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Hallzy4Life

Probationary Member
1
0
Aug 18, 2016
Regina, SK_Canada
Hey guys I'm a new member on the fourms and I have a question to ask. I'm 16 and am looking at getting my first tuner car. I already have a daily driver. So I'm covered in that sense. But I have a question what DSM do I get?

I want a turbo and I like the Talon but I'm confused about the years some guys say go with a pre may 92 but I'm not sure if it's a must any help is appreciated!!

I quite like the pop up headlights but those are only on the 90-91s if I'm correct. I also want to be able to do lots of upgrades as this car will be a long time commitment also cheaper the better!!

Thanks
 
Cheap and fast don't go together. Buy what you want. It's a bigger deal that the car be clean straight etc. Have a plan.
 
The "best" years is subjective kinda. Cars are so old many no longer have any of the parts that made them "best". That being said my favorite are 91 and 92
 
Its really all in what you want. Try to find one that isn't too hacked up, rusting, neglected unless you are up for a big project. If they aren't well kept most are in need of restoration work to some degree. 1990s are the red headed step child since they have their own coil packs, power transistors, cam sensors ect. They don't interchange with other years without making major changes to the harness or switching everything to 91 and up. Just something to think about. Go with what you can afford that isn't complete junk. Set a budget for the car and money aside for repairs and maintenance. Good luck.
 
My 2 cents... 91-92 seem to the best years because its 6 bolt engine, 4 bolt rear end, and stronger manual transmission gears. 1990 is the odd one, but can be converted. If you plan on upgrading the short block i guess 6 bolt or 7 bolt don't really matter much. 1g seems to have better interior feel than 2g. 2g may have more tuner parts available.
 
1g,2g it doesn't really matter get what you like and don't settle because somebody else says "xyz" is better than "abc" If you like 1g go for it, 2g... Do it... If you want AWD be patient and wait to get what YOU want.
 
Doesn't matter which body as long as it's an AWD variant. Power goals are pretty much what you need to define in terms of which model to get and what you are willing to shed to get there. If your power goals aren't going to be absurdly high, the 2g's are more visually appealing IMO but in terms of stout engine/trans the 1g is hands down the best (6-bolt variant). You can always swap stuff back and forth drivetrain wise on 1g to 2g generations, but you can't swap body parts.
 
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But don't forget an awd can be a total PITA to work on sometimes, for even something as simple as dropping your oil pan or changing a drivers side axle; not trying to dissuade you because awd is the best but it is something to consider.
I love working on my fwd, less components to deal with, but unfortunately my awd is always the one needing repairs. She's a real bi***, but I do love her.
 
But don't forget an awd can be a total PITA to work on sometimes, for even something as simple as dropping your oil pan or changing a drivers side axle; not trying to dissuade you because awd is the best but it is something to consider.
I love working on my fwd, less components to deal with, but unfortunately my awd is always the one needing repairs. She's a real bi***, but I do love her.

I don't know but the transfer case of these cars IMO is a dream come true... It takes a few bolts and it's out of the way. I've had a few AWD cars in my lifetime and I can't believe how ridiculously easy it is to put on and take off. All others (Subaru, Suzuki, Jeep, etc) involved removing part of the crossmember and exhaust or something even more ridiculous.
 
As others have said, pic your favorite body style and go from there. personally I love 1ga talons. 6 bolts can be swapped into 2gs so there's no issue there. Honestly at your age I'd do light bolt ons and save money for a complete overhaul on whatever you decide to get. at 16 the last you need is something that'll attract cops, get a slow car and get used to driving it and gradually build it up.
 
You can't go wrong with a 1ga
 

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The thrust bearings are the same from 95 to 97. To the original poster The oiling systems were revised in the 2G Motors and speculation is that this is the cause of thrust bearing failure. I disagree as I've seen too many Motors last a long time. Do a little search and ask questions about specific years and we will answer
 
This thread is pointless. We could go on for eons with this debate, not to mention 80% of dsms that exist today are a patchwork of motors and bumpers that don't match the vin.
The key is, find one that is bone stock with maintenance records. Don't pick up someone else's "project" unless you want to chase problems.
 
Get whichever turbo dsm that is in the best shape, 90-99... if you happen to get a year that is less then favorable in one regard or another, you will have to swap some stuff out.

I own a 1990,and it's not too difficult to swap sensors to the 91-94 style, it can be annoying if you want to keep it all original, [since all the sensors will be 90 only in most cases] but that just adds a year of parts you can use and others can't/won't [in some cases LOL]... because when sensors fail I make patch harness connectors to adapt the 90 connectors to 91-94 which in turn keeps the 90 harness intact in case you can only find 90 sensors.

all awd 90-91 don't have the stronger 4 bolt rear that the awd 92-94 have but this can be swapped over as well.
 
Moved to the Hangout as this thread seems to have become a debate and lost all of it's technical value in a hurry.

It's all in what the O.P. wants- to even think about bringing up crank thrust issues on 95-97 models over 20 years later is ridiculous. I prefer the "B" versions of each model, but to each their own. Flip-up headlights just aren't attractive to me in the least, but I don't knock anyone who does like them.

I believe 2G's are more fun to drive, easier to mod with more available parts, and seem to turn more heads while 1G's are more-durable and easier to work on. If you're going to build it and tinker regularly, you want a 1G. If you're going to leave it stock aside from some bolt-ons and try to impress all the young ladies, a 2G is probably what you're after as they're more "comfy" than a 1G for sure.
 
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