I have a 1988 manual 740 estate which I want to keep running for around
another two years.
I have found a 1987 automatic 740 estate which the owners just wants to get
rid of.
Both cars have the same engines so would everything else be the same on the
two cars except the gearboxes.
It's hard to refuse a free gift horse, but it is probable that there
will be differences. You really need to examine the other car and
compare it. Bonnets, grills, headlamps and front light clusters, and
interior trim are likely candidates for being different.
Mechanically, other than the gearbox, the thing most likely to be
different is the rear suspension - whether it has independent rear
suspension, or a solid axle setup. I believe there were two different
versions of the steering rack, and I think there may be options on the
make of brake system, not forgetting the possibility of ABS.
The engine may be carburettor fed, or it may have K-Jet injection..
The auto box will also have an oil cooler in the radiator, though this
doesn't stop you using the radiator on a manual version.
If you have the space to store it, a spares car is a very good idea,
but make sure you don't get one that is little use to you and ends up
being a liability.
--
Stewart Hargrave
For email, replace 'SpamOnlyToHere' with my name
