I am a project addict. It started with a motorcycle, then another, then I LS swapped a volvo 240. Now I am the proud owner of a 2004 D2. I am rolling the dice big time as it has 200,000 miles on it and I have never seen it in person. I know that scares many but It was bought at a dealer auction and had a condition report so I know it is very cosmetically clean, has a good amount of dealer service records and it runs and drives. I have done my homework and know what I may be getting myself into but for cheap money I took a flyer.

I will post pictures and a full mechanical report once the shipper gets it into my hands.

The plan is to put a lift on it, probably 2" or so and some wheels and tires and turn it into a beach driving and off road rig. I plan to fabricate my own bumpers, baskets and whatnot.

First things first, Step 1 is to fully asses its mechanical soundness and make sure it is reliable and dependable in stock form.

Chris
Cary NC

 

Oh boy. Hang on to your hat!

 

Welcome to the forum Chris.
We are here to help.

 

I know. I have to do a full assessment when it arrives. It's cheap enough I can punt if I have to

 

Well. Condition report was not accurate. It has top end motor noise. Sounds like very noisy valve-train. And both sunroofs are taped closed so Im assuming they leak. Plus the oil light, and the 3 amigos are on. .... Then I drove it and the transmission slips. Punting.



Chris

 

Don't give up yet... You said it was an auction car... So proceed to do an oil change with the proper oil... Rotella 15w40 is a good place to start, cheap and will clean the innards of your engine... Cheap dealer probably filled it with 5w30... BTW, how is the oil level? Maybe its old and shot.

Then go to the D2 section here and find the Major Service sticky...

I would change out the ATF, the TCase and Diff oils, put some Seafoam in a new tank of Top Tier Premium gas... These will ping and run weak on regular... Probably came to you with the cheapest possible who knows how old regular budget fuel... Seafoam the induction system... and then see where you are...

Doing the simple stuff will let you know how bad it really is...

Start a thread in the D2 section where you can get more views and advice along the way.

 

Roger... Thanks for the positive vibes.

 

I’m on board for the oil change but this is not starting off well. $50 in fluids is a reasonable ask but that’s a laundry list of issues. I’m not usually a punter but this would have me looking for my cleats.

 

Ill find another one...The oil flush and change is worth it just to hear how it changes the engine noise...Flush with a quart of ATF or have to use a flushing agent?

 

Life of a Dll owner...

One minute, you're 1st and goal...thinking, l got this and we're going in for the win.

Three plays later, you're 4th and 99 watching the punter get sacked in the opposing team's end zone...as the clock runs out.

Welcome to the group.

Brian.