Off of Ebay, Ijust purchased an 81 turbo t-top car that has been setting at an impound lot for ? long. The radiator is missing, story goes that the guy pulled the rad to replace and was arrested and now doing time. Any way,
I have an 83 turbo 5spd that needs a turbo
I also have a 80 10th anni red auto car that needs a gauge cluster and tranny(reverse is out),, and heater core or control valve.

Well the car just arrived form california this morning, its of course filthy but the etnire car is complete very little surface rust, Honey comb wheels, tan entire green exterior, carpet is perfect, seats arent bad but not good, its just appears its missing its radiator... oh yea smelly gas tank to boot! to be truly complete it would need a radiator and little things like side marker lamp backings etc.
I hate to part a car this complete..........
Is there anything on the 81 turbo that I would want to add to my 83?, Is ther anything so diserable on the 81 that I should now about?

All your help and comments would be appreciated!

 

Well, to start off-----parting out a car like this is insane------the 81 turbo is the first year for factory turbocharging------and the T-tops adds such a nice compliment to a fast car-------My 81 TURBO is a gem------and a low numbered car-------#247 off the production line out of 5000+/- a few built in 1981------through the years the turbo's became popular but so did the price tag----soo less were produced up until the demise of the ZX in the late 90's------------who knows you might have a low numbered ZXT that is worth restoring-------Oh yeah the 81's motor was far superior strength-wise to the 82 or 83's power plant-----the 82 and 83 had better electrical on the motor---but I find my 81 to be easier to work on-------Hope I helped you in making the decision to restore and not to part-out

 

So what make the 81 engine stronger than other years?