gregs4g63 submitted a new DSM Profile :

1997 GST AWD SWAP Build


Read more about this vehicle here...

**2025 UPDATE**

July 2025 I decided to change the setup on this car. it had become more Drag Strip Oriented, but I decided to make this car more of a OEM + style build.

I removed the the t3 setup and went with a 16G turbo on a FP Manifold

Switched over from E85 to Californias lovely 91 octane... Since E85 is not easily available to my new city and requires an hour + drive one way.. 2 potential E85 stations in town are supposedly being built, but seems there's no ETA of when they will be completed.. So 91 oct it is..

went from 2150FIC injectors down to 750CC injectors

Swapped out the 3" Intercooler piping for some 2.5" piping

Swapped out the 525 Fuel pump for an AEM 320 Pump

Still has the Built 2.3L 98/99 7 Bolt, but I have been thinking about swapping this out for a less built motor to cruise around in. California seems to be getting worse with restrictions and regulations. I think that's what caused all these changes, as a worry free OEM+ build would be better for where I live.

After ditching the hood exit exhaust and returning to a full 3" turbo back exhaust, I found this motor had a strange "Lifter Tick" type noise.

Shotgunned some parts at it. started with a known good set of revised lifters I had sitting around, but the noise remained. Ordered and installed a brand new set of revised lifters, and still, this new ticking noise was still there. Would like to add, this motor did not have this ticking type noise when I parked the car, and this built 2.3L I built back in 2021 only had 7 miles on it.

Really hoping this isn't rod knock, or worse, crank walk...

Some old photos I found of my DSM over the years.. and figured I’d add some to the build log as well

2014 sold my GS for this non running GST.. after we rebuilt the motor, everything all back in place



Temecula Tuesdays (my dad actually was the one who took the car, he was enjoying the car while I moved out of state)

Dad & friends, early days always working on these cars, and where my passion for the DSM really materialized


2015 DSM made it to Oklahoma. Moved there for work from 2015-2017. Had to have my DSM with me across the country

2017 to 2019 was really focused on my 2003 Evo build, and my DSM was nearly forgotten about. But in 2020, after I sold my evo the year previously, I was itching for another 4g63 build. The Eclipse needed another motor rebuild, and I figured I would give the DSM another shot…

Parts hoarding began ..

2021 the build really began. I had failed to run a 10 second 1/4 pass in the evo (why I regretfully sold it) and I was taking it out on the DSM.. my OG, street car was starting to become not a street car

2025 I had a change of heart. All of the sudden I didn’t want this car to be a full drag build. I wanted an OEM + build. I let this car go in terms of appearance, and focused so much on power. Before I even got to get this car to the Dyno or even the track, I hit the brakes and started reverting it back to “stock-ish”
I’m going to miss that forward facing setup that’s for sure..



Carbonetics Drag lip looks so good on the 2G.. but unfortunately that had to come off too. It’ll be repurposed on another project


For the first time in a few years (due to sitting, and then e85 corroding my supposedly “e85 safe” fuel lines), my ol’ 2G moved under its own power


One last change.. OEM panels. Car needs paint badly though..


But as I mentioned in the beginning. The car has a developed a loud ticking noise. And while I’ve confirmed multiple times that the noise cannot be heard from the bottom end, and replacing the lifters twice.. we’ll have to figure out this noise sooner or later.