A few questions/concerns from a New DSM'er

[AlbusAngelus]

Hello all. I am thinking about buying a 1995 Eclipse GST from someone and have a few general questions/concerns. I hope someone here could help me out. First I'll give a run-down of the car to the best of my ability. It's a 95 GST like I said.. 140K on car.. 12K on rebuilt bottom-end (6-bolt 1st gen), less than 5K on rebuilt top-end (1st gen), Crower Rods, Garrett T4 Turbo, custom downpipe and exhaust, racing header (not sure name looks expensive..), Turbo Timer and controller, Skunk2 adjustable suspension, 17's and new racing tires, custom intercooler (not sure dimensions but very large - said round $800 for it), Aftermarket cams (not sure who's), Aftermarket racing clutch (again not sure brand), 15K on a rebuilt tranny, (double wrapped syncro's 1st-3rd, and a LSD), and a few other small odds and ends. He's asking $2500ish (workable) for the car. Only problem is its got 2 blown pistons (JE) and a warped cylinder head. I work at engine re-manufacturing plant so rebuilding the engine is no deal at all.. so I guess I have 2 questions/concerns that I'm finally getting to.

1. Is the car worth $2000-$2500 in the condition it is in?
2. This Crankwalk issue... is this car safe from it b/c of the rebuilt bottom-end? and if not what can be done to prevent the problem?

Oh, and the body is in perfect shape, not a scratch, ding, or dent on it.. no rust, no chips, it looks new. (If that helps the value issue at all.) Oh, and I also know the car was running in the low 12's (partly modded, no turbo upgrade yet) and while shifting at 5,500k (due to a another problem that was resolved) he ran a 13.2 with it (fully modded)

I know it's kinda a stupid question, the value one, but I just wanted a few opinions. As far as I'm concerned it sounds like a deal but I'm not very experianced with the scene yet and don't want to throw myself into something to costly... (I know round what the engine will cost) As for the crankwalk issue... I know it has been beat to death but I haven't seen any way to solve the problem posted as of yet... (maybe I haven't looked hard enough?) This is what I'm really concerned about.

Well thanks in advance and all feedback would be welcome.
-Steven

 

[fastalon82]

well as far as the crankwalk issue, you will have no concerns about this, crankwalk only usually happens on 7 bolts but as you said this guy took the liberty of putting in a six bolt, eliminating about 99% chance of getting crankwalk. As far as it being worth it, Id say if everything works like windows, locks, air ect. and the interior and exterior is clean and straight, then Id say yes. You just have to be willing to put it in the shop and have the engine rebuilt. Also, if you do get it, once its rebuilt and running, get some sort of fuel control and GET IT TUNED. There is obviously some reason (heat) that 2 JE Pistons blew and the head warped.

 

[president95]

If theres a 6 bolt in there, it wont crank walk. There certainly seems to be a lot put into this car, and the guy is probably taking a big loss on it. So if you feel like its worth that, then go for it.

 

[AlbusAngelus]

Like I said I can rebuild the engine at my workplace so that's not a problem. Thank you for the answer to the crankwalk issue that resolves that... and makes me feel 1001% percent better about buying it. I do know it comes with the A/C compresser but it's removed due to some mod... he said I'd have to fabricate a way to get it in there... not really an issue to me though. Thanks for your help like I said... you've pretty much answered my main concern and my post was only up for about 3 minutes! ! ! !

-Steven

Also to reduce the heat problem could I just run the boost lower? I'm really not looking to drag it or anything like he did... just maybe street race it once in a while.

 

[Synapses]

Have you done searches on the dreaded "Crankwalk"? Of course not, had you done so you would have noticed that the chances of this actually happening are slim. And seeing that you work where you do you should know yourself if it is worth it to get this car because you work in the field of the very question your asking So it looks good, you know whats wrong with it and are very capable of fixing it, then yes you should get it!

 

[ddavisaf]

Sounds like he was running to much race gas. One thing you'll want to invest in is either DSM Link or a Logger. You'll be able to monitor engine performance and lack there of with either one.

 

[AlbusAngelus]

Have you done searches on the dreaded "Crankwalk"? Of course not, had you done so you would have noticed that the chances of this actually happening are slim. And seeing that you work where you do you should know yourself if it is worth it to get this car because you work in the field of the very question your asking So it looks good, you know whats wrong with it and are very capable of fixing it, then yes you should get it!

Just because I work in the field, doesn't mean I know this is worth it. I'm very new to the tuning and know little to nothing about engines. I know people that would be able to help with the rebuild.. that is all. Thanks for the opinion though... and I think with the responses I've got so far.... I'm gonna call the guy...

-Steven