To buy or not to buy

TexasTyler

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Jun 27, 2019
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15
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Austin, Texas
Hey fella's,

I've been a lurker on here for a long time and have really enjoyed all of the information. I've got a 96 Mystic that has been torn down and in storage for nearly 20 years. Kids and family stuff got in the way for a while... and I'm getting really close to building it back up or picking up a new (to me) toy and keeping the Mystic covered.
This leads me to my question:
I came across a local SN95 Cobra that has a built bottom end, but recently blew the supercharger. The seller said the SC locked up, and he had to cut the belt to free it up. From there, the engine started up and seems to run fine.
When a SC grenades like that, is it possible that the shrapnel is contained, or is it a certainty that metal got into the engine? Should I even consider this car? If so, what should I look for to ensure that I'm not buying a ticking time bomb?
Any help would be appreciated!
 

Kevinbonds

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Feb 21, 2018
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358
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Florida
In this scenario you have to assume the worst, and the price should be inline with the fact that the car may have an engine issue. Also unless you have the build sheet and pictures for the bottom end your don’t know what your getting.
 

nxhappy

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Joined
Dec 16, 2006
Messages
10,031
Location
AZ
Hey fella's,

I've been a lurker on here for a long time and have really enjoyed all of the information. I've got a 96 Mystic that has been torn down and in storage for nearly 20 years. Kids and family stuff got in the way for a while... and I'm getting really close to building it back up or picking up a new (to me) toy and keeping the Mystic covered.
This leads me to my question:
I came across a local SN95 Cobra that has a built bottom end, but recently blew the supercharger. The seller said the SC locked up, and he had to cut the belt to free it up. From there, the engine started up and seems to run fine.
When a SC grenades like that, is it possible that the shrapnel is contained, or is it a certainty that metal got into the engine? Should I even consider this car? If so, what should I look for to ensure that I'm not buying a ticking time bomb?
Any help would be appreciated!
only way to know is compression test and leak down
 

TexasTyler

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Jun 27, 2019
Messages
15
Location
Austin, Texas
Thanks guys! I'll check it out this weekend and see what it looks like in person. Compression check is definitely on the list, and good call on the leak down testing.
 

TexasTyler

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Jun 27, 2019
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Austin, Texas
Depends on the S/C and if there is an I/C or not.
It had a ProCharger. Since those are self contained (oil-wise) I'm not worried about the bottom end. The impeller didnt look badly shredded, so I'm thinking that it was mostly contained in the intercooler and the SC housing.
I'll take a look this weekend.
 

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