Originally Posted by Graystroke
I don't think they're are as grand as everybody claims. serviceble? yes. parts are cheap, engine is simple. A flat head continental 4 cyl is as reliable.
you have the same problems as anyone else. If they are so reliable I would think rebuilt ones would be expensive b/c there would be no cores, or aftermarket support b/c they never breakdown...who would wanna make OEM replacement parts if they never needed any, right? I know, I know, they came in everything....so did SBC's....yet you can buy a toy short block for around $300. that's cheaper than rebuilding a throw away aircooled VW motor.
Kevin Collins (use to be in the club) had a Lexus LX470 (landcruiser). this dude has owned more cars than most will own in a lifetime. He said he has never spent as much money on a car as he did that one. He hadn't even hit 75k and he had spent over $5000 on scheduled maint. I think he bought it w/ 40k or so. He said he figured out why Toyota's are so reliable...you replace everything before it goes out. When he sold it, it was due for another service that was $1600.
He said he hasn't spent that much on services or fixes total since they have owned their '95 Range Rover classic from 2000.
take for it for what it's worth.
A SBC can be just as reliable if maintained....anything can. Hell, the guy that came to fix my couch was driving a astro van w/ a 4.3, bought it new and had never opened it up, all hwy miles, drove all over the US for JC Penny warranty, had 525,000 miles on it. He contacted chevy to see if they were interested and they said no.
I just think toys are hyped up, anything will last a long time when it is only making 50 hp.