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Thread: 1981 DeLorean, 5-speed, black interior, supercharged Chevy 4.3 conversion

  1. #1
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    Join Date:  Aug 2016

    Location:  McCleary WA

    Posts:    125

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    1981 DeLorean, 5-speed, black interior, supercharged Chevy 4.3 conversion

    Reluctantly offering for sale the legendary BLWNAWY, one of the earliest and most successful engine-swapped DeLoreans. I originally built this car from a 12,000 mile engine-less roller in 1990-95, then drove it with few issues until letting it go in 2005. In 2016, as most of you know, it was damaged from an engine fire and I bought it back off of ebay. I did that because I didn’t want to see it get parted out, and knew I was the appropriate one to restore it again. I had hoped to keep it, but other projects are calling, requiring the space and resources invested in it.

    This has been an intensive no-expense-spared year-long restoration, which has exceeded even my optimistic goals. The engine, a 1985 Chevy 4.3 V6, was professionally rebuilt including forged pistons, Crower cam, aluminum water pump, billet aluminum HEI distributor, chrome alternator and valve covers, and was balanced. The B&M supercharger was re-polished and rebuilt with all new seals and gaskets. The headers were re-coated by Performance Coatings. Other new parts include leather seat covers; radio/cd player and speakers; a/c compressor and accumulator; remote door opener controller; battery; LH door torsion bar; door and louver struts; door panels; taillights; visors; door seals; cv joint boots; custom Blown Away shift knob; custom mirror-stainless steel engine surround panel; and lots more. There is now a hard fuel line all the way from the carb to the front of the transmission, and an oil-pressure actuated fuel pump safety switch, to prevent another “incident”. Used parts sourced from DPNW and others include the louver and engine cover; rear bumper and fascia; seat belts; steering wheel; etc. The LH large door window was replaced due to scratches that pre-dated my original purchase in 1990. Many updates like that, the steering wheel, and a/c accumulator were not related to the fire damage but were replaced as needed, and some of the “improvements” made by a previous owner were removed. Incidentally, this car was the prototype test mule for my remote door opener kits, door lock actuator conversion, Delrin steering column bushing, one piece braided s/s speedo cable, and “bulletproof” transmission input shaft coupler, all of which remain in place.

    All lights, gages, tach and 140 mph speedo work. The car still has its rare chromed original wheels which look like new. Tires are BFG T/A radials with like-new tread. All of the sheet metal cleaned up nicely, and there is NO lingering odor or other evidence of the fire with the exception of some minor bubbling at the back end of the center console. The frame is solid and straight with no signs of rust. The car has only 35,624 miles on it, around 300 since its rebuild, and has a clean, not salvage, title. Estimated HP is around 300, and anticipated smiles are off the chart.

    Two items of note – I am trying to get the a/c hoses replaced and don’t want to use 36 year old DMCH ones, but living in a town of 1500 people doesn’t offer a lot of specialized services. If that still isn’t done by the time of sale I will discount the price accordingly. And obviously if you have strict emissions testing where you are this car is unlikely to pass due to no catalytic converters and the engine swap. I assume no responsibility for that issue.

    The price is $36,000, less $500 if the a/c is not yet functioning. Car is located in western WA. It is an experienced traveler, having gone from PA to WA; on to TX, VA, and back to WA.

    Pictures to follow shortly.
    1981 DeLorean w/supercharged Chevy V6 - purchased 1990; built '90-'95; sold 2005; re-purchased 2016; sold again 2017
    1957 Dodge D500 Hemi convertible - restoration completed 7/2015; sold 12/2019
    1957 Dodge 2-door station wagon, 2019 Chrysler drivetrain
    2000 Corvette convertible

  2. #2
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    Join Date:  Aug 2016

    Location:  McCleary WA

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    As noted here are some current photos:
    (Note the air cleaner pictured was a temporary one - new billet one in place now)
    Attached Images
    Last edited by BLWNAWY; 10-01-2017 at 06:19 PM.
    1981 DeLorean w/supercharged Chevy V6 - purchased 1990; built '90-'95; sold 2005; re-purchased 2016; sold again 2017
    1957 Dodge D500 Hemi convertible - restoration completed 7/2015; sold 12/2019
    1957 Dodge 2-door station wagon, 2019 Chrysler drivetrain
    2000 Corvette convertible

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date:  Aug 2016

    Location:  McCleary WA

    Posts:    125

    Club(s):   (PNDC)

    And a few more - sorry I'm not much of a photographer.
    Attached Images
    1981 DeLorean w/supercharged Chevy V6 - purchased 1990; built '90-'95; sold 2005; re-purchased 2016; sold again 2017
    1957 Dodge D500 Hemi convertible - restoration completed 7/2015; sold 12/2019
    1957 Dodge 2-door station wagon, 2019 Chrysler drivetrain
    2000 Corvette convertible

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date:  Aug 2016

    Location:  McCleary WA

    Posts:    125

    Club(s):   (PNDC)

    Contact info - PM me, or email: dtinnerstet "at" centurytel.net.
    1981 DeLorean w/supercharged Chevy V6 - purchased 1990; built '90-'95; sold 2005; re-purchased 2016; sold again 2017
    1957 Dodge D500 Hemi convertible - restoration completed 7/2015; sold 12/2019
    1957 Dodge 2-door station wagon, 2019 Chrysler drivetrain
    2000 Corvette convertible

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date:  Aug 2016

    Location:  McCleary WA

    Posts:    125

    Club(s):   (PNDC)

    Have listed in Hemmings Motor News for $36,000 but will drop price here to $32,000. New a/c hoses are installed, just need to get system charged.
    1981 DeLorean w/supercharged Chevy V6 - purchased 1990; built '90-'95; sold 2005; re-purchased 2016; sold again 2017
    1957 Dodge D500 Hemi convertible - restoration completed 7/2015; sold 12/2019
    1957 Dodge 2-door station wagon, 2019 Chrysler drivetrain
    2000 Corvette convertible

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date:  Aug 2016

    Location:  McCleary WA

    Posts:    125

    Club(s):   (PNDC)

    Car has been sold. Thanks to all who responded.
    1981 DeLorean w/supercharged Chevy V6 - purchased 1990; built '90-'95; sold 2005; re-purchased 2016; sold again 2017
    1957 Dodge D500 Hemi convertible - restoration completed 7/2015; sold 12/2019
    1957 Dodge 2-door station wagon, 2019 Chrysler drivetrain
    2000 Corvette convertible

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