Flood/water damaged cars

[Ralf]

Since thousands of vehicles got totaled due to water damage from hurricane Sandy, I have been thinking of getting one of them in order to get a cheap, "new" race car.
Anybody have experience with owning a former flood car?
Obviously, the interior can get tossed, so no worry about mold. Safety equipment goes too, so no issues there. The only problem I see is engine electronics or engine damage.
What about the wiring? Does it rust and fall apart that one reads about? I'm thinking about 2010-2012 vehicles, so the wiring is still practically new.
Thinking T-3, T-4, or ST.

[braddressen]

Ralf,

As a technician of twenty years, and a college instructor (automotive)for another twelve years, I've seen many flood-damaged vehicles. In my experience, I wouldn't use one of these to build a racecar, unless you're planning on replacing the wiring harnesses and all associated electronics. The problem is that it's not just water that gets into these components; it's also silt/sediment/salt. These will either cause corrosion or act as a conductor, between wires. If you can buy a flood car cheap enough, then it might be worth pulling the harness and other components from a wrecked car; the new harness and electronics would be too pricey!

[Ralf]

So since the engine compartment connectors are sealed on the newer cars, have you found those to also still corrode?
How would one be able to tell if the new harness you are getting from wreckers/ebay aren't from flood vehicles?
Thanks

[ITC Racer]

There is a difference between fresh water flood and salt water flood- I worked for a marina in Wisconsin years ago and we would bring up a couple small boats a year that sink for various reasons- 16-21 foot with outboards or I/Os (car engines). Most would be fine if started very quickly after being brought up from the bottom. This was in the days before Fuel Injection so not a huge deal when a starter or alternator died in a shorter time than normal.

If the car runs and drives, may be worth it but if it has not been started after being drained, I would be leery unless you are looking for just a shell or are prepared to replace lots of stuff when it fails.

[benspeed]

Good to know-here in NJ I've seen some cool flood cars come up for sale but I think these are salt and would corrode up.

[tdw6974]

Stateline Auto Auction is currently selling salvage cars from Sandy. Cars are from a "specialty" insurance carrier. Approximately 100+ current offerings at crankyape.com location Waverly New York about 40 miles east of Watkins Glen