we have a 2000 stype and its the best car we ever had..had it for six years and only problem was window mech..

 

^^ That is NOT the norm with these cars. They're generally poorly built in comparison to their later MY siblings.

 

I'm IN!!!

 

Does it have a similar coolant hose in the V (aka valley pipe) under the SC?

 

Steve,

Sam approves of the idea (#23) so I vote we just send him yours.

Graham

 

I agree with Graham. I'll even pay for shipping. Just let me know where to have them pick up the car. :-)

 

And a new gen HD camera + tripod

 

So Sam did you go over yonder and take a peek at it?

 

Drive a 4.0 and a 4.2 S-type back to back. Your mind will be made up.

 

After reading everyone's comments I didn't think it was worth the trip. I emailed him back with a link to this thread so he can read what the experts had to say. If I can get a good deal on it I'll take if off of his hands but I don't want to spend more on the car and the repairs than it would be worth in the end.

A friend also told me that when a head gasket blows it's usually because the engine overheated and warped the head. So I'd need to get the head machined, most likely. From what you guys have said and what my friend said it sounds like there's a strong possibility that this car could be a money pit.

 

Good move.

In addition to the resurface it would of had to be checked for cracks and new valve seals. While the head is off you should do a valve job, new plugs, gaskets, t-chain, oil change, t-stat, water pump, coolant. And after that you just have to worry about the other head being good along with the trans and ect.. because you were not able to drive the car before you bought it. In most cases your better off buying a very low mileage motor and not messing with heads.

 

That's most generous, Sam. I'll bring it over in a C-130J - please give the GPS coords of the nearest 800 yard grass strip. If you could have 10,000 gallons of JP8 ready that would be great.
See you Thursday.

 

Did the seller ever get specific as to why he believed it was a head gasket- or was he just guessing?

 

I have got my s type for more than 7 years and now has approx 100 k miles on the clock.
What went wrong, window mechanism, left front door lock mechanism and a front wheel bearing, ball joints and sway bar bushes.
That is all what went on my 2000 stype.
So I would not call it unreliable, but that is my experience.