anyone here ever own a DeLorean?
04-09-2013, 10:23 PM
#1
Drifting
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anyone here ever own a DeLorean?
My son passed his 1983 DeLorean onto me. It hasn't ran in 20 years. It has 34455 original miles. Its a rare DeLorean as Production ended late 1982, so only a few 83s built. Just hoping to learn a little about these cars. Im still convinced John DeLoreans greatest work wasn't this car... it was the 1964 GTO!!!
PIC OF THE DeLorean.........
04-09-2013, 11:19 PM
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04-10-2013, 07:57 AM
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04-12-2013, 10:07 AM
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Delorean's are built like 70's Lotus's. Central stamped steel backbone, fiberglass tub, but with stainless exterior panels. Volvo/Renault V6 and a Renault transaxle. While the body wont rust, the chassis can. Also the V6 has Bosch CIS Injection, and they really dont like sitting. The camshaft in the engine does not ride in bearings, just in the block, so if there is an oil shortage at all it wipes the cam. There is one company in Texas doing parts for these, I think they bought all the old parts and tooling and are making "continuation" cars in limited numbers.
I worked on one that had a "factory" twin turbo conversion done. It had been sitting for 15 years and just to go through the fuel system and hydraulics for the clutch and brakes, hoses, some wiring, the bill got expensive fast. He walked from the car once he realized how much more $$$ it was going to take.
These are neat cars that garner a lot of attention, but they are not fast, and do not handle particularly well. They are rear engined, like a 911, but the engine is at knee/waist height, not ankle/shin height like a 911, so the center of gravity is UP there.
Like all old neat cars, they have a following and a good support group, however I would make sure I really like it before it begins to drain the wallet.
Have Fun!
Tom @ Zip
I worked on one that had a "factory" twin turbo conversion done. It had been sitting for 15 years and just to go through the fuel system and hydraulics for the clutch and brakes, hoses, some wiring, the bill got expensive fast. He walked from the car once he realized how much more $$$ it was going to take.
These are neat cars that garner a lot of attention, but they are not fast, and do not handle particularly well. They are rear engined, like a 911, but the engine is at knee/waist height, not ankle/shin height like a 911, so the center of gravity is UP there.
Like all old neat cars, they have a following and a good support group, however I would make sure I really like it before it begins to drain the wallet.
Have Fun!
Tom @ Zip
Last edited by Tom@Zip; 04-12-2013 at 10:08 AM. Reason: fix
04-18-2013, 01:29 AM
#9
Advanced
I drove a particularly nice example of one a few years ago (car had taken 3rd at the DeLorean owners club show that year). The car was not quick or fast, nor did it handle very well. What it did do extremely well was get a ton of attention. I had people taken pictures of it in traffic, honking, and a small crowd gawking at the mall. So if you are into that. Go for it.
04-20-2013, 11:32 AM
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From what I have seen, deloreans are really expensive now a days. I have seen some on ebay for $20k. Probably more than they cost new. It would be cool to drive around in full costume dressed like the Doc.
05-20-2013, 05:46 PM
#14
Team Owner
It had a very weak---even by early '80s standards---commuter grade Peugot V-6. I guess the brushed aluminum exterior, fancy leather interior and Back to the Future made it seem exotic, but it really wasn't. Performance wise, it was between the Chevy Beretta V-6 and mid '80s 300ZX. Not exactly Le Mans material. 
05-20-2013, 06:08 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
I have stopped by the dealership in Houston. Pretty cool. They have about 10-15 onsite at all times and a lot of spare parts and "new" parts as well. They have a whole warehouse of stuff to keep these things going strong.
