T/A's with new/swapped engines

**Gohard** · 05-12-2010, 09:59 AM

How reliable is a car with a big engine upgrade or swap? My knowledge about cars doesn't go past light mods. I'm concerned because I'm trying to buy a 98+ model TA but when it comes to some with new engines and less than 10k miles on it, is this the kind of car I would use as a daily driver? 6+ hour road trips? It sounds great that the car his 500-600 RWHP but I'm trying to find out if it will LAST for years like the stock motor would.

If someone on here can help me out I would appreciate it. I will pm you with a link to the exact cars I'm thinking about buying. I would love some help please!

**Hi-Po** · 05-12-2010, 10:16 AM

If the engine was built and maintained properly there is no reason it shouldn't last a very long time. It would really help if you knew, A) Who built the engine and B) the person you are buying the car from.

There are some really reputable builders out there, that have proven themselves to push out quality shortblocks that last a considerable amount of time.

There are also some owners out there that will wait for the low oil light to come on before even checking the level

In the end, it doesn't matter who built the engine if the owner of said engine is a lazy, neglectful maintenance provider.

Keep those two ideas in mind and don't buy an engine from some boyscout who thought he would get some practice in, and you should be fine.

**Gohard** · 05-12-2010, 11:01 AM

Well after reading your post, this one TA on ls1tech came to mind. It's being sold by a guy with a pretty decent rep BUT the engine was built by agostino. Apparently, they shut down and screwed over a lot of people 5 years ago? Hmm .... idk

**Gohard** · 05-12-2010, 11:02 AM

Sell me yours HI-PO?

**Hi-Po** · 05-12-2010, 11:07 AM

I haven't heard of them, but that doesn't mean anything really. You really have to be careful buying modded cars. I learned the hard way on a few expensive items, and looking back wish I would have spent a little extra and paid for the things I wanted and known for sure everything was right. If the engine is 5 years old, I would not be paying top dollar for that car.

**Gohard** · 05-12-2010, 11:10 AM

I'm trying to pm you...

**Hi-Po** · 05-12-2010, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by Gohard

Sell me yours HI-PO?

you don't wanna buy my car. Hurt engine, hurt TruTrac.... but ill sell It to you for 19,000 bucks!

**Gohard** · 05-12-2010, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Hi-Po

you don't wanna buy my car. Hurt engine, hurt TruTrac.... but ill sell It to you for 19,000 bucks!

How come I can't pm u?

**Hi-Po** · 05-12-2010, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by Gohard

How come I can't pm u?

Must be your post count is not high enough.

**Mr. Luos** · 05-12-2010, 04:36 PM

I have a 402 in my T/A.
16K miles on the motor...no issues I didn't create.

I have taken 200 mile drives into the mountains with it...never a problem. Never even got hot. Granted, it was fairly chilly...left it in 6th gear heading down a 7-8% slope (for 10 miles) and was going about 80-85 the whole time. Never once touched the gas...she got down to like 160 degrees.

Motor was built by TSP. Mahle pistons/rings, Eagle crank, Lunati ProMod rods, GM bearings, LQ9 block.
Been trying to come up with the funds to drive it down to the Dallas area and run it closer to sea level. I would drive it there.
Only thing I am getting ready to change is the valvesprings. I have a decent sized cam in it, so it abuses the springs a little bit. Every 17-18K those will get changed...because I am anal.