Spyder GST vs. GSX <97~99>

[SpyderGST00]

Dear friends...

I had a 98 Spyder GST and I got in a accident.

Insurance send me the check for new car and now I can't decide what to choose between Spyder GST vs. GSX.

Love Spyder GST's convertible, and I had really fun tuning it was fast...launching problem yes, but I was getting used to it.

Never rode in GSX before...I was looking for one but then I wanted a Convertible so bought Spyder GST and I heard somehow Spyder GST was better than just GST.

What is so good about GSX? Should I go for the GSX this time?
Off the line problem I fixed with LSD kinda...and think GST has more top end...isn't it?

What is the good thing about GSX's AWD and bad things? What is the Crankwalk problem?

Let me hear some words...

Thanks

 

[jpolizo]

Do you wanna drive with your hair blowing in the wind on a hot summer night with the moon hanging over your windshield and your SO kicked back in the passenger seat, or do you wanna race?

If you only want to do one or the other, the answer is easy. If you want to do both, the Spyder is the way to go, but the GSX folks will beat you in the 1/4 mile and you will beat them on the highway.

 

[scorpion]

I was in the same position when I bought my spyder. I wanted a GSX, but got a great deal on the Spyder. Now I'm ruined. I'll never buy another coupe when I can buy a convertible. But that's just me. For you, if you love the drop top and can live with the traction problems, grab another spyder, if you want AWD get the gsx.

 

[DCJ98GST]

You could buy the spyder and do an AWD conversion for about 5K. Best of both worlds if you have the $$

 

[EclipseRolllin]

Im happy with my GS-T. Its not convertible bc i hate them but thats beside the point. But do whatever you want to do not what others want you to do.

 

[SpyderGST00]

Can we really do the conversion for $5000?
I'd love to do that!!! But at where? I don't think dealership would do that!!!

God...why didn't Mitsubishi just made a Spyder GSX from the begining?

I'm sure a lot of people will be in my position...I guess...:\

 

[DCJ98GST]

Do a search, I know Road race has done it. And I know it can be done. I think it was about 5k but the guy had a doner GSX so that may be a labor cost.

 

[97gsspyder]

Yes in fact you can convert a FWD spyder to a AWD, and me and my friend acctually did it, and heres what you need to do, good luck if you plan on doing it! and if you need help PM me.Heres a list of the stuff you will need:

AWD tranny
Transfer case(must be from same year as the tranny)
AWD flywheel
AWD backing plate
AWD front axle assemble(must be from same year that your engine is)Complete Drive-shaft Assy including the bearings and nuts and bolts
Fuel tank assy with the complete filler neck assy (from the same year as
your car)
Rear Suspension Assy with all nuts and bolts
Complete exhaust system from an AWD (DP, Cat, Cat back exhaust)

A little fabrication is needed on the center tunnel
The middle drive shaft carrier location/stiffener is there but no studs (just add the studs)
The rear bearing carrier location is missing (You need to fabricate a drop down box and studs)
The mounting for the gas tank is different (You need to cut off the FWD mounting brackets and add studs to mount the AWD tank, All the fuel pump wiring colors are the same but routing and connectors are different)
The front end of the car is all the same
The rear frame rails require the most fabricating:
The rear two big studs for the rear suspension cross-member are in the right spot but they are too short. You need to cut through the trunk floor, bust loose the rear x bracing and into the top of the frame rail to drop long bolts down through the frame rails, The front studs are too short and need to be moved forward some, RRE makes a new mounting pad for them.

Stuff to swap:
Tranny, flywheel, front axles, flywheel backing plate. Install the transfer
case, new gear oil in everything, Install AWD complete exhaust system

Add mounting points for the drive-shaft and install the drive-shaft

Swap the fuel tanks and deal with differences in hoses and routing, Make new AWD tank mounting points, cut off the old FWD mounting brackets, Swap the fuel filler necks

Relocate the e-brake cable brackets, The entire rear brake hub needs to be overhauled to deal with the e-brake parts

Remove the FWD rear cross-member, Make a new mounting location for the front stud of the rear cross-member, Change the rear stud to a longer one, Install AWD rear cross-member

Suspension alignment.

and there you go...easy right?! I should have some pictures up in my profile shortly...Now just because i exlpianed this doesn't mean you should go chop your car in to 18 million pieces...i am an expirened welder this is not as easy as you might think....it involves hours of fabricating, lots of alchol....and many many words that should not be used around children...but it is possiable...good luck if you do decide to do this!

Jeff

I, 97gsspyder, take no responsibility in any damage you may cause to your car, or your self. Nor do i take responsibility if you blow your car and yourself up!