Oh no! I think I bought a 420a w/turbo, not a GS-T!!!!

[CrashedMax]

Well I'm starting to think I got screwed. I bought what I thought was a 99 GS-T w/34,000 miles for 12,000 a few months ago. Drives perfect, I saw it had a high wing, and white face gauges, & the turbo so I thought for sure it was a GS-T. Now I'm starting to have my doubts. First of all when I insured it they thought it was a GS (I know this happens sometimes, they thought my Maxima SE was a GXE). Also the back of my car in the middle is flat black and the Eclipse writing is dark, it's not red like other's I've seen w/white letters(does anyone know what I'm talking about here). Also on my dash there is no boost gauge (there's an aftermarket Autometer boost & oil gauge on the A-pillar that the owner installed, the boost is peaking at 8 psi). There's just a fuel gauge on the right and the temp on the left in the dash. It does have a turbo, high wing, white faces, leather, & sunroof. How can I tell the difference between the 420a w/turbo and a 4G63? The car already had an intake & exhaust along w/the gauges.

 

[90GSX]

Look at in the engine bay; if the valve cover is on the left it's a 420A, if the valve cover on the right it's a 4G63.

However, if there's no factory boost gauge in the gauge cluster then that's a pretty good indication theres no factory turbo.

 

[CrashedMax]

damn I'm positive it's a 420a w/turbo now after looking at some pics. What does this mean now? Am I less prone to crankwalk, more prone to other problems? Can I not build up a 6 bolt now to drop in. Man I am so pissed off right now. I'm thinking I should try and sell this car now to some kid.

 

[FourG63 97GST]

does it have a boost gauge where the tach. is?
should have two gauge in each of the small gauge near the tach and speedo.
boost and ? on one side
gas and temp gauge on the next

 

[nine5raptor]

he said there was only one in each hole...

the 420a can be made to make as much power, but is more expensive. You will also have a harder time finding aftermarket parts for it and will be more likely to break sh!t

 

[OverBoost]

If you look at the way the turbo is situated you can kinda tell. The turbo models will have the intake on the left side leading down to the turbo. Most N/A turbo Eclipes I've seen has the intake coming from the right side. Here is an example of a GS that has an aftermarket turbo.

http://www.motorcities.com/contents/00J9C092750814.html

If yours look kinda like that then its not a GS-T.

Also the gauge is a big give away too.

 

[CrashedMax]

DAMN!!!! I think I'm going to try and get rid of the car this summer. This sucks so bad. Well am I at least less prone of getting crankwalk?

Does anyone know how to reduce pic size in Photoshop? I'll post a pic of my 420a turbo.

 

[vertGST]

this is a stock 4g63

 

[vertGST]

this is how the stock turbo sits in the motor

 

[GSX90]

Originally posted by CrashedMax
damn I'm positive it's a 420a w/turbo now after looking at some pics. What does this mean now? Am I less prone to crankwalk, more prone to other problems? Can I not build up a 6 bolt now to drop in. Man I am so pissed off right now. I'm thinking I should try and sell this car now to some kid.

You are probably less prone to get crankwalk but that isn't saying much anymore. Best advice I can give you is to build your bottom end (if it isn't already built).

Dropping in a 6 bolt now is not worth it IMO. I'd sell the car if you want to go that route...Good Luck

 

[Slappster]

Get rid of it and buy yourself a real 4g63. Maybe u could even get AWD too. Think about that......

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

Since it's a 420a w/turbo what is the boost set at?

Does it have an FMIC?
Is the motor built?

 

[CrashedMax]

The boost is peaking at 8psi. It doesn't have an FMIC and I have no idea if the bottom end is built. I only bought this car cuz I totaled my Maxima, needed a car soon, and wanted a stick. I couldn't find any GSX's. Also what does this mean

You are probably less prone to get crankwalk but that isn't saying much anymore.

Am I in for some problems now? Like I said the car seems to be running perfectly.

 

[GSX90]

Originally posted by CrashedMax
The boost is peaking at 8psi. It doesn't have an FMIC and I have no idea if the bottom end is built. I only bought this car cuz I totaled my Maxima, needed a car soon, and wanted a stick. I couldn't find any GSX's. Also what does this mean



Am I in for some problems now? Like I said the car seems to be running perfectly.

What I meant by saying that is that crankwalk isn't a major issue anymore. From what I've seen and read the 420a motor doesn't handle high boost too well in stock form. It would be a good idea to take preemptive measures via built bottom end, fuel upgrades, FMIC, and so on to minimize the effects of knock/detonation.

 

[92blackbird]

dont turbo cars have a different suspension than the n/a cars from the factory? i have seen skidpad numbers from turbo and n/a talons and the turbos usually pull .05-.07 more
couldn't you tell it was like driving a cavalier?
either way, sorry to hear about that man

 

[DSMJim]

If your engine bay looks like this:

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You have a 420a with a turbo.

If your motor looks like this (as posted above):

You have a 4G63.

Notice the difference in how the motor looks. On the 420a the throttle body faces the drivers side of the car. The 4G63 the throttle body faces the passanger side of the car. Go have a look and you will know.

Sounds to me like you bought a turbo 420a that's why it doesn't have a boost gauge and your insurance company said it was a GS, that's because it is.... Sorry to give you the bad news.

 

[Absit]

And yet another person feeling like an idiot 'cause they didn't go to www.carfax.com and type in the VIN and see on the FREE REPORT what model it was.

 

[kutschca]

well, if it's any consolation...at least your insurance will be cheaper. also check out www.hahnracecraft.com They make turbo kits for the 420a motors, so they might have something there for you parts wise. You'll also have a pretty good sleeper if you keep all the GS badges on it.

 

[98TsiAWD]

Also check www.howellautomotive.com

The 420a is just as capable of making power as the 4g63. Dont sell it..

If it wasnt for AWD, I would of bought a GS 420a and turbo'd.

 

[larryd]

damn, seriously though man did you never look under the hood or did you really know absolutely nothing about these cars before buying it?

a turbo 420A isnt a bad car to have, but it sucks that you didnt buy the car you thought it was, did you mention to the person you bought it from when buying it anything regarding GST?

 

[CrashedMax]

Thanks for the replies. I am feeling a little better about this since I was terrified of crankwalk. After some research I have a Hahn Stage 2 turbo kit w/sidemount intercooler. I think I'm going to keep it. I know about cars, and read about DSM's on the net before finding one. But I hadn't really studied under the hood to be able to know it wasn't a 4G63 (until now). I just saw the turbo, heard the woosh, got the compression and everything checked by a mechanic (even had him check for crankwalk hehe). The guy who sold it kept saying it was a GST so I believed him. Also I did do a carfax but there info isn't always correct. I had a 99 Maxima SE (top model) and it said it was a GXE (I knew it was an SE cause the gauges, and options). Oh and the GS badge on the back wasn't there just a turbo one that he put on, just figured he did it for looks. I think he wanted to sell it as a GST so he could get more money for it without taking off the turbo. I paid 12,000 and it's a 99 w/34,000 miles, leather, sunroof, alarm, cd, stick, Hahn Stage 2 turbo w/intercooler, gauges, and exhaust. I now don't think I got totally raped on the deal, I am going to call him and ##### him out for lying though. here is a link to a pic of the engine & turbo: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=1611905&uid=885635

 

[cucumber]

Build your bottom end, these cars are notorious for going after a while of boost.

This happens to any car that is boosted that isn't from the factory.

Good luck, I had a 420A, but I don't know if I can say I like it better then my 4G63.

 

[TechT]

When you brought it.Sounds like False Advertising to me.Because it's not a GS-T.It's a N/A with a turbo.

I had a N/A as well.the only thing I can say I liked about it was the better gas mileage.

 

[Boosthungry]

Originally posted by TechT
When you brought it.Sounds like False Advertising to me.Because it's not a GS-T.It's a N/A with a turbo.

I had a N/A as well.the only thing I can say I liked about it was the better gas mileage.

This is what I would like to know. Did they tell you explicitly it was a GS-T or advertise it as a GS-T? If they did, and did not tell you otherwise you have recourse and the transaction may be voidable if you have not had the car for an unreasonable amount of time. However, I don't think you have any recourse if you did not ask. You could go to court, however if you never asked and they did not advertise a GS-T then they can argue "caveat emptor".

 

[CrashedMax]

It was advertised on a online car classified as a GS-T. When I called him I asked how much the GS-T was and how it was cared for. Never did he once say it was GS with an aftermarket turbo. I tried calling him but just got his answering machine. I've had the car for 2.5 months. and put 1000 miles on it. I may look into bringing him to court to get some money back. I have a lawyer friend I can call. Not going to bother though if legal fees would be too much. I've talked to people on 2gnt, and I've learned it's a 3,200 turbo kit and many would buy it off me. I'm sure I could sell the car & turbo for at least what I bought it for. It's in perfect condition still. Oh well live & learn.