Should I buy '01 GTX with blown engine or '99 GTX with 200 hours? $1000 vs $3300

[goofynick6]

Just what the title says. Have the option to buy a 2001 GTX that needs an engine ($1,500 from SBT plus tax) or just buy a fully functioning 1999 GTX with 200 hours. I am an ASE certified technician and former Porsche Master Tech, so an engine swap doesn't scare me. Just curious if I should drop in a new engine and have the whole deal for $2,600 or so, or just take a used one for $3,300?

Any thoughts?

Nick

 

[CReynoldsMIZ]

Only if those models have carburators would I even think about those deals, if they are fuel or direct injected stay away

 

[goofynick6]

Only if those models have carburators would I even think about those deals, if they are fuel or direct injected stay away

Both are carb'd. Fuel injection started with 4 stroke in 2002.

 

[CReynoldsMIZ]

Uhhh there are tons of fuel injected / direct injected two strokes bud

 

[AdamXP800]

Both 01 and 99 had injection options. RFI and DI

 

[goofynick6]

Both 01 and 99 had injection options. RFI and DI

Ahh true. I was thinking gtx limited models I have been looking at. Anyway, one option gets me on the water this weekend. The other may take a few by tbe time parts come in and I have time to install.

 

[rotaxrule1]

I think the di models would be cool to have for the consistency of behavior vs a carb model, but I have heard that they are harder to diagnose problems without the BUDS tool from the dealer, and parts are pricey. I'd go with the 4 stroke between the two options personally.

 

[LouDoo]

You might as well by the 01 with the blown engine, because the 99 with 200 hours either needs a new engine now or will very soon.

Lou

 

[Strizzo]

You might as well by the 01 with the blown engine, because the 99 with 200 hours either needs a new engine now or will very soon.

Lou

I was going to say this, if you can get the busted one for 500, even better, but a 200 hour 951 is on borrowed time.

 

[motox25]

My votes for the 01 also, I'd take the time while the engines out and replace the gray fuel lines if it has them and your oil lines and filter, and go through the carbs. You should end up with a good ski that'll last you awhile.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

i'm voting 01 as well, but don't pay $1,000 unless it includes
extra oil
brand new battery
mint trailer
life jackets
anchor
its worth about $600 as is... tops,

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

if this is your first ski, don't buy a project. You will be cursing it and never having fun. you should pay about $2600-2800 for a good condition 99 GTX LTD w/single trailer.

it will need new fuel lines, so you can play with that.

properly cared for this engine can do over 200 hours (300, maybe). but yes it's nearing it's end of life.

engine swaps in these are very, very tight, and are a PAIN for a first timer (they are much more of a pain than a car) not difficult in a sense of hard, just very tight room to work.

I'd haggle on the running ski, and TAKE IT FOR A RIDE before you buy it.

 

[summer]

Im thinking along the lines of sabrtooth as well. At least with the running ski you know its running. If you buy something that doesnt run you really dont know exactly what maybe wrong with it. It could be motor plus, pump, electronics, carbs, and the list could go on and on. You could qucikly end up with more in what you thought would be the "cheaper" ski.

 

[Robj]

I'd rather buy a busted ski and fix it. That way you can fix it right and build reliability into the ski. As far as a 951, I can't comment on that since I have never worked on one. But you having worked on Porsche's I don't imagine there is alot of room when working on those either. You can get a new reman engine in a few days and be on the water in a week or two. The other ski would also require work as well, going thru the carbs, fuel lines etc.

 

[Coastiejoe]

You could get a thousands answer on this and they would all be right to some degree...

If you want to hit the water this year, you buy the 99 and rebuild the engine and replace all the Grey Tempo lines and things like that over winter.

If hitting the water ASAP is not an issue, then the 01 can be bought cheaper than your listed price and in the end give you a ski that will be just about at the right price but in great condition in regards to having a fresh engine and the value of the ski vs the year.

Pros / Cons...
If you get the 01, in the end you will know EVERYTHING there is to know about it as you will literally become intimate with it. (If you get the 01 do the fuel lines while the engine is out). A con is the time it will take and the room you will need to do the job. Con, you really don't know and can't tell what it good as it is not running. Once you spend 2 grand ish on motor work you still have to gamble on EVERYTHING that makes the engine run.

The 99 gets you on the water now but in the end will cost more than the 01. The 200 hours means the engine is nearing a rebuild window. Rebuilding a running motor is normally better then rebuilding a non-running motor. The downfall is the initial cost of a running ski is always more and in your case you will be adding the cost of rebuilding the engine over winter most likely.