oren hughbanks
Proven Member
- 266
- 27
- Aug 4, 2014
-
prescott valley,
Arizona
So I've kinda noticed we don't have a really good salvage yard thread going. I'm in the same boat as everyone else when it comes to buying knock off parts for our DSM. I don't even consider looking on eBay for items anymore.
But one thing I do enjoy is a trip to our local salvage yard. It's like easter for auto parts. It's always awesome to find those odd trim pieces, and certain replacement parts. Im in a pretty good spot geography wise, where our salvage yard does get in quite a few dsms, both generations.
I have a basic checklist of thinks to look for and pick off a fresh arrival.
Electrical and sensor plugs: if anyone else's DSM is like mine, its plauged with old, dry, broken, greasy, plugs. Im really not a fan of destroying a entire wiring harness, but if it has already been ripped out and destroyed beyond and recognition, I usually salvage anything good left.
Fuel system: pop out those injectors! For about 12 dollars a piece , cant beat grabbing some extra fuel injectors. Maybe you'll even be lucky enough to find some after market. Check out the fuel filter, fuel rail, fuel lines.
Then I get a look at the cylinder head. Maybe there's some decent cams, springs, retainers. And I almost always try to get the rocker arms. Those little boogers are expensive new, 18 bucks a piece I think.
Then I go for the heart, straight to the ECU. hopefully there's a AEM of dsmlink lurking around in the dash, but that would be one pretty lucky day if the DSM gods blessed you with that.
Also I want to address the subject of salvage yard courtesy. I try to be courteous to the next possible DSM owner that might be searching for parts. Too many times have I seen windows busted out, hoods bent totally backwards, and interior pieces completely destroyed. Parts that are otherwise impossible to find, completely ruined. Especially cam caps. Atleast try to put them on a seat or a floor board. If I salvage some cams, I always try to put the caps back on in order. A cylinder head with out the caps is completely useless. It's something we all need to understand, these cars are dying. If its not from a accident, or engine fire, or someones total neglect, the world population of DSM is shrinking. It's always a killer for me to see a cherry 1ga awd picked to pieces , a total carcass. What a waste. But on the upside, it does help to keep the others on the road.
I would like anyone to add in their 2 cents. Maybe we can all establish a good cross reference of parts to look for other cars that work with our dsms. Like 4gcs blocks, 6 bolt 4g64 cranks and blocks. Sensors, plugs, anything to help. But I ask if you don't have something nice to say, please don't troll. Not all of us have unlimited budgets, but I do try save a few bucks on buying quality used parts.
But one thing I do enjoy is a trip to our local salvage yard. It's like easter for auto parts. It's always awesome to find those odd trim pieces, and certain replacement parts. Im in a pretty good spot geography wise, where our salvage yard does get in quite a few dsms, both generations.
I have a basic checklist of thinks to look for and pick off a fresh arrival.
Electrical and sensor plugs: if anyone else's DSM is like mine, its plauged with old, dry, broken, greasy, plugs. Im really not a fan of destroying a entire wiring harness, but if it has already been ripped out and destroyed beyond and recognition, I usually salvage anything good left.
Fuel system: pop out those injectors! For about 12 dollars a piece , cant beat grabbing some extra fuel injectors. Maybe you'll even be lucky enough to find some after market. Check out the fuel filter, fuel rail, fuel lines.
Then I get a look at the cylinder head. Maybe there's some decent cams, springs, retainers. And I almost always try to get the rocker arms. Those little boogers are expensive new, 18 bucks a piece I think.
Then I go for the heart, straight to the ECU. hopefully there's a AEM of dsmlink lurking around in the dash, but that would be one pretty lucky day if the DSM gods blessed you with that.
Also I want to address the subject of salvage yard courtesy. I try to be courteous to the next possible DSM owner that might be searching for parts. Too many times have I seen windows busted out, hoods bent totally backwards, and interior pieces completely destroyed. Parts that are otherwise impossible to find, completely ruined. Especially cam caps. Atleast try to put them on a seat or a floor board. If I salvage some cams, I always try to put the caps back on in order. A cylinder head with out the caps is completely useless. It's something we all need to understand, these cars are dying. If its not from a accident, or engine fire, or someones total neglect, the world population of DSM is shrinking. It's always a killer for me to see a cherry 1ga awd picked to pieces , a total carcass. What a waste. But on the upside, it does help to keep the others on the road.
I would like anyone to add in their 2 cents. Maybe we can all establish a good cross reference of parts to look for other cars that work with our dsms. Like 4gcs blocks, 6 bolt 4g64 cranks and blocks. Sensors, plugs, anything to help. But I ask if you don't have something nice to say, please don't troll. Not all of us have unlimited budgets, but I do try save a few bucks on buying quality used parts.