Dr Funkenstein
10+ Year Contributor
- 322
- 2
- Aug 5, 2010
-
Bangfield,
Massachusetts
Hello everyone,
Some of you may remember me, but in all fairness most of you probably don't. Over the summer I purchased a 1991 Eclipse GST with 166,XXX miles on the clock for $1,000. It needed a few things fixed on it, but what 20+ year old car doesn't?
Little did I know, that every time I fixed one thing, two more things would break on it. So far I have replaced the hatch struts, alternator (VR4 version), power-steering pump, driver's side mirror, battery, calipers and pads (EBC Green Stuff; rotors were brand new), radiator and a bunch of hoses. I installed my Alpine head unit, NGK spark plugs and wires and a K&N air filter.
Seems like a good start, right? Wrong. As it sits now, it needs a new head gasket. I was undecided between selling the car and keeping it. In the end, I realized I wouldn't get back even half the money I invested into it, so I decided to keep it. Funds are low at the moment because I got laid off. However, I should be going back to work soon and thusly am ready for phase two of my project.
I plan on this being my daily driver. Some may call be crazy and some may call me a moron. Both accusations may be correct. However, this is my goal. I will be stacking away money once I start working again so I can drive my baby. While I am getting the head gasket replaced, I figured I may replace a few other things. The plan so far is as follows:
1. Head gasket. (OEM or MLS?)
2. Timing belt. (OEM or aftermarket? i.e. GReddy)
3. Water pump.
4. Valve stem seals.
5. Lifters (Re-visioned or 3G?)
6. Balance shaft eliminator kit (Mitsubishi or RRE?)
7. ARP head studs
I'd appreciate your opinions on the above. Also, let me know if I am missing anything I should look into. I had spoke to my father's mechanic a couple months ago and he quoted me at around $1,300 for the HG, TB and WP, so I hope to keep this under $2,000. I should also mention that I am still leaking power-steering fluid from somewhere above the exhaust. I also need new tires and to take care of the rust.
What did I get myself into?
Sorry for the long post, so here are some pictures of my baby.
Some of you may remember me, but in all fairness most of you probably don't. Over the summer I purchased a 1991 Eclipse GST with 166,XXX miles on the clock for $1,000. It needed a few things fixed on it, but what 20+ year old car doesn't?
Little did I know, that every time I fixed one thing, two more things would break on it. So far I have replaced the hatch struts, alternator (VR4 version), power-steering pump, driver's side mirror, battery, calipers and pads (EBC Green Stuff; rotors were brand new), radiator and a bunch of hoses. I installed my Alpine head unit, NGK spark plugs and wires and a K&N air filter.
Seems like a good start, right? Wrong. As it sits now, it needs a new head gasket. I was undecided between selling the car and keeping it. In the end, I realized I wouldn't get back even half the money I invested into it, so I decided to keep it. Funds are low at the moment because I got laid off. However, I should be going back to work soon and thusly am ready for phase two of my project.
I plan on this being my daily driver. Some may call be crazy and some may call me a moron. Both accusations may be correct. However, this is my goal. I will be stacking away money once I start working again so I can drive my baby. While I am getting the head gasket replaced, I figured I may replace a few other things. The plan so far is as follows:
1. Head gasket. (OEM or MLS?)
2. Timing belt. (OEM or aftermarket? i.e. GReddy)
3. Water pump.
4. Valve stem seals.
5. Lifters (Re-visioned or 3G?)
6. Balance shaft eliminator kit (Mitsubishi or RRE?)
7. ARP head studs
I'd appreciate your opinions on the above. Also, let me know if I am missing anything I should look into. I had spoke to my father's mechanic a couple months ago and he quoted me at around $1,300 for the HG, TB and WP, so I hope to keep this under $2,000. I should also mention that I am still leaking power-steering fluid from somewhere above the exhaust. I also need new tires and to take care of the rust.
What did I get myself into?
Sorry for the long post, so here are some pictures of my baby.
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