2g non turbo questions

[j_biggz]

I am a 2g tsi owner looking at a 2g nt 98 eclipse for my wife. Being that I don't know much about the 420a motors I am looking for some advice from the community. I know they are what I like to call " false advertisement " to our turbo cars but she would look good behind the wheel and I am familiar with most of it. its got 160k on it and no mods at all. Cant say how well its been taken care of but from appearances it looks very clean. Anyone with any experience or knowledge feel free to leave me some feed back. Thanks in advance.

 

[blindboarder_02]

Compression, leak down tests and suspension inspection. Most 2gnt's I see are abused. Headgaskets are a paper type material from factory and usually need to be replaced around the 160k mark. The automatic transmission (A604) is notorious for blowing the carriers out. Other than that the 420a is a reliable SOB. Ive driven my 420a's for a while and with the right maintenance they will last a while. People on here can say what they want about the 420a but it is a reliable motor.

 

[chinexican]

The 420a is very reliable motor if you keep up with the maintenance just like any other car. It gets pretty good gas mileage. Without mods, it can last you quite awhile. My first major problem was when i refused to pay attention to my timing belt pulley bearings yelling at me. When they finally gave, i had to rebuild my head. Other than that, it's been minor problems... even with my mods.

 

[so-this-is-dsm]

No complaints here, slow and great on gas!

 

[j_biggz]

Thanks everyone. Ill probably pick it up

 

[so-this-is-dsm]

Thanks everyone. Ill probably pick it up

Is it a 5 speed?

 

[j_biggz]

Yes it is

 

[Mrmasonn]

Compression, leak down tests and suspension inspection. Most 2gnt's I see are abused. Headgaskets are a paper type material from factory and usually need to be replaced around the 160k mark. The automatic transmission (A604) is notorious for blowing the carriers out. Other than that the 420a is a reliable SOB. Ive driven my 420a's for a while and with the right maintenance they will last a while. People on here can say what they want about the 420a but it is a reliable motor.

i say buy it. i have a 5 speed at 160,000 right now. its running pretty good it had a couple of leaks by the axle. lucky for me they were just seals and my machanic fixed it for $200 with an oil change

and is the headgasket thing a real known problem? should i change mine?

sorry for posting a question on here i just saw this and had to ask

 

[96' Eclipse GS]

Like everyone else said, "It's a good and clean ride." Like mine is and what i got into was my bad with the electrical problem, but so far...not to bad....just saying!...i do plan on someday moving up to something better on the trim level...and keeping the "GS"....but it's good so far.

 

[blindboarder_02]

i say buy it. i have a 5 speed at 160,000 right now. its running pretty good it had a couple of leaks by the axle. lucky for me they were just seals and my machanic fixed it for $200 with an oil change

and is the headgasket thing a real known problem? should i change mine?

sorry for posting a question on here i just saw this and had to ask

Head gaskets are always something to pay attention to when they get that old.

Stock Head Gasket picture by blindboarder_02 - Photobucket

This is the stock gasket from my 98' in the bottom left corner you can see where it really went bad. Its a little discolored and brown from oil burn and coolant exposure.

Chrysler 1.8, 2.0 & 2.4 engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This explains the reason why they usually failed prematurely. Hope this helps

Also, since it's a N/T - you will have rather cheap insurance. Another bonus to the platform

 

[Mrmasonn]

Solid! thanks for your help

 

[phunny]

Just know that you'll have another 5-800 in maintenance and repairs but after that she should be a dream.

 

[ModRacerDSM]

I just picked up my first 420a recently. Haven't had problems with it yet only complaint is that it isn' the fastest car in the world. Great on gas though.

 

[Thugmaster1220]

Deffinitly not the fastest car out there!!! They are great on gas, i get 30mph and its running 170K and counting!

Replaced a clutch but engine and trans still goin strong

 

[blindboarder_02]

I could say what I get for mileage but no one would believe me. I have the EGR blocked off, wrapped headers w/full exhaust, and put 91-93 octane with 0% ethanol to get a nice 40+ mpg Talon. I'm not a fan of the deposits that ethanol leaves in the engine or the fuel filter. Thats why I dont use it at all


But I drove to Milwaukee and back from Eau Claire (4 hrs there and 4 hrs back) and used less than $50 in gas.

 

[97420aNT]

with my experience with the 420a i love the motor. it can with stand some boost and it is relativley easy and cheap to fixe items. you can find used motors for under 500 and that will ###### come with a trans.

 

[RogueAngel]

They make good daily drivers if you keep up with maintenance, especially the timing belt. It must be replaced every 60,000 miles.

I've had mine since Aug 1994 with 213,000 miles on it now. I don't see any other cars out there that I would give it up for. Well at least anything under $70K.