My car (1997) UK Turbo is approaching 87,000 miles and apart from a new clutch has caused no problems.

Car is running 280bhp with GEMs and I have later spec discs and calipers + new PD7s fitted, and has a FIA roll cage fitted.

Question is should I spend more on getting the car right - i.e. engine rebuild/upgrade or should I trade in for a lower mileage import - say a STi V6.....

I have spent a considerable amount of £ on the car and am minded to "stick with it"...but any opinions/advice will be appreciated.

Richard

You don't say if your car is having engine troubles at the moment. 87000 miles isn't really a great amount of miles for a modern engine . Obviously it has a lot to do with how hard those 87k miles have been driven, but if you're not experiencing any probs with the car i'd forget about an engine rebuild and keep the car as it is. Before the scooby i've had many high milers ( an escort with over 150k (still on the road) and still have a 200K plus km '81 VW Combi van). Neither vehicle has had an engine rebuild (not even the combi at 22 years old). Regular servicing is all thats needed and i'm sure your scooby will last for many more years.
Treacle

Treacle,

Thanks - that is what I am thinking - the car really does look like new the paintwork is immaculate (DBM) and with new wheels it could be a 2000 model car.

I think I will stick with it and have the engine looked at - small oil seal broken somewhere, therefore am going to Roger Clark Motorsport tomorrow.

but if you do fancy an engine rebuild in the bigger & more BHP sense have a word with the fine peaps @ Clarkes what they cant do with a scooby :D
Si

I wouldn't worry about the mileage either. Not that high for a modern engine.

You know how your own car has been treated and that is worth a lot compared with another used car which could have been seriously hammered for all you know. The spec is high and the condition is good-I'd keep it for sure.

Les :)

Keep it dude,

I nearly got trapped in the shall i sell or keep game and decided to keep. MY00 less than 3 yrs old, 48k on the clock, feck all wrong with it. Due to depreciation etc I thought, sod it, can't be fussed with the aggro of selling, especially at silly prices so decided to keep and cherish :D
Finance nearly finished now :D, then I can really spam it up :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Mikey :cool:

I'll stay out of this one :rolleyes:

76k Gearbox - boom baby boom :(
84k Engine - bang wham bang :(

Ye takes yer chance :D

What mods have you done to take it up to 280bhp?

I have purchased a UK 97 Wagon mods include full HKS decat exhausts system and blitz induction kit, its running just a shade under 250BHP with these mods...i guess i will have to chip it to get to 280BHP but does this effect reliability....the car has done 92k but with full service history....is it worth chipping.

any info wud be appreciated.

That's a bit harsh SiPie ;)

It's not about taking yer chance, it's about weighing up pro's and cons. i.e if you are a thrash it every chance you get, no mechanical sympathy , gotta beat that nova, the track is where I live,type driver then yes an older/high mileage car would attract a few issues, however the same car used to potter to work and have the odd spirited drive around a local b road once a weekend is IMHO going to be as reliable as a newer car if serviced properly.
If you are looking for a cheap car and intend to boot it everywhere, then YES you takes yer chance :D

Mikey :cool:

Keep it, it's gorgeous. ;)

You might spend a lot of money for only marginal (if any) performance improvement. Stick with the car that you've modded yourself and know well. :D

I know I wouldn't swap mine, and still dream of extra bits'n'bobs to add here'n'there to fine tune the overall package. :cool:

Oh yeah...

If you do decide to sell, this time I'm sure Karen'll buy it!!!!! :rolleyes:

Let us know ;)

Etheridge

Long time no speak.

I think you should sell your car and buy my Type R :D

Just think how much fun it would be on the hill climb circuit with the diff control, shorter ratio gearbox and a genuine 305 bhp! The car is mint, 36000 miles and fsh from RCM.

Have a think

Paul Walker

Oi Paul get thee to a Cov meet ;)
Si