tow home, then possibly replace the engine, at who knows how much cost? Mustangs can be found pretty cheaply if you really look around, and the person is basing the value off blue book, not market value. If you're really determined to get one that needs engine work, I suppose if the car itself is in good shape it may not be a bad deal, but I'm curious what the price on this one is, for comparison's sake?

 

[Makdaddymac]

if it s cheap remebr so is a 5.0 engine ready to bolt in and tear up!

 

[Darkwriter77]

I'd say if you have to ask, then the answer right away should be "no." It's bound to be more work than it's worth to most folks. Even I would be inclined not to wanna mess with it, as there's no telling what other major repairs you'll find that you need with the thing once you start wrenching on it (or if you take it to a shop), and you'll just wind up with a major money pit. Been there, done that.

Pass on it and keep lookin'.