Refresher background: I have a 1985 Sedan DeVille that I have been babying back into condition. I am at the point where I am looking to do some modifications to it, namely swapping in a 4.9 long block under my 4.1 TBI intake (or maybe switching to a 4.5 TBI intake since it has better flow), finding some real wood trim for the dash and door panels, and a few other things.

Looking around, I found this 1992 DeVille (http://www.dealercarsearch.com/retaildetail.aspx?inv=2&dealer=465&id=59861&bgColor=000000) that has some light body damage, but has low mileage, and it also seems to have the same Sandalwood interior. This means it should be a good candidate for a 4.9 engine, and the wood trim, and I might even be able to use the superior leather seating.

http://www.dealercarsearch.com/Media/465/n4273170_18.jpg

http://www.dealercarsearch.com/Media/465/n4273170_02.jpg

Some possible problems... The body damage is minimal but its obviously been bumped around, but that could just be NYC driving related stuff. Carfax shows an inconsistent odometer reading, but upon investigation it looks like the later numbers are consistent with the earlier years mileage numbers so I'm going to guess that it was entered wrong at the smog check. The listing says RWD and of course I need the transverse mounted 4.9, although I am positive that all DeVilles were FWD (am I wrong?). I can't tell if the trim is real wood or plastic. The drivers seat is seriously worn and will need to be reupholstered. Looking at the wires hanging from the steering column, it may have been stolen.

They are asking $1900 but I figure it's worth taking a day trip to look at it and maybe buy it. If I can get it for $1500 and the engine is in good shape then it will be worth it right there (I need a full donor for hoses and accessories). I can use my dad's F150 pickup and rent a car-dolly U-Haul up there somewhere, and it's only about 5 hours away.

I could make some money back selling the rims and whatnot on eBay probably.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this. Thanks!

If its got the Symphony Sound radio with cassette, I CALL DIBS. If its what you want to do, go for it man. I know a guy who regularly parts out cars and often makes up to $3000 for every car, so I think you can get quite a bit back by selling stuff.

Keep looking, These devilles are everywhere and the 4.9's are easy to come by.
The trim is plastic. White leather in good shape is hard to find.
I am not sure how the 4.9 would respond to 4100 engine management. You could be opening up a can of worms in that department.

Yeah I called them, the trim is plastic. That is a big strike against it. Interesting, after checking some parts sites it turns out there is a *lot* of the body parts listed as 85-93 which I did not know--windshield, turn signal bezel, seat brackets, all kinds of stuff. If I don't get that one there is a local yard with a couple of early 90s DeVilles that I can pillage. However for the real wood trim I am back to looking for a C-body FWD Fleetwood sedan I guess.

The engine stuff is pretty much figured out, and it should work with the right mix-n-match of parts. Check the threads in the 4.x forums if you're interested.

Talking to the guy gave me the willies, but I get that from all used car salesmen. I just don't think it's worth the trouble driving up there if I can't get more than the donor engine. There is another donor candidate down here with 36k miles that I can grab for $1200 (hoses and accessories, I need it all), but it's the completely wrong colors. I may grab it anyway.

I was wondering why the price was on the high side but I believe that is a touring sedan. I think the 4.9 swap should work and I'm sure there are posts here on it. Those wires hanging down look like cruise control issues. It looks like there are a lot of good parts to sell though so you should be able to recoup some money. Since it's kind of roughed up, it looks like someone didn't appreciate it, so I wonder if they would be too concerned with regular oil changes. It's worth a look for sure.

I have never seen nice looking wood on a C-Body Fleetwood. Mine is a really nasty, light color and it doesn't bring out the grains at all. It looks more painted than stained.