Which would you do? Engine or Paint
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Ardsley Pa
Which would you do? Engine or Paint
I might be coming into about $5000. I was thinking about a new paint job, or doing an engine/trans job. The paint isn't to bad. A good 5/10 footer, but it's the old laquer paint. The engine and trans both work well, but I'm starting to get a few leaks and I sure would like some more power. I don't want to go overboard with the power. I did that when I was younger. The car wasn't fun to drive anymore. What would you do?
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
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From: Science Bitch! Mississauga, Ontario
Canadian Events Coordinator
Paint because it has to be done in one shot.
Whereas the leaks can be fixed one at a time
Also, parts can be added to go faster one by one.
Whereas the leaks can be fixed one at a time
Also, parts can be added to go faster one by one.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
I'm more of a performance guy. I say put in a nice torquey SB and have fun with it. It can be done for way less than 5K also. Don't get to wild but a nice 400 HP SB is a real pleasure to drive.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Living in the Hartland
Originally Posted by Gordonm
I'm more of a performance guy. I say put in a nice torquey SB and have fun with it. It can be done for way less than 5K also. Don't get to wild but a nice 400 HP SB is a real pleasure to drive.
You car will look better the faster you go by someone. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,330
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From: Long Island NY
I'm in the same pickle as you...my paint is also a 5/10er. If you paint the car you are going to be crazy over every chip. I had my bumpers done, on the way home I got a chip 
. since my car is a driver...I'm going with an engine build up...
. since my car is a driver...I'm going with an engine build up...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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Engine without a soubt, I don't mind paint that shows some defects, it just means the car is used for what it was built, driven. What I can't stand is a car that looks nice and then once you pop the hood it's a rusty greasy mess
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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Engine without a doubt, I don't mind paint that shows some defects, it just means the car is used for what it was built, driven. What I can't stand is a car that looks nice and then once you pop the hood it's a rusty greasy mess
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 391
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From: Chicago il
I would go engine as well.
If you do a lot of the work yourself I don't see why you couln't do BOTH engine and paint for $5k. I certainly am planning my engine and tranny as well as paint for about $5500.
That is just for parts, as I will be doing all of the labor myself. I may even attempt to spray it... It will be my first paint job, but have to start someplace!
I may have my dad spray though- he has painted many many show cars. I do body work- never painted anything larger than a gas tank for a bike.
Hey Twin_Turbo: Don't look under my hood. My paint has many signs of use, and so does the engine! Nice shiney valve covers.... That's about where the "pretty" ends... LOL
Cheers!
~Kevin
PS- I have had quotes to paint my vette vary from $2200 to 6500... with my dad's shop in KY and me in Chicago I was thinking of paying to have the vette painted. 3 estimates later I quickly changed my mind. Highest estimate was from the shop I used to work at!!! LOL - although that was certainly the best deal and highest quality!
If you do a lot of the work yourself I don't see why you couln't do BOTH engine and paint for $5k. I certainly am planning my engine and tranny as well as paint for about $5500.
That is just for parts, as I will be doing all of the labor myself. I may even attempt to spray it... It will be my first paint job, but have to start someplace!
I may have my dad spray though- he has painted many many show cars. I do body work- never painted anything larger than a gas tank for a bike.
Hey Twin_Turbo: Don't look under my hood. My paint has many signs of use, and so does the engine! Nice shiney valve covers.... That's about where the "pretty" ends... LOL
Cheers!
~Kevin
PS- I have had quotes to paint my vette vary from $2200 to 6500... with my dad's shop in KY and me in Chicago I was thinking of paying to have the vette painted. 3 estimates later I quickly changed my mind. Highest estimate was from the shop I used to work at!!! LOL - although that was certainly the best deal and highest quality!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Ardsley Pa
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
Engine without a doubt. What I can't stand is a car that looks nice and then once you pop the hood it's a rusty greasy mess
A $5000 paint job would be sweet, but then you will be too scared to enjoy your ride.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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Hmmm that engine looks pretty damn good, if it's plenty powerfull and the tranny is smooth I would have a hard time choosing also. If I had my engine look like that and it only had a couple of leaks I'd try to fix those first and in the meantime let it sink in a bit.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,783
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From: Downey California
I was going to say engine, but after looking at your engine picture... now I just don't know. 
I would probably do what TT said fix the leaks first and then decide. Either way its a nice situation to be in. 
I would probably do what TT said fix the leaks first and then decide. Either way its a nice situation to be in.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,453
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From: Republic of Texas
ENGINE.....
I rather gog fast that have a show quality paintjob.
I'm the type of guy that rather have a Blown 540 Big Block in a black PRIMERED '57 Chevy 210 coupe than a guy with a stock show quality paint '57 and a stock 283.
That just me though.
I rather gog fast that have a show quality paintjob.
I'm the type of guy that rather have a Blown 540 Big Block in a black PRIMERED '57 Chevy 210 coupe than a guy with a stock show quality paint '57 and a stock 283.
That just me though.