1988 Beretta GT Rebuild

[airedale06]

Hello,
I'm new to the board but have been the proud owner of an 88 GT for 6 years. It was the car I took to college until last year coming home in May the camshaft went and it's been sitting in my yard for a year. Now that I'm graduated and living home and working I have time and the resources to fix it. My plan is to rebuild the engine, fix the rust spots, fix the interior (headliner and driver's seat) and then next year get it painted. I'm keeping it original and classy. Below are some pictures of the car while the engine is being taken out. I took 8 hours to get the engine out. Today I bought a parts car and that's going to be used for interior parts, exterior metal pieces and suspension. I'm looking forward to doing the work and getting my car back on the road where it belongs.

[Money pit Beretta]

Hi and welcome! I'm glad to hear that you are going to save this car.

[mickaz]

if your camshaft snapped I suggest buying another 3.1, because ti will be to costly to repair. Or like I always like to suggest, upgrade to a 3400 you simply wont regret it. better gas mileage, more torque And more power is a few benefits of the swap ( while you allready have the engine out.

[beroutofjtown]

i got a 3.1 for sale i rebuilt it alredy........... all u got to do is conect the harness and drop her in. pm me if u are interested.......... i am located in new york right by P.A. we could work a deil out i need to get rid of it

[airedale06]

Mine is the 2.8 V6. The camshaft didn't snap. One of the lobes shredded so there's metal shavings throughout the engine. Luckily my dad is a mechanic and has connections. We're doing most of the work ourselves and sending out the block to be oil dipped and checked over. I only paid $500 for the car 6 years and 21,000 miles ago. I think it's worth the time and money to get it rebuilt. They're solid, loyal little cars (and badass in the winter with studded snow tires on it). I am excited to do the work because I've never tackled anything like this and it's going to be something to be proud of.

[Money pit Beretta]

Be sure to update when you can. Many people have parts sitting around so feel free to ask. I go to the junk yard once a month and may be able to find some parts.

[airedale06]

Be sure to update when you can. Many people have parts sitting around so feel free to ask. I go to the junk yard once a month and may be able to find some parts.

Thank you! I will certainly keep posting pictures as progress happens. And, I will keep the parts thing in mind.

[Money pit Beretta]

I'll be watching. I'm still a fan of the older cars.

[airedale06]

I'll be watching. I'm still a fan of the older cars.

Well, you're in luck. Tonight my dad, boyfriend and I took some of the superfluous stuff of the engine in preparation of sending it off to be cleaned and the internal work done. I can't wait for it to come back clean, together and ready to go back in my car!

[airedale06]

Attached are some more pictures.

[Rex 2.0]

Welcome. Progress looks good. Keep us posted.

I always liked the thicker side molding on the older beretta's for some reason. Some cross lace wheels would look nice on that.

[airedale06]

I always liked the thicker side molding on the older beretta's for some reason.

I really like the silhouette and look of the Berettas, it's very unique. The back end especially is very aesthetically engaging. I'm an antique car enthusiast and it seems that modern cars look the same and I wonder what will be cool, classic cars in the future. I think these cars will retain their peculiarity for years, which is one reason why I'm so eager to save mine (although I've been told it would be easier just to get another car). While that's true, it wouldn't have the same soul and personality as mine.

[3X00-Modified]

which is one reason why I'm so eager to save mine (although I've been told it would be easier just to get another car). While that's true, it wouldn't have the same soul and personality as mine.

As I was once in the same boat, it is amazing how much of that soul and personality you can transfer over from one car to another. I was forced to do it with rust/safety issues with my first Beretta. I now have a rust free version of what I was building that has taken the soul and personality of my original project. Hell the only factory item in that car right now is the Cluster, the shell, and the carpet. Everything else has and will be pulled over from my old car depending on wear and tear.

Don't get me wrong, it will be sad one day to see it carted off to the crusher, but there is just no saving it. I had my fun with it and I've moved on to something more solid that will last much longer.

[woody90gtz]

Jon makes a good point. I did the same with my current car and it is a combination of the last two Berettas I've owned. Since my rusty car was in need of a complete teardown and rebuild of the whole car, it was less work to start with a clean shell and go from there. It's almost silly to try and save a rusty one, because it will take more time and money than a body swap and the final result will not be as good either.

It's sad for a little while, but once the new car is on the street, you won't really miss the old one.

[Asylum]

Everytime someone crushes a Beretta it's makes mine rarer!

Can't agree with rebuilding a ruddy 2.8 though. The gasket set is more than a reasonable mileage 3400 can be found for in alot of cases.

Add an oil pump, cam and lifters, timing chain set, you should at least do a quick valve job on the heads, and it makes no sense at all, even if the labor is free!