Rebuilding a Milano

["Howard K. Warren" <110043.2627@domain.elided>]

<<<<<
That is the clean version of what I was saying just minutes ago.  I just
found out that my 2.5 Milano engine needs a full valve job+parts+labor & it
looks like I've got a $2,000 minimum bill on a $2,800 car.  Needless to
say, I'm not happy & my wife's gonna kill me because I just had to have
this car!  I'm looking for options here gang, got any ideas?
>>>>>

That's a rather expensive bill for a full valve job.  Are the cams being
replaced too?  Is an EXPERIENCED Alfa mechanic quoting the price to you? 
What is the mileage on the engine?

<<<<<
Should I have the work done?  Should I look for a new motor?  Should I try
and sell the car?(it's really very nice, good red paint, leather, NEW
Dunlops & brakes).  The collective wisdom of the Digest is being called
upon...thanks for your help in advance!
>>>>>

Don't give up on her yet.  You have several options:

1) Find a second mechanic for a second opinion.

2) Replace the engine.  If the body is that good, don't kill it!  If you
have a 5 speed, you may want to consider putting in a 3.0 instead (don't
try this with an auto tranny, though.)  There are a LOT of 2.5 engines out
there from wrecked cars.

3) Have the work done.  After all, it was just a $2800 car.  I paid less
than that for my Milano Plat, and she's about to hit 159k miles.

Good luck!

Howard K. Warren, Little Rock, AR
1988 Milano Platinum, "SnowHawk", 158k miles (original engine)
1991 164L, "Peregrine", 55k miles
1984 GTV-6, "Falconi", 131k miles (2 head rebuilds due to idiot PO)

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