Update on 94 Z26...

[karenjlewis]

Ok guys...heres the deal. I had a full diagnostic ran on the 94 Z26 that I just bought (because I am an idot). It was not the head gasket as the one shop told me. I took it to Camp Chevrolet in Spokane and they said it is the upper and lower IMG's and Oil Pan Gasket, also the entire exhaust system needs to be replaced. The quote to repair all of the above is $1578 EEK. I suppose my question is this....is this car worth the effort and is the price in the ball park or should I try and find some place else to do it.

Karen J

[Asylum]

We told you it wasn't head gaskets, and it was likely the LIM that was the problem. It usually is on those engines.

To do that you have to do the upper anyway.

The oil pan gasket is not all that difficult, and that price seems ridiculous, but it's a dealer. What do you expect?

Shop around and see what you can get the intake manifold gaskets done for. That is priority at this point. The oil pan gasket is not an engine threatening issue.

The exhaust you can get done anywhere.

[Money pit Beretta]

Dealers have almost a 100% mark up. Check around other shops to find a lower price. Also remember....one thing at a time. The LIMG is the first thing and then move on from there. The oil pan gasket will be the most work, so it will cost more. As small as your leak is down there you can live with it for some time. My car has needed the same things(still has a leak on the pan). Don't feel as if it is just a bad car. With a 150k there will be many things wrong. All can be fixed if your up for it. Be sure to ask friends and family what shops they trust. Also a search for local shops on a BBB site will tell you who to trust and who not to. Let me put it this way.... I had a high flow cat put on for 165 bucks and the cat cost 150 on it's own. The bigger the shop the more they charge. And they still may do poor work.
Oops, Eric posted before I did and I didn't check it first.

[karenjlewis]

Hey guys...thanks for your input...it is much appreciated. I initially only took it to the dealership to get the diagnostics....good to know that I could do better on the price by checking around. Now that I know what is wrong with it I will hunt around for a shop by using the methods you suggested. Starting with the LIMG I will get everything fixed.

So glad I came out here to ask because I took Questioned the Head Gasket diagnosis...I am sure glad I didnt have him do that work...

I will keep you posted....and thanks again

[Money pit Beretta]

Yes please keep updating and if you don't find a shop right away stick with it. It may take some time to find the right one(or two).

[Vampcrist]

Hey guys...thanks for your input...it is much appreciated. I initially only took it to the dealership to get the diagnostics....good to know that I could do better on the price by checking around. Now that I know what is wrong with it I will hunt around for a shop by using the methods you suggested. Starting with the LIMG I will get everything fixed.

So glad I came out here to ask because I took Questioned the Head Gasket diagnosis...I am sure glad I didnt have him do that work...

I will keep you posted....and thanks again

Hey I'm also in Spokane. Camp is great but they will eat you alive the exaust stuff can easly be done for about 120$ and someone that knows how to run a welder whats going to cost you is the cat and muffler because they will use OEM that's much more then others. As for the oil pan gasket you could probably change it yourself in about 20 minutes. As for a shop I don't have a good sugestion as for I do my own work. But parts are only about 1/3 of the price they listed the rest is $85 an hour for some stuff thats going to take them a lot less time then they say. As well if you ever think about selling the car in the future let me know and people here tend to trash their Beretta's!!!


Added: Also the gaskets are a pain to change but cheep

[karenjlewis]

Hey guy...first I want to thank you all for your input...it really helped. I took the Beretta to Mechanics Pride here in Spokane...(after much research)...and they did me right. I had the IMG's changed, new wheel berrings, new oil filter, fuel filter, air, filter, coolant couplers and of course fresh oil....and a few other odds and ends. The totally cleaned the engine compartment as well as the oil pan. Mike asked me to bring the car back in, in a couple of weeks to inspect the oil pan as he did not think the gasket was bad...just overflow or from the LIM situation. The Muffler is fixed ...most of the sidelights are in working order although I have one that is rotted out, and the power lock mechanisim is fixed as well. I got all of the above work done for about $1300 and am feeling good about it. I do have some sort of an annoying rattle that I need to get addressed ..it seems to be coming from the underside...something is loose..but she runs great....a fast little car and in good shape.

I am looking to sell my 1990, it also has the 3.1 but it is a standard transmission, and it has 217K on it...if you know anyone that may be interested...let me know.

Karen J Lewis

[woody90gtz]

Glad you got it sorted out and didnt abandon the car. We are some of the few that think these cars are worth saving.

As for the 90, v6 5spd cars are getting harder & harder to find...and there is a demand for them. You shouldn't have any problem selling it.

[Vampcrist]

Thats a good price for all the work they put into it and a clean engine comptarment is always nice to look at. I would be intrested in the 90 but I'm looking to jump the couple years there into the later years of the cars in hope to one of these days find a decent interior. I had a problem with a rattle from the undercarage a while back and it was actually my whole drivers side A-arm bracket because of inproper torque specs yours probably isnt something that major. hope you like the car now that its running great and keep it in good condition for me later on in its life!

[karenjlewis]

I wanted to post a few pics here but can not figure out how to do it....
The interior of the 94 is pristine...not a flaw...I am sooo happy....

[Vampcrist]

If you have a photobucket account then you just need to use the IMG link on the pictures I would love to see your car!!!

[Money pit Beretta]

Glad to hear that everything worked out well. I sure hope that the parts are good ones.

[karenjlewis]

Hey guys...I am absolutely amazed at the price of insuring my beretta's...does anyone else have this experience. I insist on having full coverage so that I have roadside assistance and rental car replacement...bus sheesh...$180 a month seems really steep to me. Progressive said that they categorize them as nearly a sports car...and I laughed. I have an impeccable driving record, no accidents and great credit...so there are no marks against me.

I really was thinking of keeping the 1990 but now I am sure to sell it. It does have some kind of oil leak that just started and 217 K so I am not sure how much to ask for it...I know not too much...any ideas!

[Money pit Beretta]

That is a bit high, but you do have a Z26. I pay that much and I have a few marks (I use to drive fast). My 90GT was cheaper all around do to age. The funny thing is my 95 is a base. My cost per month went up on my 83 Z28 when they found out it was a Z. Dang thing had less HP than my 3100. It's the name that you pay for. Just be glad that you don't have an SS. There wasn't anything that made them faster or handle better. I swear that they tack on more if it has a spoiler! That's why they want to see the car.

[karenjlewis]

Here is the link to my pics on photobucket
http://s1044.photobucket.com/albums/b44 ... 0Berettas/