TSi_Eagle
Probationary Member
- 29
- 0
- Mar 14, 2005
-
Irvine,
California
As the title indicated, I'm located in SoCal, new to the whole DSM scene and in need of help. I recently sold my car and I've been researching various vehicles, trying to find one that fits my required criteria. This criteria is as follows:
1. Reliable (In the sense of being stock, remaining stock, and being driven marginally hard)
2. Decently quick (Turbo DSMs possess enough pep to placate me)
3. Available (parts, accessories, etc. which definitely fits the DSMs)
4. Within my budget
So..to address each point in turn:
1. Being that I'd like a 1g, a car of this age is inheritly less reliable than a newer one (for obvious reasons). However, if I were to simply buy a shell for cheap (something in decent to good condition) and either rebuild a 6 bolt engine, or buy a crate block, that'd handle any engine reliability issues (being brand new and all)
2. Nothing really to state here..the stock turboed engines are peppy enough for sure.
3. Again..not much to say. There's an abundance of shells, engines and parts for the cars. AND they're typically cheaper than most other cars (as I'm finding).
4. This is naturally the most difficult part. Essentially what I'm looking for is a 100% stock AWD 1g Talon/Eclipse. But, I want either a crate engine (so it's new) or the means to rebuild one (so the parts are new). Some way to be sure I'm basically 'starting from scratch' on the motor.
What I'm doing right now is research (of course). I know I can get a shell without issue..and locate a used engine easily. But I'm wondering what would be simpler, given my situation. I'm decent with engines..I understand how they work, I've done work on my other cars..but any work has been on the outside and top end. Nothing below the head(s). If I were to go the rebuild route, I'd definitely lack the know how. And even with a guide of some sort, I wouldn't be comfortable. I wouldn't want to pay a shop to do the work (unless I was able to get a really good deal) because that'd defeat the purpose (that being, it's a cheaper route). So this would obviously require the assistance/knowledge of an experienced mechanic/tuner.
Then there's the whole crate engine idea. I see the stage I's from Slowboy racing go for almost 4k. 3.8k or so. But I'd still have to buy everything else...turbo, intercooler, battery, plugs, plug wires, and so on. Of course, that'd add up REAL quick.
So..let's say I have a budget of 8-10k at max. Not counting the cost of the shell, what would you expect I'd pay to have a new engine, either by rebuild or crate, and drivetrain (not sure about the whole thing, but at least the important components: clutch, flywheel, lines, maybe transfer case, etc.)? And furthermore, would you consider a 'restored/new' AWD 1g to be reliable?
All my friends seem to agree that if I were to restore it in this fashion, it'd be as reliable as any car (assuming you take care of it and blah blah). I've been on here the past couple days reading for hours on everything. I know a lot of what I'm asking may be considered as newbie questions...but I'm doing my best. I'm trying to decide how I want to go about getting a new car. I've always loved DSMs, despite my general lack of knowledge..but that's been changing quick as I've been reading and asking questions.
If anyone could steer me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
1. Reliable (In the sense of being stock, remaining stock, and being driven marginally hard)
2. Decently quick (Turbo DSMs possess enough pep to placate me)
3. Available (parts, accessories, etc. which definitely fits the DSMs)
4. Within my budget
So..to address each point in turn:
1. Being that I'd like a 1g, a car of this age is inheritly less reliable than a newer one (for obvious reasons). However, if I were to simply buy a shell for cheap (something in decent to good condition) and either rebuild a 6 bolt engine, or buy a crate block, that'd handle any engine reliability issues (being brand new and all)
2. Nothing really to state here..the stock turboed engines are peppy enough for sure.
3. Again..not much to say. There's an abundance of shells, engines and parts for the cars. AND they're typically cheaper than most other cars (as I'm finding).
4. This is naturally the most difficult part. Essentially what I'm looking for is a 100% stock AWD 1g Talon/Eclipse. But, I want either a crate engine (so it's new) or the means to rebuild one (so the parts are new). Some way to be sure I'm basically 'starting from scratch' on the motor.
What I'm doing right now is research (of course). I know I can get a shell without issue..and locate a used engine easily. But I'm wondering what would be simpler, given my situation. I'm decent with engines..I understand how they work, I've done work on my other cars..but any work has been on the outside and top end. Nothing below the head(s). If I were to go the rebuild route, I'd definitely lack the know how. And even with a guide of some sort, I wouldn't be comfortable. I wouldn't want to pay a shop to do the work (unless I was able to get a really good deal) because that'd defeat the purpose (that being, it's a cheaper route). So this would obviously require the assistance/knowledge of an experienced mechanic/tuner.
Then there's the whole crate engine idea. I see the stage I's from Slowboy racing go for almost 4k. 3.8k or so. But I'd still have to buy everything else...turbo, intercooler, battery, plugs, plug wires, and so on. Of course, that'd add up REAL quick.
So..let's say I have a budget of 8-10k at max. Not counting the cost of the shell, what would you expect I'd pay to have a new engine, either by rebuild or crate, and drivetrain (not sure about the whole thing, but at least the important components: clutch, flywheel, lines, maybe transfer case, etc.)? And furthermore, would you consider a 'restored/new' AWD 1g to be reliable?
All my friends seem to agree that if I were to restore it in this fashion, it'd be as reliable as any car (assuming you take care of it and blah blah). I've been on here the past couple days reading for hours on everything. I know a lot of what I'm asking may be considered as newbie questions...but I'm doing my best. I'm trying to decide how I want to go about getting a new car. I've always loved DSMs, despite my general lack of knowledge..but that's been changing quick as I've been reading and asking questions.
If anyone could steer me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
But thanks for taking the time to read.
