New Engine or recondition the old one? What do you think?

[swift5_8]

Hey guys I need some advice so please add your thoughts.
My car is approaching 200000 fast I bought it with 160000 odd kilometers on the clock and since I am the kind of person who drives long distances for surfing camping or work I clocked up about 30000 plus already, and the major service is due soon ish.
I have all the parts needed from the last time I was selling the major service kits but I am not sure if I should do it on this engine and recondition it.
If I was to recondition the engine I would do the major service change the tappets and maybe some other bits for the long term high power goal ( I love my sleeper )
Or should I just get another engine with lower kilometers and change that together with the dash and do a major service on that without recon.
Another option would be to sell my car with roadworthy and rego and get same thing with lover KM and service that but I don’t know how much I would get for mine since it will 200 odd kms on it.
I want to have a reliable A1 condition ( mechanically ) car, that’s what turns me on and not the quick fix type of thing haha

Please note soon I will have decent cash to spend on modifying it, something like 1600 a month at least and I was planning to get recaros then reupholster my interior in black leather, super body kit then respray in same color ( outside only ) and then go for power so it will cost me 6K just for that without much of the power gains.
Its catch 22 I do not know what to do – would I be just chasing that new ish car feel by repairing everything and also the resell value I mean I don’t think many people would want a car that has replaced engine or the recon one.
Please give your thoughts
Cheers

 

[mookers]

If you like it, keep it. Recondition the engine and you'll know exactly what shape it's in.

These cars are old enough now that worrying about resale value is kind of pointless. I reckon we all bought them just because we like them!

 

[king_panther]

Dude Grandpa is over 235,000kms & going great guns still..

You've little to worry about honestly just keep it maintained properly & service it when it needs it. Sure, I had to change things & get things replaced but that's part of life.

He still would fly when pressed hard enough

 

[BuzzPuppy]

I can understand your concern Tomas, and fair enough.

However, check out some UK/NZ examples with higher km's over @ ClubVR4 as well.

"Grandpa" (for those new to the forums, "Grandpa" is king pather's first VR4 before the Super and was bought with relatively low kilometres) is the Aussie testbed for long kilometres but on our local roads.

We should keep track of its progress with keen interest. My Loki just hit the 100,000km mark too.

 

[bradc]

Why recondition it unless you've actually got problems?

 

[swift5_8]

The engine runs very nice ( tappets come back in winter morning to life ) but since i do long trips i would hate to break down and have to pay for towing to the nearest Legnum compatible workshop.
This is more a direction that i need to decide on rather than an urgent decision so all of your thoughts are appreciated.

I thought that if i spend another 8 to put it into a shape that i like and only buy parts that i would love to have even 20 years after then i could keep it even as a hobby car once i get bored with it.

 

[cyber_scriber]

Unless your car is showing problems, I wouldn't bother.

Our engines can clock up a lot of K's without drama, provided that they've been serviced and properly looked after during their life and based on what you've said, you sound like a careful owner.

The only thing that I would note is your comment about mods. If you're talking about interior and cosmetic mods, a high K VR-4 shouldn't be an issue. If you're talking about serious performance, engine or drivetrain mods, then it might make more sense to start out with a fresher base rather than putting more load and stress on tired and old mechanical components.

 

[bradc]

I wouldn't bother, these engines don't go bang.

 

[swift5_8]

Bruce thats a good point - thanks mate

 

[Guest]

You got an auto or manual box there Tomas?