'82 SC Engine Carrier Question

59GS · 04-17-2007, 11:10 AM

I'm considering the purchase of an early 80's SC as a daily driver. I have found a relatively nice one near by that has a lot going for it. Complete engine and trans rebuild, new clutch all withing the last 5-10K miles. Car has sport seats (not in great condition but serviceable). The CO had an airbox problem, replaced it and installed pop off valve and replaced the starter. On the $3000 plus receipt is a notation that the engine carrier had been previously damaged and the bolts were not treated with anti seize.

If I may impose on the cumlative wisdom for a couple of questions ...

1. How serious an issue is this damage to the engine carrier.

2. The car does not have the oil fed tensioner upgrade. It does have the later production run change to the turbo tensioners ... should I be concerned.

Thanks in advance for your counsel.

59GS

tonythetarga · 04-17-2007, 12:33 PM

The engine carrier, if it was damaged and repaired or replaced is not a problem. Have a close look at it to see if it shows any bends or damage near the engine mounts. The ends on many were bent or snapped off if the bolts were seized and were difficult to remove.
The oil fed tensioners are recommended on all pre 84 cars but there are many working just fine with the standard ones. I wouldn't let either stop me from buying a car IF the rest of the PPI checks out fine.

dlagerstrom · 04-17-2007, 12:38 PM

Welcome.

The 'carrier' is the bar across the back of the engine. 2 bolts hold it into place. When I removed mine, it took quite a bit of torque to get the bolts out of the threaded ends. The bolts go through some rubber 'dampers.' In torquing the ***** out of the bolts, I enede up twisting the ends of the bar and ended up replacing it with a stainless steel version from our host. Mush stronger.

I would guess it got bent a bit. Don't think that will be a major problem.

My 82 SC also didn't have the tensioner update. Driving to work one day I noticed a nasty sound from the back end. Finally figured out it was the chain. After tearing into it, I found the tensioners were OK but one of the ramps broke so the chain was flopping around. I ended up doing the tensioner update along with new ramps. Not too difficult but cost a few bucks. IIRC the tensioner update kit was about $750. You will know quickly if there is a problem or not, I guess that is the bottom line. You can probably drive for quite a while before there is a problem.

I hope this helps.