2G 95 GSX barn find, first steps recommendations

[TC1995]

Trying to save this 1995 manual GSX no sunroof VIN# 0001995 car.

What I know so far, (134,xxx) miles and that the car sat open to the elements with busted driver window for at least past 8+ yrs. It was in an accident obviously and never repaired. Allegedly it was running and driving when it was brought to a shop for repairs. That's basically the full extent of what we know.

I plan to rebuild everything myself, I've had two '95 GSX so I'm decently familiar with the platform but that was 15yrs ago. My goal is to rebuild the car properly (doing necessary things for longevity, rust remediation, prevention, updates etc) to keep it forever as always regretted selling previous ones.

My #1 priority currently is that I want to get the car running and moving under its own power before anything else to fully stress test systems before a full rebuild and teardown.

With such an unknown basket case and sitting for so long I want to see what everyone's thoughts are on priorities to tackle first or in order. Generally this is what I'm thinking right now.

1. Clean everything. Remove debris, dirt, leaves, spare parts, extra wire and cap wires that might be live from hack job splices into harness etc.

2. Document what modifications I can identify such as the A'PEXi controller, turbo, intercooler, any ECU stuff etc.

3. Did already sort of see that engine is free as it seemed to have some compression while in gear rolling vs not in gear.

4. Need to check all fluids (already saw that oil is in there and darker but no immediate red flags)

5. Camera scope all cylinders, intake intercooler, turbo, gas tank, radiator etc.

6. Get a battery and see if we have any power, ensure fuse boxes are getting power, inspect all fuses and relays. Not sure if I should disconnect fuel pump before giving power in likely scenario that crud is in the tank.

7. Provided most things are getting power Code read the car to see if I can glean any info from any past stored codes or history of the car at all.

8. Pull and bench test starter and ignition system, get new plugs and maybe wires

9. Drain gas tank and change oil and other fluids as needed.

10. Test fuel pump and lines, run fresh gas from auxiliary tank if this one is gone

11. Lube oil everything and try to crank?

Definitely missing stuff but this is first draft of what I'm thinking

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[TC1995]

Scratch that we got it!

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Sustained idle some revs time to swap some rims and tires on and try to move it under it's own power to see what is locked up or needs attention.

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[import47]

Just replace the hubs it faster to do that than find out

 

[voodoogsx]

Awesome job so far! I just had to swap out my old fuel pump recently(it died) and missed putting the spacer that goes onto the lower part of the fuel pump neck(part that goes into the fuel pump hanger). It caused the oring to move down and not get full fuel pressure. It sounded a little like your car when you reved it and at idle, with what sounded like sputtering. Not saying it's the same thing, just saying it sounds similar. You also have a lot more stuff at play so it could be unrelated.

 

[TC1995]

Awesome job so far! I just had to swap out my old fuel pump recently(it died) and missed putting the spacer that goes onto the lower part of the fuel pump neck(part that goes into the fuel pump hanger). It caused the oring to move down and not get full fuel pressure. It sounded a little like your car when you reved it and at idle, with what sounded like sputtering. Not saying it's the same thing, just saying it sounds similar. You also have a lot more stuff at play so it could be unrelated.

Hmm interesting, i know my oring into that neck was a bit loose initially but i feel like the bolt at the bottom snugged it up enough, i appreciate the thought though i will deff check pressure if it doesnt continue to clean up each time it starts cause that would be very tricky to know to check without your comments. I think its mostly just gunk and IAC valve but we will see, once i can bring it up to temp safely and idle for several minutes then rev and or drive under load a bit i think ill get a bit more idea, appreciate it!

Just replace the hubs it faster to do that than find out

Lol if i had the money to do all 4 i might but trying to just slowly and methodically go through broken stuff first then once car is together and driving good upgrade or fix things that break as i go

 

[voodoogsx]

I had a bad IAC a long time ago and the symptoms were a little different from my recollection...I had a high idle that never really went back down, I think around 1100. Like I said, I only mentioned the fuel pump thing as it was fresh in my mind and sounded familiiar. I took mine apart only because I had just worked on it....and I had a minor leak I needed to address(custom hose I needed to tighten up) These cars can be such a pain, but when they run right, man do they sound beautiful....