1997 Eclipse GST Turbo

[Vincent16]

So right before I got my license I bought a 97 Eclipse GST Turbo for $2,500. It had lots of aftermarket parts and things that seemed very nice. Little did I know that there were oil leaks and a serious exhaust leak near the big aftermarket turbo. About a month of me driving it after I got my license the alternator died. I sadly bought a new one and continued driving it until Christmas of last year when all power died and it would not start even with a new battery. I looked into the issue with my dad who is a mechanic and he said there was water sitting in the piston wells and the engine is really about to fall apart. SO I finally got an engine last month and replaced the engine and main electrical harnesses along with many other things and it is almost done and everything SHOULD be fine now... What I'm wondering is if it is worth it to keep. I LOVE this car and I can't wait until it's finally done so I can drive it to school and stop getting crap about it. What are your thoughts?

 

[Ferp]

You put all the money and effort into getting new equipment. I don't see why you wouldn't keep the car at this point.

 

[99ECLIPSEGSXDSM]

You already did all this work. I say put it together and drive it. That's when you'll learn if you should sell it or not. Don't worry about anyone else giving you crap. Do what's in your heart

 

[pauleyman]

The only problem i see here is no plan and no mention of skill level or what os actually wrong. A skilled guy can do a motor swap in a day. Non skilled well.....there is lots that can go wrong.
For instance for myself if i were doing a pull old motor out and put a new one in i could do it in a day by myself. Even so i would plan a weekend for me just to clean stuff up and go over a few things unless it is already a well sorted out car which yours sounds like it is not. If you're not skilled plan alot longer than that. What is wrong with the car, what have you done already with what parts? What is your skill level? I could suggest what to do if i have that info.

 

[PlanZero]

If you're saying it should be fine, why would you consider selling it after all that work?
These cars aren't about monetary value, they're about the priceless value of the challenge between man and machine, and the subsequent reward factor when you accomplish your goals. Many dsmers became mechanics out of necessity, not out of choice.
These cars are a labor of love; if you're not up to the challenge of creating a dependable daily driver or a weekend warrior, sell it to someone who is.

 

[spyderdrifter]

I've wanted to give up countless times with my current spyder. It and I have been through a lot of problems, and I've still kept it knowing I could never sell it out of frustration. It's thrown challenges at me many times, and each time I've overcome the hurdle just to make it better than before. Now that I've done the awd conversion to it, there's no option to part with it. Like PlanZero said, they are a labor of love. Love your car enough to maintain it properly, and it'll love you back.