decisions decisions

[tattoojohnny]

My van is keeping me awake at night and I'm having trouble sleeping...........not because of the stress but the countless hours spent on the forum and internet looking for help and advice on what I should do. Those who have seen (and replied) to my previous posts will know what the main problem is but for those who don't here it is.

I have a 1984 converted panel van.
I thought it had a JX lump in it and have just discovered it has a JK with a turbo fitted.
JK non-turbo engine+turbo (assuming a JX sump and manifold) = engine wear and primary cause of smoke?
MOT due 9th April and not sure if it will pass the emission test.

Heres my dilemma

There is an AAZ up for grabs on here for £350 and is not too far away (50 or so miles)
Do I
1. Buy the AAZ engine and find some kind person to help fit it and then get it MOT'd (not very mechanically minded but very keen to learn)
2. Drop the oil, change the filter, add some stop smoke and hope it gets through at the risk of missing out on a good AAZ
3. Purchase the AAZ regardless, see how the MOT goes with my Frankenstein engine and keep the AAZ for a winter project.

I'm sure there could be other options available so am open for suggestions (cutting my losses and getting rid of the van isn't one of them)

Thanks for any advice and all the advice I have already received, I wouldn't know what to do without this forum

John

[camper]

Provided the AAZ has no issues like the crank shaft pulley bolt loose as to cause wear on the key way.You can get more information about this problem as discussed on the forums.And the engine is in good order (have you seen it running) no overheating issues.I would buy this engine as a replacement . See if you can get the black smoke down use some fuel addictive and turn the max throttle screw down on the pump enough to drive it to the mot station .Done that a few times with a smoky T25.Once you get your MOT you can take your time fitting the AAZ if its a good engine.

[Red Westie]

If this is the one Ringo has got (in Nottingham) I will vouch for the man and what he sells.
A very knowledgable member who bought this engine for his own use but ended up being offered a brand new unit as well as this one.
He will have already checked and replaced the obvious on this engine so I'm sure it's a sound investment.

Martin

[Ian Hulley]

If this is the one Ringo has got (in Nottingham) I will vouch for the man

Couldn't agree more, Ringo's a top bloke and 100% dead straight. He goes back a long time on here and the last thing he would do is to rip someone off, you can deal with confidence.

Ian

[psychonaut]

Got to agree with Ian and Martin. I bought parts from Ringo for my 1Y conversion a couple of years ago, and they were top notch. He also helped source me a couple of seats a few weeks ago, without being asked, and only told me after he'd organised a good deal for me. All in all, a top bloke. Mrs Ringo is also held in high regard hereabouts - she offered to help with changing a wheel on the family Zafira when it got a puncture whilst picking up the parts mentioned above!! Whilst i declined her kind offer, she took the trouble to come out to find us and hand over the parts to save us finding her once we'd changed the wheel.

There's biker attitude in that family, for certain sure!!

[tattoojohnny]

Thanks guys
It was the AAZ off of Ringo. I was offered it after a bloke had original said he was going to have it but changed his mind.........not even 24 hours later the said bloke changed his mind AGAIN and he now wants it!!! I was making plans to pick it up next week when I received the email from Ringo so not in a good mood today and so the search continues.............but in the meantime I will drop the oil and see if it goes through its MOT in time for the pikey weekend in April.

[R0B]

He probably read this thread

said he was going to have it but changed his mind

[tattoojohnny]

He probably read this thread

said he was going to have it but changed his mind

Doh!! never thought of that