Expert: Vern Bullock - 6/16/2008

Question
Hi.  I recently purchased a 1980 Triumph Spitfire in decent condition, and I recently blew the engine on it.  Do you have a reccommendation on where a gal can go to locate a new, used, or rebuilt one?  I have been struggling with my online search, and I don't want to be screwed by someone wanting to take advantage of my not knowing much.
Thanks
Sally

Answer
Hi Sally:
I once had a 1980 Fiat Spider myself. Nice little cars the Triumphs are.  I think you have two feasible options...

1. If you are really in love with the car you had now, I would seek another engine from a salvage/junk yard. Keep in mind, you would want to see the car the engine came out of and and be assured it still runs. Also, check the mileage on the engine as well as the condition of the car. Hopefully you can find one with rear damage Only. A front-end collision would have possibly damaged the engine. So keep that in mind. Also don't pay more than $500 for a good used engine. The labor costs to remove the old engine and fit the new one will be expensive. Around $1,000 to $1,500. So you are looking at spending $1500 to $2000.

2. You could purchase another 1980 Triumph for just a bit more ($3000 to $5000 in good condition). Unless you plan to do the mechanic work, I would just purchase another car and sale yours to someone that will do the engine replacement or rebuild that engine themselves. This way everybody wins. You get some of your money back and they get an inexpensive car.