1997 GSX Eclipse

[dsm-junkie]

Hey guys! Some of you may know me from a previous thread where I talked about getting this GSX. So Im starting this thread because I got it last night! The seller was asking $5,000 for it. After I checked it out I realized that it is not worth $5,000. So I offered a straight trade for my 1995 Honda Prelude. We mad the deal and I am extremely happy with the GSX! It does have its share of flaws though. It in desperate need of a respray! Then the suspension feels really jacked up! I hear a knocking sound when I turn! Also when I try and make a U-turn and pull the wheel all the way to the left it kinda feels like its rubbing and the tires don't want to roll! It also shakes when I'm going 60+ mph. The clutch feels way too soft! IDK if its just cause I'm used to hondas but it takes little to no effort to push the pedal down! Last night I tried to see how it would launch and I revved it to 3500 RPM's and released the clutch and it didn't take off it pushed me back in the seat and the just stopped like I was hitting the brakes! So I gotta do some research and find out whats causing that but its definitely is a project, but I see the potential and am determined to make it a street monster! Heres the pics guys enjoy!

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I did jack up the car today and checked out the suspension! the rotors look pretty rusted and old! The driver and passenger side axle boots were not ripped, but the passenger side that was connected looked like it was leaking. The shocks and springs look pretty worn! Heres some pics of the underside of the car!

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[dsm-junkie]

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[Anubis_4_99]

The knocking during a turn, and not wanting to roll during a tight turn could be a possible bad axle, and with as much axle grease as there is in that one picture, i would assume that is your culprit.

What feels jacked about the suspension? The shocks and springs visually look fine, but if the strut is leaking at all it more then likely needs replaced. Shaking at speeds could be from the suspension if it needs worked on, or the tires needing balanced.

As for the clutch, i don't recall when honda switched to mainly hydrualic clutch systems, but if yours was a cable clutch then that's where the difference comes in. Otherwise there could be an issue in the system

Nice looking X though.

 

[dsm-junkie]

The knocking during a turn, and not wanting to roll during a tight turn could be a possible bad axle, and with as much axle grease as there is in that one picture, i would assume that is your culprit.

What feels jacked about the suspension? The shocks and springs visually look fine, but if the strut is leaking at all it more then likely needs replaced. Shaking at speeds could be from the suspension if it needs worked on, or the tires needing balanced.

As for the clutch, i don't recall when honda switched to mainly hydrualic clutch systems, but if yours was a cable clutch then that's where the difference comes in. Otherwise there could be an issue in the system

Nice looking X though.

Thanks alot! After more driving today I noticed that the knocking sound comes also when I accelerate fast! I was also getting off a highway exit and was at a light practically up hill and the car doesn't roll back other cars that I have driven! I am new to AWD so not sure if that's normal? The think that makes me think I need a new clutch is because I tried to launch the car at 3500 rpms and it didn't go anywhere? It kicked real hard then just stopped the tires do not spin out? Pretty confused about what's causing this?

 

[Anubis_4_99]

Thanks alot! After more driving today I noticed that the knocking sound comes also when I accelerate fast! I was also getting off a highway exit and was at a light practically up hill and the car doesn't roll back other cars that I have driven! I am new to AWD so not sure if that's normal? The think that makes me think I need a new clutch is because I tried to launch the car at 3500 rpms and it didn't go anywhere? It kicked real hard then just stopped the tires do not spin out? Pretty confused about what's causing this?

You trying to dump the clutch like it's a FWD is what's causing it. Good way to burn up your clutch pretty quick. It could also already be on its way out and be roasting it. Unless your putting out some serious power, or just have don't care for your car, your not going to be able to spin the tires. As for the not rolling back, more experienced AWD guys will have to chime in on that, i got nothing.

 

[99ECLIPSEGSXDSM]

My awd rolls back... I have no idea why yours wouldn't

 

[LarryJoe]

It's weird it has a hard intake pipe with the stock airbox. . I like it though. Definitely needs a some work. At least the interior is as clean as can be haha.

 

[LxiMax]

First two things I'd do would be switching the stock airbox to a K&N FIPK and get rid of the chrome projectors and get a nice stock set of 2gb headlights.

 

[dsm-junkie]

You trying to dump the clutch like it's a FWD is what's causing it. Good way to burn up your clutch pretty quick. It could also already be on its way out and be roasting it. Unless your putting out some serious power, or just have don't care for your car, your not going to be able to spin the tires. As for the not rolling back, more experienced AWD guys will have to chime in on that, i got nothing.

Isnt launching in a AWD car pretty much the same as a FWD car? Also I noticed that the part of the noises I'm hearing are something related to the spinning of the wheels! Sounds like a constant clicking! The thing that really bothers me is when I try and make a sharp turn! Either way I turn when I turn the wheel all the way to the right or left the tires will come to a complete stop and will not let me go forward? Can bad axles be the problem?

 

[Anubis_4_99]

Isnt launching in a AWD car pretty much the same as a FWD car? Also I noticed that the part of the noises I'm hearing are something related to the spinning of the wheels! Sounds like a constant clicking! The thing that really bothers me is when I try and make a sharp turn! Either way I turn when I turn the wheel all the way to the right or left the tires will come to a complete stop and will not let me go forward? Can bad axles be the problem?

Yes they can be, I would replace at least the one that is slinging grease, if it doesn't solve the clicking, move on to the other side. If those dont solve it you have more serious drivetrain related issues which could get expensive.

An AWD is a whole different beast, assuming its like a FWD will cause many problems and headaches.

 

[chris99rs]

Sick car, but it needs a paint job and a bit more work. Haha I have those same Motegi rims except I'm not using them at the moment.

 

[1996tsitalon]

the turning could also be a bad alignment.but gsx for a prelude is a good deal anyday

 

[Tsmith]

Thanks alot! After more driving today I noticed that the knocking sound comes also when I accelerate fast! I was also getting off a highway exit and was at a light practically up hill and the car doesn't roll back other cars that I have driven! I am new to AWD so not sure if that's normal? The think that makes me think I need a new clutch is because I tried to launch the car at 3500 rpms and it didn't go anywhere? It kicked real hard then just stopped the tires do not spin out? Pretty confused about what's causing this?

Its definetly a CV Axle from what you are describing and the picture I saw. The inside boot was completely torn open and thats why the acceleration clicking also. If it was outside boot you ###### wouldn't hear much under accel but only during hard turning. Replace the axle and it will go away.

the turning could also be a bad alignment.but gsx for a prelude is a good deal anyday

Sorry but no. A bad alignment will not cause any type of clicking while turning or accelerating. It can cause tire wear and the vehicle pulling to one side or the other but the issue is definetly the cv axle.

As for the not rolling back issue, could be any number of things. From clutch adjustment to differentials binding up. It could also be a brake issue if the calipers (or ebrake) are not releasing properly.

Great job on the trade though, I just purchased my first dsm which is also a 97 gsx. Lots of fun so far and only had it for 3 days.

 

[Anubis_4_99]

Its definetly a CV Axle from what you are describing and the picture I saw. The inside boot was completely torn open and thats why the acceleration clicking also. If it was outside boot you ###### wouldn't hear much under accel but only during hard turning. Replace the axle and it will go away.



Sorry but no. A bad alignment will not cause any type of clicking while turning or accelerating. It can cause tire wear and the vehicle pulling to one side or the other but the issue is definetly the cv axle.

As for the not rolling back issue, could be any number of things. From clutch adjustment to differentials binding up. It could also be a brake issue if the calipers (or ebrake) are not releasing properly.

Great job on the trade though, I just purchased my first dsm which is also a 97 gsx. Lots of fun so far and only had it for 3 days.

Sorry but not true, i've had axles with outside boots gone that clicked under accel, otherwise good info.

The main reason i would say alignment has nothing to do with his issue, is the fact that he says it feels like it binds up when he turns tightly, that to me says drivetrain, not suspension.

 

[Rsawd95dsm]

First two things I'd do would be switching the stock airbox to a K&N FIPK and get rid of the chrome projectors and get a nice stock set of 2gb headlights.

Doesnt this guy mean first 3? anyways nice car and yes paint would help alot.

 

[dsm-junkie]

^ thanks for the help guys!! I'm gonna go for an axle repair...I think I'm just gonna do both sides to put that theory to rest!!! I was also thinking it was a drivetrain problem because of the lack of launching! Let's hope that this gets it all fixed!! I also heard a similar knock towards the rear end! Damn I'm having a suspension nightmare! Lol

 

[IrishBeatdown]

Nice - I just picked up a 1997 GSX for 800$ about a week ago. Your interior looks good-a lot better than mine. I think thats why I got it so cheap. Overall looks nice, i love these cars! Congratulations. What are you going to be throwing into your car first?

 

[cj8990]

Id suggest recirculating that blow off valve. and also it looks like you might be missing a few lug nuts get those ASAP.... and awd is completely different then fwd.. the days of holding your e-brake and burning out for 20 minutes are over.

 

[dalesmitsu]

Niice, score. The shakes is your swaybar end links.

I trade you my black center console cup holder for your black center console armrest.

 

[96talontso]

First two things I'd do would be switching the stock airbox to a K&N FIPK and get rid of the chrome projectors and get a nice stock set of 2gb headlights.

x2

Im jealous of your tan interior

 

[Talipse96]

I didn't read all of the posts but you should get matching tires all around on an AWD car. Also your BOV should have its own dedicated line, I use the one off the intake manifold.

 

[1996tsitalon]

the same reason i sad alignment.

 

[dsm-junkie]

Thanks alot guys ^ but first I'm just trying to get everything on the same page! Suspension, motor, then looks! I will try and recirculate my bov as soon as possible the car wont be driven much until I get fix most of the issues!! I'm not trying to burn out at every stop light but I do want to be able to take off fairly quick! I am really looking for the 97 gsx repair manual download! If someone can point me in the right direction I'd really appreciate it!! Thanks guys!!

 

[AK Maniak]

My GSX didn't really roll back either, not sure what exactly was the culprit because I didn't have it long enough to ever really work on it.

 

[dsm-junkie]

Anyone have a link to a repair manual?