Jenny, the benefit of the the doubt can sometimes be a good thing but with Al Allen's reputation, my advice would be to err on the side of caution. I've had a couple of bad dealings with him in the past that I won't repost here; they're noted somewhere in the 'bad eBayer' thread. He's also had several other eBay user names in the past that aren't included in his "many good customer reviews".

Edited February 18, 201114 yr by sblake01

Interesting pictures - - he claims it's a turbo, yet no oil line on the filter side to feed the turbo.

Run away!

The wording in the ad is a maze that's quite easy to get lost in, if you don't study all of it. Was the block bored? Are there new pistons, or rods, or bearings? Is is just a rebuilt head on a freshly painted block with new gaskets and a new cam? The new paint and shiny parts look nice to those of us impressed by new paint and shiny parts.

I would stay away from this guy just based on his lack of clarity, or intentional deceptiveness, in clearly describing his product.

Dennis

.....snip......

QftT!

All I see are shiny bits.

He is not selling a complete turbo engine. You will need to supply the oil feed line, oil distribution block, turbo, etc.

Jenny, since I cleaned up and painted the top end of my engine, I think it's gained 50hp! I'm being facetious, of course, but people perceive that when they look at it. It's amazing how a bit of spit and polish can sell an engine, and people have much less attention to what's inside.

So this guy is selling a very pretty engine, certainly! But how good is the rebuild work underneath? Are the parts of a high quality and well matched? Are the tolerances tight? Is the machine work well done? If I understand correctly, that's where this guy falls short.

If/when you need your L28 rebuilt my advice would be to go to a local engine builder with a very solid reputation. I don't think the rebuilder needs special knowledge of the L28 unless it is to be used for racing. In that case, go to your local Z specialist, who might end up farming out the work to the local guy with the solid reputation. However, the Z person will know what mods work well and which ones don't. Otherwise, if it's for everyday street use, any GOOD rebuilder should be up for the job.

Jenny, since I cleaned up and painted the top end of my engine, I think it's gained 50hp!

That sounds JUST like something I would say!

So this guy is selling a very pretty engine, certainly! But how good is the rebuild work underneath? Are the parts of a high quality and well matched? Are the tolerances tight? Is the machine work well done? If I understand correctly, that's where this guy falls short.

Ahhhh.

If/when you need your L28 rebuilt my advice would be to go to a local engine builder with a very solid reputation. I don't think the rebuilder needs special knowledge of the L28 unless it is to be used for racing. In that case, go to your local Z specialist, who might end up farming out the work to the local guy with the solid reputation. However, the Z person will know what mods work well and which ones don't. Otherwise, if it's for everyday street use, any GOOD rebuilder should be up for the job.

I'm wishing I could get another 60,000 miles out of this motor before rebuilding it *sigh*. I'd like my Z to be a semi-weekly driver during the warmer 9 months a year. I should do a compression test but I'm just scared or whatever.

Jenny, the benefit of the the doubt can sometimes be a good thing but with Al Allen's reputation, my advice would be to err on the side of caution. I've had a couple of bad dealings with him in the past that I won't repost here; they're noted somewhere in the 'bad eBayer' thread. He's also had several other eBay user names in the past that aren't included in his "many good customer reviews".

Okay Stephen thank you.

I'm wishing I could get another 60,000 miles out of this motor before rebuilding it *sigh*. I'd like my Z to be a semi-weekly driver during the warmer 9 months a year. I should do a compression test but I'm just scared or whatever.

Jenny, are you looking to do the rebuild yourself or farm it out? What state do you live in? Is there a Z Club nearby? If so, there's probably someone in the club who could recommend someone to do the work?