american v8's

They are all indestructible.

Next question :p

But no, seriously - really depends what you are looking at. The majority of them are all chain driven, so no belts to snap, and provided they are relatively well looked after or not excessively boosted, will saunter on indefinitely. Occasionally you'll need a new waterpump or distributor for a few of 'em but you are talking about engines that have been produced in the millions, so everything is ridiculously cheap.

http://www.realsteel.co.uk/ for some idea prices. Full set of forged pistons for 350 quid? Standards for 90? Next! :D

Fuel economy on some of them is pretty good too, depending on what it's in though (and the age of the engine/fuelling, obviously...).

Ford 289/302/351, Chevy 350, are the ones to go for if you're looking for a 60s-90s engine. You can make a good engine out of a Ford 5.0 HO and later 4.6 as well but that requires a bit of extra work for the most part.
 
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funnily enough i was looking at something like (this is from memory so i hope its right) your type of stuff: an early 90s corverette or slightly older stingray.
 
It'll never give you any trouble.

Depending how early it is, a 90s C4 will run with either an L98 smallblock or an LT1. Both are basically bulletproof but the LT1 can have issues with water in its distributor, caused by a leaking waterpump - necessitating the replacement of both. Most have been fixed with modified caps, or replacement parts so just one thing to look out for - barring the usual like making sure it's not been overheated, run dry - and has good oil pressure.

L98s can sometimes (very rarely) wear their throttle body spindles, leading to erratic idles as air leaks by. Easily fixed with a performance one though, or just a bore and re-bush.

Over 150,000 miles you ideally want to replace the timing chain. The waterpump, if it hasn't been, will need doing by then too but if it's well looked after that'll be about it. Mine had done 168,000 and was still near enough factory power and had never been touched :D Many more have done lots, lots more than that....

The same applies for older ones too - but obviously age is against them in some respects, although the majority of them will have had work or replacement parts done anyway, negating the issue (or if they are lower mileage).

There isn't much to go wrong really (unless you're unlucky, then, well, tough) and they're damn fine bits of machinery.
 
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Lashout_UK said:
It'll never give you any trouble.

Depending how early it is, a 90s C4 will run with either an L98 smallblock or an LT1. Both are basically bulletproof but the LT1 can have issues with water in its distributor, caused by a leaking waterpump - necessitating the replacement of both. Most have been fixed with modified caps, or replacement parts so just one thing to look out for - barring the usual like making sure it's not been overheated, run dry - and has good oil pressure.

L98s can sometimes (very rarely) wear their throttle body spindles, leading to erratic idles as air leaks by. Easily fixed with a performance one though, or just a bore and re-bush.

Over 150,000 miles you ideally want to replace the timing chain. The waterpump, if it hasn't been, will need doing by then too but if it's well looked after that'll be about it. Mine had done 168,000 and was still near enough factory power and had never been touched :D Many more have done lots, lots more than that....

The same applies for older ones too - but obviously age is against them in some respects, although the majority of them will have had work or replacement parts done anyway, negating the issue (or if they are lower mileage).

There isn't much to go wrong really (unless you're unlucky, then, well, tough) and they're damn fine bits of machinery.
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great. kind of backs up my theory of i can afford the fuel costs by lack of servicing lol. cheers fella. :)
 
If it's any help - the L98 is a torque monster that makes 230-245BHP and 340-350ft.lb, and the LT1 is a much more free-revving engine that makes 300BHP and 340ft.lb.

The L98 has the old Tuned-Port Injection and will do about 15mpg in the city, 26mpg motorway, and 20.5mpg combined. This is easily upped by a few intake mods (panel filter, cut-lid mod) and the removal of the excessively restrictive catalytic convertors but the listed figures are for a bone-stock system. You can uprate the ignition system too, to improve things. Some people can nudge over 30 out of their L98s which is remarkable.

The LT1 is a much more 'modern' engine and that can usually get around 20 around town and up to and over 30 on a run. It is only ticking over when you're doing 70+ so sips quite happily. Again, mods can improve.

Both, regardless, are great engines to drive :)

-disclaimer- Obviously if you drive it hard, economy will be worse :D
 
Not too fussed about what it is so long as its not a van/suv and has 8 cylinders. Would prefer older muscle if possible (prefer something other than a stang though, love pontiac firebirds :D)

Would like to spend less than £10K by as much as possible.

I have no idea if it's possible, just inquiring, but my googleing brings up very little that's not a new import/30K re-conned 'stang.
 
i imagine that they are in a very very relaxed state of tune so will be barely doing any work, thus lasting forever?
 
We've just been talking about 'vettes over in the thread I made about the Porsche a few days ago, some interested stuff there posted by Lashout. I bought a copy of 'Classic American' magazine today, there are some good classifies with very reason able prices in the back. Even an El Camino in there, for £5k :D ...Fire Birds seem pretty cheap on the whole. I am extremely keen to buy an American V8 myself, ideally something with a targa top or even a lift off roof, I think the proper convertible 'vettes look a bit ...limp-wristed :D ...for a 'vette anyway.
 
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