95 Eclipse GSX...need advice

[MikeSD]

Hey guys, looking for some advice on what to do with my GSX.
Kind of a long story...sorry.

I am the original owner of a 95 GSX. I did a few mods to it, mostly with Road Race Engineering in Orange County CA. Typical stage one stuff, intake, down pipe, BOV, exhaust, boost controller, shocks, spring, strut tower braces, heavier clutch etc.
It was my daily driver up until 2005 when I bought a truck for work. I had plans to eventually do the next round of upgrades but then life happened (marriage and a kid) and I never got around to it.

Now I have a two year old with some serious medical issues and bills are piling up and I need to do something with it. The car has sat for the past few years in my driveway. I got her running about 6 months ago with a new fuel pump but she still needs some work for sure. Was blowing a lot of white smoke last time it ran, figure turbo or turbo seal was going out. Ran hard and fast though.

The car only has 78,500 miles put on it, all by me.

My dilemma is do I put money (which I don't have much off anymore) into getting it running and sell it, or just sell it as is (and what is it worth). Or put money in it and drive it since it is paid for.

Also anyone in San Diego you guys could recommend to look at this car and maybe give me an estimate to get it back in shape?

any help is appreciated, thanks

 

[clbailey]

If you are in a posistion to keep it and want a DSM I would keep it. There are slim pickings for DSMs like yours, especially being the one and only owner. Post some pics!

If you dont want to worry about 17 year old car issues sell it to a fellow DSMer and pick up another 4g platform maybe EVO 8,9, or X ?

 

[clipto]

Get a walbro 255, ecmlink, 1000cc injectors, and a 16g turbo.Don't forget to do your maintance.

 

[4Lurker4]

I would suggest driving it, everyone needs a fun toy to play with it's what gives us a break on life, even if you're not a kid anymore. Although, considering you have low money to go into it, I'd say just get it running and enjoy, if you manage to save up, mod . Just don't let it engulf your whole life, a 2year old kid is a handful!

 

[mitch rich]

Get a walbro 255, ecmlink, 1000cc injectors, and a 16g turbo.Don't forget to do your maintance.

He asked what he should do with the car. Sell it without fixing it, fixing it and then selling it, or fixing it and just driving it. Wich I would say fix it and then sell it. If you fix it you will get alot more for it and it will be an easier sell. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I am sorry about your child

 

[MikeSD]

My problem is large medical bills for my 2 year old. He has cerebral palsy and some related issues. I am not sure how much it will take to get this thing running reliably again.

Is there a resident guru for 2g's in San Diego that may be willing to take a look at this thing?

 

[clbailey]

Im willing to bet it just needs to be drivin a bit. Take the hot pipe off the turbo and check shaft play, of course with the car off and cold. Also check the intercooler piping for oil residue. Check the plugs. Im just spitting out easy checks to see what the smoke is coming from.

 

[4Lurker4]

My problem is large medical bills for my 2 year old. He has cerebral palsy and some related issues. I am not sure how much it will take to get this thing running reliably again.

Sorry to hear, well in the end of it all it'll depend on what you can manage to utilize for it. If you already have a truck though and if you're capable of (emotionally) getting rid of it, sell the car. If you think that money would be needed for medical purposes in the long run, sell it, you can always find another one later on if things get better. Just make sure to fix it if you do sell it as mentioned above as you'll get more that way as you'll always get buyers wanting the price lowered if things don't work.

 

[MikeSD]

Sorry to hear, well in the end of it all it'll depend on what you can manage to utilize for it. If you already have a truck though and you're capable of (emotionally) getting rid of it, sell the car. If you think that money would be needed for medical purposes in the long run, sell it, you can always find another one later on if things get better. Just make sure to fix it if you do sell it as mentioned above as you'll get more that way as you'll always get buyers wanting the price lowered if things don't work.

thanks

My truck is up for sale, I have to get out from under the payments. 05 Titan.
Once it sells I am trying to decide if I should go buy an econo box and sell the eclipse as well, or get the eclipse running with some of the money and drive it for a year or two.

I know this forum will be slanted towards fixing and keeping the GSX, I do love the car, but I am afraid it will take a couple grand to get running.

I wish I knew someone in San Diego that could take a look at this and give me an idea of cost. Then I could make a more educated decision.

 

[4Lurker4]

Wish I could help but I'm on the other side of the border, far far up north I'm sure someone on here will be willing to give it a look, just give it a bit, one will pop up soon enough.

 

[gofer]

Where in SD do you live? I could come look at it and see what I think, without knowing whats going on its hard to say if its worth fixing/selling or just selling as is. If white smokes coming out the back it could be something that sets you back $100 or $800, if its the head gasket.

Shoot me a PM with details.

 

[MikeSD]

Where in SD do you live? I could come look at it and see what I think, without knowing whats going on its hard to say if its worth fixing/selling or just selling as is. If white smokes coming out the back it could be something that sets you back $100 or $800, if its the head gasket.

Shoot me a PM with details.

thanks a lot, PM otw

these pics where taken in 07, the paint has deteriorated quite a bit since these pictures.
very stock looking GSX as I was going for a sleeper. More go than show.

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[/url] 386030824505 by Mike Murad, on Flickr[/IMG]

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586030824505 by Mike Murad, on Flickr

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996030824505 by Mike Murad, on Flickr

 

[clipto]

He asked what he should do with the car. Sell it without fixing it, fixing it and then selling it, or fixing it and just driving it. Wich I would say fix it and then sell it. If you fix it you will get alot more for it and it will be an easier sell. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I am sorry about your child

I know I was trying to get him to keep it and fix it up and have fun with it.But it does get hard sometimes motavation helps but if anything he more then welcome to sell it.

 

[chadjoe]

I' am sorry about your child as well and i think that you should keep it and fix slowly as most of us with low funds do. and btw i have never seen those polished swirly wheels you have. its a nice look

 

[MikeSD]

I' am sorry about your child as well and i think that you should keep it and fix slowly as most of us with low funds do. and btw i have never seen those polished swirly wheels you have. its a nice look

Thanks, we are waiting to do another test on my kid to see if the new medication is working...I have to come up with a big deductible...which is why I am trying to sell my truck and possibly drive the eclipse.

Those "swirly wheels" came with the car stock...crappy chrome on them though.
I had nice rims and tires but left it over night at my old office and someone decided they needed them more than me and stole them along with my MOMO steering wheel.

 

[MikeSD]

I am at a bit of a loss for words right now.

Corey (Gofer) and Kris (banishedmunk) came over to take a look at my car today to see what it is going to take to get the car running, or if it is even worth getting running.
Mind you this thing has not been registered since 07 and has not run since 2010 and that was only briefly.

I had put a new battery in it yesterday (in preparation for them coming over today) and it turned over for just a second or two and big poof of smoke and died. I figured it is best to wait for the pros to come over and not push it so I didn't try it again.

So they came over and started doing diagnostics Corey has a plug out to check spark and Kris turns it over and some kind of gunk comes flying out and smacks Corey in the face. WTF was that! He was ok and puts the plug back and and Kris just fires it up and the motor starts purring like a kitten.

I am standing there in shock. I cannot belief it just fired up.
Corey hooked up his computer and everything checked out!
Kris checked the turbo and there was no play and the head gasket is good!
The thermostat is probably stuck and it needs all fluids flushed and redone, but the damn thing runs!

There may be an exhaust leak and the water pump might be on its last legs but hell that is nothing compared to what I thought I was in for.

Corey took out my computer and it turns out that my car has the eprom ecu and the LSD diff.

I cannot believe how lucky I feel right now, and with all the bad luck my wife and I have had the past 2 years we really needed it.

I just wanted to publicly thank Kris and Corey for being nice enough to come over on their day off and look at my car. They came over ready and willing to start thrashing on the thing and luckily it was not necessary.

 

[WES_393]

^ Cool stuff man! Kudo's to those guys for coming out and helping you. I hope everything else goes as smoothly as this.

 

[low_n_slow95]

good to hear man! make sure you hop on the maintenance and knock it all out before it comes back and bites you

 

[Abe'sGST]

I am at a bit of a loss for words right now.

Corey (Gofer) and Kris (banishedmunk) came over to take a look at my car today to see what it is going to take to get the car running, or if it is even worth getting running.
Mind you this thing has not been registered since 07 and has not run since 2010 and that was only briefly.

I had put a new battery in it yesterday (in preparation for them coming over today) and it turned over for just a second or two and big poof of smoke and died. I figured it is best to wait for the pros to come over and not push it so I didn't try it again.

So they came over and started doing diagnostics Corey has a plug out to check spark and Kris turns it over and some kind of gunk comes flying out and smacks Corey in the face. WTF was that! He was ok and puts the plug back and and Kris just fires it up and the motor starts purring like a kitten.

I am standing there in shock. I cannot belief it just fired up.
Corey hooked up his computer and everything checked out!
Kris checked the turbo and there was no play and the head gasket is good!
The thermostat is probably stuck and it needs all fluids flushed and redone, but the damn thing runs!

There may be an exhaust leak and the water pump might be on its last legs but hell that is nothing compared to what I thought I was in for.

Corey took out my computer and it turns out that my car has the eprom ecu and the LSD diff.

I cannot believe how lucky I feel right now, and with all the bad luck my wife and I have had the past 2 years we really needed it.

I just wanted to publicly thank Kris and Corey for being nice enough to come over on their day off and look at my car. They came over ready and willing to start thrashing on the thing and luckily it was not necessary.

That's great to hear man! I would go ahead and get started on the maintenance and you should be good to go

 

[MikeSD]

yep going to do that right away, I also need get it insured, smogged and tagged (this may cost a lot).
Need a thermostat and water pump and make sure there is not an exhaust leak. Rotors are really rusted but may clean up and then it should be good functionally. Then need a hood, front bumper and a few little dents pulled, then paint.

I knew there was a reason I held onto this car for so long. Being the original owner and seeing it sit there for years and then fire up and bringing back to life is really cool.

 

[Abe'sGST]

yep going to do that right away, I also need get it insured, smogged and tagged (this may cost a lot).
Need a thermostat and water pump and make sure there is not an exhaust leak. Rotors are really rusted but may clean up and then it should be good functionally. Then need a hood, front bumper and a few little dents pulled, then paint.

I knew there was a reason I held onto this car for so long. Being the original owner and seeing it sit there for years and then fire up and bringing back to life is really cool.

What makes you think the water pump is on it's way out? The thermostat is an easy fix, When you flush your coolants go ahead and replace it. O yea i bet! Just a few odds and ends and you will not regret keeping her! good luck

 

[95TSIBoostin]

this is why i love dsm!!! owner helping owner!! wish you luck man

 

[MikeSD]

need a little more advice and opinions please. (sorry for the long laundry list)
Remember, limited funds and higher priorities than building a rocket ship.

So we have some parts ordered to help get the car running reliably. Water pump, timing "stuff" and flushing all fluids, leak test, compression test etc etc to get it ready for the daily driving. That's is going to be roughly a grand.

I have to deal with registration issues as the car has not been tagged since 07 and I didn't do a non-op on it. Not sure what this will cost. Anyone have experience with this in California?

Next is turning the rotors because the are really rusted and may need new pads. They are dragging right now even when not on the brake pedal. Maybe a few hard stops will grind off the rust and they will be ok, but anticipating having to spend some money here as well.

Rims and Tires:
The tires are shot (dried and cracking and worn) and the stock rims chrome is flaking off pretty bad. Never like chrome anyway. I am trying to decide if buying new rims and tires is worth it, and what the cheapest way to do this. Also if I am going to buy new rims is 17" considered an upgrade or just more rotating weight? Also need decent tires that won't break the bank. I would buy used if I could see them first but have not been able to find any.
OR just buy new tires and put them on my existing rims. maybe have all the chrome blasted off and anodize or powder coat....not sure about that or how much it would cost.

Body and Paint:
The paint is trashed. Clear coat is blistered all over and it looks really bad. It needs a new hood and from bumper cover from a slight fender bender years ago, then few small dings repaired and painted.
What can I expect to pay for some light body work and paint?
How much extra is it typically if you want to change the color of the car...say from red to grey or silver....or is it better just to paint the same color because of jams and engine bay.

In regard to the front bumper cover, I am leaning towards the talon front so I can keep my headlights.
Oh and the headliner if falling off the car, need to deal with that.

then to deal with any gremlins that come up along the way as there inevitably are.

 

[DSMnOOb00]

need a little more advice and opinions please. (sorry for the long laundry list)
Remember, limited funds and higher priorities than building a rocket ship.

So we have some parts ordered to help get the car running reliably. Water pump, timing "stuff" and flushing all fluids, leak test, compression test etc etc to get it ready for the daily driving. That's is going to be roughly a grand.

I have to deal with registration issues as the car has not been tagged since 07 and I didn't do a non-op on it. Not sure what this will cost. Anyone have experience with this in California?

Next is turning the rotors because the are really rusted and may need new pads. They are dragging right now even when not on the brake pedal. Maybe a few hard stops will grind off the rust and they will be ok, but anticipating having to spend some money here as well.

Rims and Tires:
The tires are shot (dried and cracking and worn) and the stock rims chrome is flaking off pretty bad. Never like chrome anyway. I am trying to decide if buying new rims and tires is worth it, and what the cheapest way to do this. Also if I am going to buy new rims is 17" considered an upgrade or just more rotating weight? Also need decent tires that won't break the bank. I would buy used if I could see them first but have not been able to find any.
OR just buy new tires and put them on my existing rims. maybe have all the chrome blasted off and anodize or powder coat....not sure about that or how much it would cost.

Body and Paint:
The paint is trashed. Clear coat is blistered all over and it looks really bad. It needs a new hood and from bumper cover from a slight fender bender years ago, then few small dings repaired and painted.
What can I expect to pay for some light body work and paint?
How much extra is it typically if you want to change the color of the car...say from red to grey or silver....or is it better just to paint the same color because of jams and engine bay.

In regard to the front bumper cover, I am leaning towards the talon front so I can keep my headlights.
Oh and the headliner if falling off the car, need to deal with that.

then to deal with any gremlins that come up along the way as there inevitably are.

I just paid all my back dues from 2009, I didnt nonop my car eaither. Ended up paying something to the tune of $700! That is not a type seven hundered american my firend...

I wouldnt worry about the paint and bumper, you have to get the thing smogged and tagged first.

the headliner is an easy fix, go to autozone and tell them you need headliner spray adhesive, cost like 7$

 

[MikeSD]

ouch I was afraid of that, no way around the non op?

looks like I am keeping my rims as well, and just getting tires.