95 TSi AWD

[SKISSI01]

I am going to look at a 95 TSi AWD with 80k miles and the following mods:

Mods (all have less than 1500 miles on them)
* Act 2600 clutch
*Magnecore 8.5mm wires
*RnR 3inch turbo back exhaust.
Dsm performance 3inch intake
* Pte 50 trim turbo (external gate)
3inch tubular o2 with 35mm turbonetics evolution wastegate mounted to it.
Walbro 255 lph fuel pump
* FIC 650 injectors
*aeromotive a1000 fuel pressure regulator
* Spearco FMIC ( cant think of the dimensions)
* Dsmlink v2

One question I had was how easy the headgaskets blow on these cars with 18 psi on the setup listed above. Are these cars semi-reliable, I have heard that they aren't very reliable but could have been a biased source. Thanks, really appreciate all the feedback I can get.

 

[president95]

These cars are reliable as long as theyre maintained properly. Its people that do 7k clutch drops while not having changed their oil in forever, then something breaks, then they blame it on the car (or something like that). Of course when you mod things, there's always a greater possibility for something to break, because it's being pushed harder than it was designed to. 18psi on a 50 trim? That *shouldn't* blow a head gasket.

 

[Newlogics]

I am going to look at a 95 TSi AWD with 80k miles and the following mods:

Mods (all have less than 1500 miles on them)
* Act 2600 clutch
*Magnecore 8.5mm wires
*RnR 3inch turbo back exhaust.
Dsm performance 3inch intake
* Pte 50 trim turbo (external gate)
3inch tubular o2 with 35mm turbonetics evolution wastegate mounted to it.
Walbro 255 lph fuel pump
* FIC 650 injectors
*aeromotive a1000 fuel pressure regulator
* Spearco FMIC ( cant think of the dimensions)
* Dsmlink v2

One question I had was how easy the headgaskets blow on these cars with 18 psi on the setup listed above. Are these cars semi-reliable, I have heard that they aren't very reliable but could have been a biased source. Thanks, really appreciate all the feedback I can get.

Proper tuning is key. I've delt with blow HGs on cars running 16G @ 14psi, while others run 28psi on 60-1 all day. Besides, why guess. You should have no problem determining if the head gasket is blown.
And to answer your question, No, head gasket is not that easy to blow in these cars. At least I would not single it out as a 'common problem'.

 

[SKISSI01]

Thanks alot guys for the quick response, I printed out the tips on what to look for when buying a DSM so I will go through that list before purchasing the car. I totally understand what you are saying reguarding the 7k launches and the maintenance. I am going to look at it today so I hope all go's well.

 

[16vdohcturboawd]

Thanks alot guys for the quick response, I printed out the tips on what to look for when buying a DSM so I will go through that list before purchasing the car. I totally understand what you are saying reguarding the 7k launches and the maintenance. I am going to look at it today so I hope all go's well.

Be sure to look it over well. If youre worried about the engine ask the guy if you can do a compression test, the plugs on these cars are so easy to get at you might as well if the owner will let you, its just cheap insurance.
Look at the timing belts condition and all the fluids. These cars are reliable if taken care of but alot of kids own them and pound the hell of out of them, especially modified ones because there "like super fast yo". Ask the owner if he has a maintenence log and make sure the basics have been done.
Good luck,


troy

 

[Newlogics]

Be sure to look it over well. If youre worried about the engine ask the guy if you can do a compression test, the plugs on these cars are so easy to get at you might as well if the owner will let you, its just cheap insurance.
Look at the timing belts condition and all the fluids. These cars are reliable if taken care of but alot of kids own them and pound the hell of out of them, especially modified ones because there "like super fast yo". Ask the owner if he has a maintenence log and make sure the basics have been done.
Good luck,


troy

Buying a car without a compression test is just silly alltogether.

 

[SKISSI01]

The owner has said he has a log of all the maintenance, I am going to look at it tomorrow so I will check it out, he said the timing belt was changed at 60 some thousand miles. Could I get it compression tested at just any shop?

 

[diablos991]

Its easy to do a compression test. Just rent a compression tester from your local shop or autozone and follow these steps. (http://www.dsmgrrrl.com/FAQs/compression.htm)

 

[Newlogics]

The owner has said he has a log of all the maintenance, I am going to look at it tomorrow so I will check it out, he said the timing belt was changed at 60 some thousand miles. Could I get it compression tested at just any shop?

And do a timing beltjob after you buy it. Don't put it off.

P.S. I'd also have crank's lateral movement measured just to be safe, but at least make sure clutch pedal doesn't become too soft every time you make a right turn. Better be safe then stuck with worthless crankwalked engine.

 

[SKISSI01]

How much would it cost (roughly) for a shop to put in a new timing belt? And also whats the most boost i could run safely on this setup?

 

[Newlogics]

How much would it cost (roughly) for a shop to put in a new timing belt? And also whats the most boost i could run safely on this setup?

Most shops around here charge from $180 to $250 for a labor, Parts are extra.

No answer to your second question. Tuning is everything. It can safely run 20psi, or knock at 12psi. Depends on how good (if at all) it's tuned.
It comes with DSMlink, so why guess. See what you can get away with without knock.

 

[SKISSI01]

Thanks guys, you guys have been a big help in my decision. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[SKISSI01]

I checked it out today, pulled hard to the right when you let your hands off the steering wheel. Catback was dinged up, not in the best of shape. I think I am going to look for a different car, but I have a great respect for your cars and know with correct treatment and mods they are monsters. Thanks for all the help on this decision.

P.S. --- If I do see a clean DSM I will definetly consider