gst to gsx conversion questions about suspension

mantega4g63 · Nov 21, 2014

Not looking for some thread from 1999 or some shit talking about gsx conversions where everyone says "just go buy a gsx", I need today's answers. I know basically all parts necessary, I'm curious though as to what suspension parts can and cannot be used on a gsx, and what parts of my gst I will have to swap. I've read all about this before, but I'm looking for an up to date consensus of what all I have to do because my balance shaft bearing froze so I basically have to pull my motor and tranny, and figured it's now or never if I'm going to make my dream car into...well my dream car. Do I have to swap the catback or the downpipe? What suspension parts can I use and not use? My GS-T is basically fully built when it comes to suspension, so I don't want to have to swap my sway bars and what not because they're upgraded and GS-T specific. I know coilovers are basically the same for awd and fwd, but a few others are bugging me. My parts list consist of:

converting my gs-t trans to an awd, or buying an awd trans
axles and half-shaft
transfer case
driveshaft
gas tank
rear sub frame
rear-end and axles

I'm probably missing something a few things but any pointers in the right direction would be greatly appreciated, I don't need people questioning my ability, knowledge, or funds. I'm probably going to stock rebuild my motor and blow the bill on the drivetrain and probably a new turbo and build my head. I've already dumped over 15k-20k into this car, I might as well go all the way. If you haven't converted a gs-t to a gsx or don't know someone who has, or you're not a dsm wiseman or moderator, I will likely take your answer with a grain of salt. Thanks for any helpful input in advance.

90talonTSI-esp · Nov 21, 2014

http://www.automotivearticles.com/AWD_Conversion.shtml

mantega4g63 · Nov 21, 2014

90talonTSI-esp said:
http://www.automotivearticles.com/AWD_Conversion.shtml

I was looking for this, thank you! had it bookmarked on my old computer. any other suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated, would any gst to gsx owners recommend anything to make the job easier? such as deleting abs? I have to strip my engine bay anyway because i'm going to have it painted

Marks-2gdsm · Nov 21, 2014

As old as some of those posts are they are still very accurate. I completed mine a year or two ago and everything was still very accurate. Keep in mind you need to keep the filler neck hose to the gas tank because it is different sizes from GST to GSX and they don't sell them new anymore. Sway bar in the rear is also different because of the exhaust so you will have to switch this out too. Sell yours and use the money too buy a new one. I was able to find a donor car for $500 and used what I needed and parted out the rest plus what I didn't need off mine and actually had enough extra money too buy brembos and have them PC. The donor car is important because you not only need the drive shaft but the mounts underneath for them too unless you upgrade to a one piece DS.

mantega4g63 · Nov 23, 2014

Marks-2gdsm said:
As old as some of those posts are they are still very accurate. I completed mine a year or two ago and everything was still very accurate. Keep in mind you need to keep the filler neck hose to the gas tank because it is different sizes from GST to GSX and they don't sell them new anymore. Sway bar in the rear is also different because of the exhaust so you will have to switch this out too. Sell yours and use the money too buy a new one. I was able to find a donor car for $500 and used what I needed and parted out the rest plus what I didn't need off mine and actually had enough extra money too buy brembos and have them PC. The donor car is important because you not only need the drive shaft but the mounts underneath for them too unless you upgrade to a one piece DS.

i mean the parts are the same, but the prices are clearly not? i've read it's 4-5 grand for the swap, and i just got quoted around 2 grand for the entire swap so i don't follow you there. thanks for the tips though, but can i use my gs-t exhaust on the gsx?

nuclearr · Nov 23, 2014

The old threads are good write ups I also picked up a running donor car for $500 and sold the extras. Only other cost was a welder which I had purchase previously to work on BWM that was wrecked it cost me $450. Its not hard if you are willing to weld it yourself. I had about 16 hrs in the conversion, but that was over a several week period I was also converting from auto to manual so that took a little extra work. I also made a few short cuts that are not in the wite-ups.

Now to pay someone to do it its still going to cost you alot of money.

Insane20 · Nov 23, 2014

I belive a mod on here "goffer" has a nice break down on the swap in his build journal and there are a lot of pics too.

jbeaton9292 · Nov 23, 2014

To the op yes you need a new exhaust your gst exhaust is way differant

eclipto98 · Nov 23, 2014

You need the hangers for the drive line, and a awd flywheel, also your going to have to wire up the evap solenoid since the gst is on the gas tank. The swap isn't worth it I ended up just buying a gsx . Plus smogging it is going to be difficult since your not exempt from 2 wheel smog dynos

mantega4g63 · Nov 23, 2014

eclipto98 said:
You need the hangers for the drive line, and a awd flywheel, also your going to have to wire up the evap solenoid since the gst is on the gas tank. The swap isn't worth it I ended up just buying a gsx . Plus smogging it is going to be difficult since your not exempt from 2 wheel smog dynos

I'm in south carolina so we laugh at emissions, i'll be wire tucking and deleting all emissions, and i've talked with steve from miller imports and understand i must weld the hangers in for the driveline. Trust me, if i hadn't invested 20k in my gs-t i would gladly buy a gsx, but at this point i might as well keep kicking myself in the ass you know? thanks for the info everyone else, I'll probably be able to just re-use my muffler and get someone to fab me an exhaust

eclipto98 · Nov 23, 2014

mantega4g63 said:
I'm in south carolina so we laugh at emissions, i'll be wire tucking and deleting all emissions, and i've talked with steve from miller imports and understand i must weld the hangers in for the driveline. Trust me, if i hadn't invested 20k in my gs-t i would gladly buy a gsx, but at this point i might as well keep kicking myself in the ass you know? thanks for the info everyone else, I'll probably be able to just re-use my muffler and get someone to fab me an exhaust

lucky you on the emmisions LOL

, when you weld the hangers they have to be completely straight otherwise you'll have Bad vibrations

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