1st Post , simple question, tried search.

[3kGtJames]

Hello everyone !

Clearly I'm new here... Let me tell you all something about myself.

My friend had a DSM 10 years ago (Talon TSI w/ upgraded turbo and bolt ons)
I loved it, and decided I was going to get one. 3 years ago I started searching for a TSI or GSX. Never did find the right one for me.

I ended up with a pearl white 93 VR4. Low miles, good condition close to stock. I have loved it ! My only issue is that I'm driving it as a DD and just killing it, things are needing more attention that I can give as I cant put it up for the weeks to work on it.

So .... This brings me to now, I'm again looking for a DSM , cheap Turbo and not destroyed to be a quick, fuel efficient DD. I also want my wife to be able to drive it, she is intimidated by the VR4 and I don't want her to wrap it around a tree

I have found a 95 Eclipse GS-T, w/ 100k pics looks good, haven't driven yet, will tomorrow. Price is on point with what I want to spend.

Here's my problem, the one I found is an Automatic.. I've never had turbo automatic before. I'm wondering weather or not I should keep looking for a manual. I love stick for the ability to control gears, however, I'm sure my wife would prefer auto.

I would appreciate some feedback on the choice. How sporty are the automatics? Do they even compare to the standards in terms of boost and winding out gears on high RPM rolls. I wouldn't race per say, I have the VR4 for that, however I do get competitive on the road.

 

[DSM Boosted]

I've always said if I was going to make a seriously fast DSM, I would want an auto, like stated above they are pretty stout and can take a beating surprisingly. I say go for it man, I'm sure the wife will love it..

 

[jed344]

my buddy has a 92 TSI with 14b turbo intake full exhaust fuel mods auto tranny and i will agree it pulls very nice my car has almost same mods cept 97 5spd same turbo same boost and they are very close. auto doesnt seem to hold him back at all if any helps him

 

[3kGtJames]

That's great to know, thanks.. Hopefully people are still checking this thread because I have another question..

I'm going out to test drive the one I'm looking at either today or tomorrow. Other than the normal Fluid levels, tire wear and physical condition, what should I be looking for.

Are there any common scams people run with these like over filling the oil to hide lifter tick or anything?
Are there any strange things that the Autos do? Do they bang gears at all do they kick when they shift or do they transition like butter?

When you mash it and the tranny downshifts does it build RPM and then bang in or should it be seameless?

 

[Tanro]

Do a compression test.
Check Wheel Bearings and Brake Pad Wear.
Check CV Axel boots.
Check the oil cap o-ring these go bad a lot.
Check for oil leaking around the VC.
Sniff the coolant overflow for that gas smell that indicates a leaky head gasket.
Do a couple of full boost pulls to check for bucking/jumping/stuttering.
Smell around the base of the center console towards the firewall for a fishy smell. - Bad Caps on the ecu.

 

[3kGtJames]

Awesome man, thanks!

 

[Tanro]

Some people make the manual transmissions sound weaker than they are. A Shep Stage III will hold all day on a 10-11 second car.

Yes but, that not a cheap rebuild. And you still break diffs, shread clutches, snap axels etc etc.

The way an auto fuctions (torque convertor) puts much less stress on the driveline over all, and you can do 11-10 sec pas on a stock auto.