I attempted to write up this Daytona a few days ago but it was quickly yanked from eBay; here it is again with a Buy-It-Now of $1,500 and the option to submit a best offer. The VNT, or variable nozzle turbos, were interesting cars that delivered reduced lag and quicker progress to full boost. Supposedly lots of fun to drive, this Daytona Shelby is claimed to be one of just 536 VNT cars built. Find it here on eBay and located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Perhaps “basketcase” is too strong of a word, but it does appear this Daytona has been standing for some time – at least long enough for the weeds to grow up around it. The good news is I don’t see too many alterations from stock, with the original slicer wheels still intact and the body looking largely undamaged, if not a bit tired. The biggest detriment is that it needs a new headgasket and until you know just what kind of a headgasket leak it is, the potential for this to get expensive quick is a reality for the next owner.
External headgasket leaks are manageable; internal leaks require a far more invasive repair. The good news is you’d at least be investing in an engine worthy of rebuildling, both for the rarity and the supposed engaging driving experience. As far as parts supply goes, I can’t imagine the VNTs had dramatically different construction as it relates to basic components like gasket sets, so hopefully that end of the rebuild isn’t complicated. For a vehicle that’s clearly been sitting, a full top-end rebuild is likely money well spent – assuming a $1K offer is acceptable by the seller.
The interior needs some work, as it generally appears disheveled, with a rough steering wheel and gear shift. Easy items to amend and the rest you can live with for a spell while the motor is re-assembled. Turbo Mopars will always have their fans, and the VNTs are the ones to buy if you’ve had a Daytona Shelby or Shadow on your shopping list. With a clean, rust-free body and apparently unmodified condition, this one could be worth a rebuild if the price can be brought down a bit further.
Did all these turbos blow head gaskets? I know mine sure did, damned expensive. As much as I loved that boost, wish I had ordered the standard 2.5 non turbo with that 5 speed.
Almost all dodge 2.2 n 2.5 always had head gasket problems
Send it to the crusher. Not worth fixing.
Is it too hard to take the tarp off of the car to take the pictures?
Yes, it’s very hard to remove the tarp………when you’re trying to hide something.
Perhaps someone can enlighten me but im confused. An “internal” head gasket leak is a more invasive repair? How? You’re still replacing the head gasket, and if you aren’t checking/machining mating surfaces, you’re doing it wrong.
A minor external head gasket leak will just cause you to lose coolant or oil to the outside of the engine, therefore it could be managed for a time by simply keeping the fluids topped up as necessary. An internal leak will cause oil to mix with coolant, or exhaust to mix with coolant, etc., and cause more serious problems. The repair procedure is the same, it’s just conceivable that you could nurse along a car with an external HG leak for a longer period of time without yanking the head. Ask any owner of a 2000-2006 Subaru how they know…
Yes, i took Auto Mechanic Fundamentals in 8th grade too. I understand the different places a head gasket can fail. True as that may be, the “repair” is the same. “Nursing it along” isn’t “less invasive,” its “living on borrowed time.”
Granted, I know nothing of this type car, so explain to me how this is a “daytona” or a “shelby”?
Daytona is the model, Shelby was a performance package.
Here is how you properly fixed the headgasket-
1) MLS head gasket
2) Machine the head
3) New head bolts or go with a stud kit
Skip any of that and….see you in 50k miles or less
Why would you take an extremely rare car (536 built) an put a V8 in it? It should be restored as is. Also the 2.2/2.5 Turbo is more than capable of outperforming V8’s with mostly stock parts.
I have done many of thaese and currently own more than 10 turbo dodges, i would love to buy this car and add it to my stables if i hadd the $1000 he’s asking.
Did this car com from Missouri