tudds2k
15+ Year Contributor
- 138
- 9
- Aug 28, 2008
-
Long Island,
New_York
Hello DSMTuners,
I've had this news for about 3 weeks and just verified myself what I've been told is a cracked piston(See attachment)
Some background on the car is that its an all original 100% stock 1990 GSX with all original panels(one side was painted many years ago). The trans grinds from 3-2 but otherwise drove fine. I had this weird buzzing noise over 4,000rpm and took it to a DSM shop for diagnosis. The car was fine driving there and was fine in the parking lot. Once the owner asked me to start it up, it sounded bad. Engine light was on. He said to come back for a compression test and not to drive the car anymore. The DSM shoot out was coming up and they were booked for 2 weeks. I changed the plugs and fuel filter and drove the car once to put air in the tires(it drove 100% fine then). My girlfriend drives it to the DSM shop and it was popping and shaking away. They did a compression test it and it was 165 in all 4 cylinders. They put a camera down the cylinder closest to the timing belt and said my piston is cracked. They will swap in any motor I bring them for 1200 bucks. They will install new timing components and a new clutch with that price. He recommended getting a JDM motor. so now I bought a walmart camera and checked myself. I have a few options and one of them includes burning the car to the ground
Cheapest
1. Buy a beat up body but running 91+ DSM and swap the motor/trans/transfer case/shifter cables myself Not sure what to do with CAS or other items that are different from 1990 to 1991+. I'm sort of confident I can do this myself before the winter spending a few week ends and having a friend come help. I wouldn't separate the engine from the trans for the removal or installation I'm guessing
Cheaper
2. Performance Part out has a rebuilt motor that hasn't been run in 3 years.
Complete rebuilt engine for DSM & GVR4. 6bolt 1G - wiseco forged +.020" pistons on stock rods. Balance shafts removed, stock rebuilt 1g head, MLS gasket, 2g lifters, stock cams.
165/145/165/165 compression tested
Have this installed professionally with a new clutch/timing belt and swap the trans/transfer case/shifter/cables
Oh God Why...
3. Have a short block built by a reputable vendor. Have them install it. Buy trans and accessories from above or just rebuild the trans. Have a fresh motor and trans for future upgrades next Spring. I can't find a vendor who will build and install this. I can hardly find anyone to answer my emails. I do not trust myself to install all the engine accessories like the front case and oil pump. I'm certain I can remove my head and install it on the new engine.
4. Buy another car and leave this current one in storage($50 a month) next to my fox body mustang that I never did anything with because my girlfriend doesn't like it.
I found one that seems ok for $4,000 and I was going to offer $2500 and go from there
The goals are to be a fun reliable cruiser for my girlfriend(/wife in training) and I that runs 12s but everyone always wants more....
I have 3500 cash from selling my LS1 Procharger kit and thats like found money to me. Spending a bit over that is fine but I'm not looking to spend $2,000 on a trans.
Thank you all for your input. I really appreciate it.
I've had this news for about 3 weeks and just verified myself what I've been told is a cracked piston(See attachment)
Some background on the car is that its an all original 100% stock 1990 GSX with all original panels(one side was painted many years ago). The trans grinds from 3-2 but otherwise drove fine. I had this weird buzzing noise over 4,000rpm and took it to a DSM shop for diagnosis. The car was fine driving there and was fine in the parking lot. Once the owner asked me to start it up, it sounded bad. Engine light was on. He said to come back for a compression test and not to drive the car anymore. The DSM shoot out was coming up and they were booked for 2 weeks. I changed the plugs and fuel filter and drove the car once to put air in the tires(it drove 100% fine then). My girlfriend drives it to the DSM shop and it was popping and shaking away. They did a compression test it and it was 165 in all 4 cylinders. They put a camera down the cylinder closest to the timing belt and said my piston is cracked. They will swap in any motor I bring them for 1200 bucks. They will install new timing components and a new clutch with that price. He recommended getting a JDM motor. so now I bought a walmart camera and checked myself. I have a few options and one of them includes burning the car to the ground
Cheapest
1. Buy a beat up body but running 91+ DSM and swap the motor/trans/transfer case/shifter cables myself Not sure what to do with CAS or other items that are different from 1990 to 1991+. I'm sort of confident I can do this myself before the winter spending a few week ends and having a friend come help. I wouldn't separate the engine from the trans for the removal or installation I'm guessing
Cheaper
2. Performance Part out has a rebuilt motor that hasn't been run in 3 years.
Complete rebuilt engine for DSM & GVR4. 6bolt 1G - wiseco forged +.020" pistons on stock rods. Balance shafts removed, stock rebuilt 1g head, MLS gasket, 2g lifters, stock cams.
165/145/165/165 compression tested
Have this installed professionally with a new clutch/timing belt and swap the trans/transfer case/shifter/cables
Oh God Why...
3. Have a short block built by a reputable vendor. Have them install it. Buy trans and accessories from above or just rebuild the trans. Have a fresh motor and trans for future upgrades next Spring. I can't find a vendor who will build and install this. I can hardly find anyone to answer my emails. I do not trust myself to install all the engine accessories like the front case and oil pump. I'm certain I can remove my head and install it on the new engine.
4. Buy another car and leave this current one in storage($50 a month) next to my fox body mustang that I never did anything with because my girlfriend doesn't like it.
I found one that seems ok for $4,000 and I was going to offer $2500 and go from there
The goals are to be a fun reliable cruiser for my girlfriend(/wife in training) and I that runs 12s but everyone always wants more....
I have 3500 cash from selling my LS1 Procharger kit and thats like found money to me. Spending a bit over that is fine but I'm not looking to spend $2,000 on a trans.
Thank you all for your input. I really appreciate it.
