Re: FS: '87 4kq Turbo

["Pat Martin" <mardkins@email.msn.com>]

Remember.  A car is what someone is worth paying for it.  There is a decent
market for 4ktq's and the ones that I have seen sold have been for at least
that figure.

As someone who has done my own conversion and worked on at least 4 other
turbo 4kq conversions I can say that even a "Frankensien'ed" 4ktq is worth
well over a stock 4kq example.  The worst you could get into is some wiring
headaches.  IMO easily fixed with some time.  If the basics are there than
it should be easy to fix a hack conversion.  Someone who wants the power and
flexibility of the 4kq with a turbo will be willing to pay for it.
As for being done by a professional I will say that that means NOTHING.  The
"professional conversion's" in my experience are not nearly as well done as
the home brew variety.  I don't think the people that I know, that have paid
to have it done would disagree.  The conversion process is way too big of
job to expect to make money selling them.  Therefore the quality can suffer.

>
> But I have to agree with Chris, there is no way that a Frankenstein 4ktq
> is worth $7500. No way. You have to be crazy to buy a car like that. Is
> there a documented conversion history? All procedures written down and
> photographed? Reputable mechanic did the conversion, or some hack? Did
> the owner do it himself? What parts were used?

>
> Problem with buying a car with an engine transplant is that you don't
> necessarily know who did the conversion, how well it was done and if there
> are any problems with the conversion. I'd rather spend the $7500 on a
> 200tq in really mint condition with full service history and one owner or
> maybe two. Or I'd buy a 4kq and a 5ktq and have plenty of money left over
> to fix both cars. Or buy a 5ktq and make it into a 300hp monster.

Simple.  Do your homework.  You can see how well done the conversion is.
This stuff is not rocket science.  If anyone wants a list of things to check
let me know.  If you want a pig than buy a 5kt, if you want a sports sedan
get a 4ktq.

>
> I like the 4kqs, but they're too small, IMHO. I'd take a Type 89 Avant,
> though, if one was offered in the States.

Small is exactly why to buy a 4ktq.  2800 lbs with 210 hp is sublime.  With
over 400 it gets to be heaven.

Pat Martin
86 4000csq turbo, 2 1/2 cat back, H&R-Boge, MC and loving it.  Drilled and
stopping it. Koenig Cobra 16x7 with Yokohama Avs intermediates turning it,
K&N and uh..
84 4000sq  AKA: The beater.
95 subaru legacy
Bothell, Wa