Barn find - recommissioning

[CarBuncle]

Hi, new to this group!

I've chanced upon an S2 that's been kept in a garage/shed for the past 10 years and comes with a nice layer of dust and bird ****.

Now, I realise this is a "how long is a piece of string" kind of question, but is it likely that this is going to be a case of chucking in a new battery and a major++ service, or more likely to be a money pit to get back on the road?

I lusted after these in my youth but wasn't in a position to own one so quite like the opportunity of this as a bit of project.

Thoughts greatly appreciated

Cheers,
Gav

[hunker7]

Hi, new to this group!

I've chanced upon an S2 that's been kept in a garage/shed for the past 10 years and comes with a nice layer of dust and bird ****.

Now, I realise this is a "how long is a piece of string" kind of question, but is it likely that this is going to be a case of chucking in a new battery and a major++ service, or more likely to be a money pit to get back on the road?

I lusted after these in my youth but wasn't in a position to own one so quite like the opportunity of this as a bit of project.

Thoughts greatly appreciated

Cheers,
Gav

Nice find.

Check the obvious, brake calipers, discs/pads (most likely will need changing), brake lines, fuel lines. You can always try chucking the battery in and see what it does, if I was to buy one, I'd definitely check the compression just to check the engine isn't on its last legs.

What's the milage?

[simon20vq]

Hello Gav
Get some pictures up! Don't try starting until you've changed the cambelt and given it a service. I would also put some wd40 down the spark plug holes to make sure its all free. Sure others will suggest more. Once you've done that you can decide if its going to be a runner and an easy fix or a money pit!!
All the best Simon

[LHD_Kid]

Hi,

It really is a how long is a piece of string question....

Basics first.... mileage, year? Was it a dry garage / barn?

Can you push it, does the engine turn from the crank pulley(oil down the bores would be good - I understand diesel down the plug holes works....)

Most importantly, (and sorry if this sounds condescending...) is it actually an S2, not just a coupé?

[CarBuncle]

Wow, you gents are quick! Many thanks. :-)

It's a guy at work who owns it so trust that it's definitely an S2 and pretty sure sub 100k miles. Only seen photos so not 100% sure of condition. I think the garage is water tight but not vermin proofed.

Not sure how much playing about I'd be able to do before taking it away so would likely be buying on spec. If the engine wasn't seized prior to being stored how likely is it that it would be seized?

Gav

[CarBuncle]

Ah sorry, and 93 ABY!

[s2driveruk]

i'd personally look into getting it on a trailer away once you have done some basic health checks. I wouldn't want to run it on 10year old tyres let alone brakes and brake fluids etc.

Nice find though...sounds like a great find if it is in reasonable shape when you check it out.

[bluequattro]

Don't do anything until you change engine oil and cam belt..
Correct me if I'm wrong people, but isn't there an issue with gunned up oil pumps or something that may crop up after storage?
Not ran my car for over 12 months (as I keep buying others!lol)
And think about checking the oil out.
What about varnished fuel in pipes too?
Cracked rubber fuel lines
Stuck pump etc
After sorting that out, then try starting it
Brakes n stuff are easy sort compared to killing the engine on start up
Lifters will rattle lots too until oil gets around.

[Error404]

As above, needs a full service and new cambelt minimum before trying to start it. Once that is done id take the fuel pump fuse/relay out and crank it until you see good oil pressure. It will probably start fine. A lot of stuff will likely need replacing, discs, pads, all bushes, shocks, calipers probably seized etc etc. expect to chick a few grand at it to return to former glory, but it will be worth it

[Cottis]

If it has been kept in a barn that is not rodent proof (the fact you suggested this tells me that rats could well be present) then you want to be careful about wiring, pipes and anything that basically isn't metal. I have seen many examples of rats gnawing away at stuff just to amuse themselves. They ate my mates calibra yearsa go but in fairness, that was a good thing.

Anyhow, back to the coupe, it needs at least new belts, new oil, filters and new fuel before you even start to think about gunning the engine. Then you run into other issues relevant to cars being stood about for ages like brakes, bushes and stuff that likes a little bit of movement here and there.

Even a good S2 is a money pit in some sense but do not let that put you off. Brilliant brilliant cars that are worth every penny. Satisfy your boyhood itch and get it done.

[sidrick]

It'll be a money pit for sure. As Error404 said, I'd think you're looking at a couple of grand minimum (tyres, cambelt and brakes all round (inc at least rear calipers)) and that's if you're doing the work yourself. Why was it taken off the road and left for so long?

I'd imagine there's very few first-time S2 owners who weren't surprised by how much they had to spend on their motor, and the cheaper the purchase price the more you'll spend getting it right, it seems to even itself out, lol.

I loved mine and would do a very-long-term project S2 again, but due to price and availability of parts I wouldn't tackle one like that unless I had 6 months of weekends to spend on it. Getting it road legal is the easy part, you've then got to trace boost leaks and water ingress in the weeks/months that follow, haha.

Summary: Get it, you'll love it when it finally sees the road, but it'll cost you a fortune, no doubt about it.

Also, as nice as everyone is on here, don't let any details of the car (location etc) out until you've bought it

[CarBuncle]

Cheers again all. From your comments it looks like to take this on I need to grow myself some hefty testicles! :-)

sidrick I think you've hit the nail on the head - it's all down to price (of which I don't know yet). He stored it as after buying a new car he couldn't bear to part with it, so am hoping it's in reasonable shape. Bit concerned that there may be rodent damage.

I'd be doing the work myself and not too fussed if it takes a wee while so that should at least go some way to keeping the costs down, but now under no allusions.

Hopefully shall be able to report back with news of a successful car purchase.

Gav

[John.]

I'd be doing the work myself ....

Maybe the seller will appreciate the fact that his car will get a lot of time and money spent on it????.....as opposed to being sold to an unknown party and potentially broken for spares.
Taking the above into consideration hopefully you'll get it for a good price

[CarBuncle]

Hi folks,

well it's only taken me four months to get my hands on the beast but I now have it in my possession! It's a bit grubby inside but a quick wash to remove the years of grime on the outside and she's come up very respectable.

Now, I know I shouldn't have done this but I couldn't resist putting in a battery and chancing my arm firing her up. Surprisingly she started first time on 10yo petrol and idled fine.

After a couple of minutes though the engine started to tick. It sounds like it's the cam? Maybe the oil isn't circulating correctly? Any ideas as to what this might be much appreciated. Hopefully nothing serious!

I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to serious mechanics so am thinking I'll sort out the brakes then it's off to the garage to sort out engine problems + full service including all belts and fluids + fingers crossed, MOT. There's an Audi specialist near me which I reckon should be a good bet to do the work, then I can take her for a spin...

Gav

[Ruffiano]

If the car has been off the road that long, flush all fluids, and change the timing belt/water pump/ associated seals and such.