Looking at a car... engine question

[bimma360]

Alright i'm looking at buying an '87 with 160K. Here is a part of his description, what can you guys tell me off the top of your heads:

"I originally purchased the vehicle with a broken timing belt and a couple bent valves. I ordered a remanufactured head, racing dynamics 272 cam and all new seals/gaskets/water pump etc. They were installed by a local BMW shop that did the installation completly but there is going to be a couple adjustments to the timing possibly or it could even be spark plugs for all I know, but for some reason it does not run 100%. It starts, idles, and even drives fine but I invested all this money into the engine so that it would be perfect. The car can be driven anywhere and on the highway it seems to drive normal but under acceleration through all gears it feels like it is not getting enough fuel (almost like there is some restriction)."

Thanks,
Dave

[rs4pro3]

sort of sounds like it may need an adjustable cam gear. They may of shave the head and block some when they threw the head on. So the timing is off.

[bimma360]

Thanks for the response. So normally a 272 cam would not require any other modification to the engine correct?

[rs4pro3]

no it shouldn't, that's why it sounds like the timing is off.

[bimma360]

I think i might be able to pick this car up for about $1500. Interior is in great shape, exterior is fair, and its local. Is it worth it? How much would it cost to get the work done. I did a little bit of quick research and i found adjustable cam gears for $275.

[rs4pro3]

that dosn't sound to bad, I'd recomend having an inspection done on the car first to see if they can pinpoint the exact cuase of the problem.