98 GSX Advice before purchase

[Zonnashi]

Post turned out longer than expected, sorry.

I'm looking to buy a 98 GSX, general info is as follows, 122k , asking 5000, kbb for good is 4.2 (going to try and talk down closer to this). This isn't the part i need advice concerning. There are a few things put into it (quote from ad "mods are big 16g,FMIC with 3in piping all the way to TB. Full 3in exhaust system apex-i gt spec cat delete. Greddy turbo timer. 255 walbro fuel pump not yet installed along with a high flow fuel rail and fuel pressure regulator. "), but he said there is a misfire ("The bad, I'be been working on a stpuid misfire that wont go away!! It has new plugs,wire, and coils.").

My question is, should I still consider getting this, or for a first time dsm could this lead to pandora's box? I have done some reading around on here and saw a few things, but decided I'd ask since I have no experience to make a sound conclusion of my own.

"After a while it only happens to me when I hit the highway. When it does happen I take it out of gear and let it idel down, than put it back in gear. I haven't had it misfire on me in city driving." Was the response when I asked him about the symptoms of the misfire. When I read a something posted by And_44 , it leads me to think there is a chance it's the Alternator. ("This hit me like a ton of bricks. The Alternator is a mass of coils that when cool are fine, but when heated they expands and can cause lose of contacts/charge, and it quickly cools when car is not running, then quickly reheats.")

Of course there are other things I can't rule out either, but is this a place i should start or something else, (DSM link, pot mod?) seeing as there is new plugs, wires, and coils.

(I personally am not familiar with DSM's , but a friend of mine has one and has some experience with it and DSM link, and a lifelong mechanic for a father. I'm more than willing to learn, and don't want to get in over my head, which this doesn't seem, but rather be safe and ask those who know.)

Thank you for your help in advance.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Five seems a bit to me, it could be some work to find the problem is it worth it to you, is the question.

 

[Zonnashi]

He also is including a 6 bolt block hes been working on. I agree it seems a littke much.

 

[Khadaw66]

Five is actually a fair price for a "perfectly running" 98 gsx. Remember that vehicles sell by popularity instead of actual kbb (ex. Supras....not $30-40k according to kbb but people will pay that still) Defanitely want the misfire fixed before purchasing for that much. I'm just curious why it has a big 16g without any upgrades on fuel. No injectors or pump not installed. Hope this helps.

 

[Boston]

simple and best answer:

Have a shop or a mechanic you trust look it over. Most good performance shops, even garages will do a look over for cheap (even a local pepboys will do it for $50,) well worth confirming a several thousand dollar investment, or saving you from thousands in headaches and repairs.

If the seller agress to meet you there and have it looked over, you are all set. If they balk, don't walk, jog away. Jog because either they will agree to lower the price, or because if they are hiding something they won't go after you.

GL!

 

[Zonnashi]

Thank you for the input thus far. Communication has been via email, I asked him if i could get it into a shop to have a check up done, waiting on reply. The timing belt i found out has about 50k miles on it if that means anything.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Timing belt does he have reciepts, if it hasnt i would replace it and the components, youll find with any car things are going to need to be replaced eventually but thats one of the big ones.

 

[Two4 Stroke Her]

i have a 95 gsx with a 6 bolt, all 2gs have an ignitor, my car used to misfire randomly when it got hot, all it was is the connector to the ignitor was not connected properly, just check if the connector is broken, i used a zip tie on mine and the car ran fine.

 

[Zonnashi]

iugrad: Yeah, it seems best to just replace the timing belt quickly should i get it, eliminate the it as either a suspect or fault, and needs to be done anyways.

Two4: I'll make sure to look into that.

 

[92AWDHX40]

IF you feel its worth it get it then deal with the other stuff along the way at least you have the car. When i get my next dsm i wont care because its going to be started from scrtacht if i get a 2g it will be a six bolt swap.

 

[Zonnashi]

I'm trying to set up a meeting tomorrow to see the car. From conversation it sounds like the misfire is just random after driving for a while.