T/S valuation

[nostatic]

Continuing the early car valuation series, how about a '70 T w/S appearance group. Tranny rebuilt 20 K ago, engine rebuilt 7K ago and to s-ish spec (Webers, S 2.4 pistons, ported heads, didn't catch all the details). Braided brake lines, upgraded pads and sway bars, new Bilsteins, no rust, original paint, clean interior. Basically a "light" track car that is also good on the street.

Does a ballpark of $15K sound high? I know it depends on condition, condition, and oh yeah, condition. That also brings up another question...would you buy a car for a daily driver that had seen significant track time? What are the things to look out for (other than flat sides from slamming a wall)?

[pwd72s]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by nostatic
[B]Continuing the early car valuation series, how about a '70 T w/S appearance group. Tranny rebuilt 20 K ago, engine rebuilt 7K ago and to s-ish spec (Webers, S 2.4 pistons, ported heads, didn't catch all the details). Braided brake lines, upgraded pads and sway bars, new Bilsteins, no rust, original paint, clean interior. Basically a "light" track car that is also good on the street.



The S appearance group was a common option package in those days. Desireable, but not really rare. Track time? If sticky rubber is used for enough time on an early body, some chassis flex can happen, knocking the car out of spec. You'd need somebody with experience to check this out. So, nostatic...when are you going to buy a car? Or is the looking & talking about buying a car more fun?

[jluetjen]

The only thing that I'd add regarding buying a "Track car" for street use is that cars really do get abused on the track. Expect significant wear (read need for replacement) of all the tires, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, shocks, brake fluid and pads. There is also the increased likelyhood of fatigue failures in the CV's, half shafts and the engine in general. In round figures I'd expect a track engine to last about half as long a street engine between rebuilds even if they keep the same red-line. This is just the result of the engine spending a lot of time in the 4000-7000 RPM range rather then 1500-4000 RPM where most street engines spend the majority of their time.

[Randy W]

The price sounds slightly high, as a modified '70T is not for everyone, but it depends on paint/body condition. If it looks good and everything else mentioned (including tranny synchros and clutch) checks out fine, 15K may be a good price.