2G Buying my first tsi

[StanleyDSM]

So I'm looking at trading my spyder for a 95 eagle Talon tsi fwd. But the thing is he said number 1 cylinder has 20psi for compression and that he thinks its the piston rings. And he also said that he put a 1st gen cam sensor and crank on it and that it misfires. I'm going next weekend to do a leak down test on it. But I thought I'd get your opinions. By the way ik it looks rough but I wrap cars for a living so the body isn't no problem. Lol

 

[ajcavanah]

What condition is your spyder in ? Why are you interested in trading a fwd convertible for another fwd ? It looks like an Eclipse. O I see the Talons a turbo , spyders na.

 

[PlanZero]

Not sure what condition your Spyder is in, but I wouldn't trade a running car for a non running car any day. Especially one in that shape. If your n/t Spyder is in comparable condition, and if you want to do a rebuild, go for it. Just a shame he ruined another Tsi with an eclipse conversion.

 

[StanleyDSM]

It was apparently like that when I bought it. But here in NC 4g63 is hard to find for cheap, and I don't have much in my spyder. Plus it come with three complete short blocks and a bunch of other things. But what do you all think of what it might be?

 

[StanleyDSM]

I know the misfire is more than likely caused by the cam sensor and the plugs probably didn't get switched. But I have no idea about the low compression on cylinder one.

 

[PlanZero]

It very well could be piston ring. Either way it'll probably need a rebuild. How far are you from Kannapolis? Miller import parts is Mecca for 4g63s!

 

[StanleyDSM]

I'm pretty far from there, And there prices to me on engines are a bit ridiculous.and I'm cool with rebuilding it. Oh and here's some screen shots of what he said.

 

[cmehlxl]

Wouldn't be comfortable buying or trading for that car it If it was me or any of my friends. But if you're just looking to have another car and don't care if it runs go ahead.

When I hear words like "dead cylinder" & "missfire" & "popping a piston" coupled with "gotta love turbos L. O.L" ... that's usually a red flag.

 

[cmehlxl]

if he rebuilt the engine and it pooped after 400 miles It makes it hard to believe everything else is 100%.. He's probably misdiagnosing whatever is wrong with cylinder 1.

If the lack of a correct knock sensor is Causing driving issues who knows what damaged the actual knock has caused while driving w/o correct sensor. He rebuilt the motor but can't change the sensor even though he already had the part? Shady.

 

[StanleyDSM]

Yeah I mean I have a dd so I'm not worried about that. I know its shady, its the best deal I can find around here with out paying 4k for a fwd gst. Lol and if it helps hr apparently comes from a Honda background.

 

[StanleyDSM]

Gotta save the dsm from being buried. Lol

 

[Type1DSMr]

Honestly, that car is a pos and probably should be buried. If you think 4k is too much for a fwd; just wait until you see how much it cost to fix that talon (fwd) in to just a so-so car. You should save your money and buy a good one to save, when you can afford it. However, it's your money and decision. We've all learned from our mistakes buying a lemon. Goodluck!

 

[StanleyDSM]

You know its like I said I'm going to rebuild the motor and wrap the car for sure. I'm just trying to see what you all think is wrong with it.

 

[StanleyDSM]

I just much rather pay 900 and spend 2k and have all the suspension replaced with oem and have the engine rebuilt. And then wrap the car in whatever color for 60$. Lol

 

[Type1DSMr]

The old saying,"You can wrap a piece of crap with gold but it's still a piece of crap."

However, if your dead set on it make an actual cost guide for all the parts you will need. Just the suspension for control arms, tie-rods, etc will be close to 1k for all oem. That's not including struts or springs yet. Be careful if you choose to go cheap on which ones are good and which are not.

I think most people have already answered it for what wrong...the whole engine. Anyone who runs without any timing covers (mainly the middle and bottom) doesn't care about their engine. Also, have to check out the trans, clutch, and all the accessories like the cooling system, etc. Judging from the body, I would expect there to be a lot of hidden rust underneath.

Also, factor in the machine cost for the block and head and all the bolts too. Bolts and gaskets will add to several hundred dollars alone.

 

[StanleyDSM]

I guess I'll save 5k and buy a gst or gsx. Then spend more and do the same thing to it down the road. Screw it why not?

 

[chrysler kid]

I wouldn't do it. Save up and build the spyder. If you have to ask us about what's wrong with it, then you are already in way over your head.

 

[StanleyDSM]

I didn't know that asking for other people's opinions about what's wrong with it means I don't know anything about what I'm doing. Lol but okay.

 

[PlanZero]

Both of my Tsis were bone stock. I paid $2500 for one and $2000 for the other, but it took about a year to find each one and several hours of driving, but totally worth it. Be patient, save your money, and keep checking craigslist. 90% of the time buying a DSM with any work done to it except for the basics (intake,exhaust, bpv) is a recipe for disaster and frustration.
In fact I've had my eye on a stock garage kept 95 Tsi in NJ. Price dropped to $2900, which means they'll probably take 2300 cash, blue book value. My GF will kill me.

 

[Type1DSMr]

Yeah I don't agree with that statement about you not knowing what your doing. I assumed you would be doing all the work, as most dsmers like too. However, maybe not fully aware of the costs. Maybe check into getting a shell or a good quality build. Since you said there isn't any good options around you try expanding your search. A few monthes ago, I drove from IN to GA to look at a 65k gsx and it was a pos. So I drove back home empty handed, but was only out a 100 dollars for gas verses 5500.

 

[StanleyDSM]

See that's what I'm saying though.either way if its 100miles down the road or 30k down the road. Your gonna have to rebuild the engine if it hasn't already. I don't know though. I guess my jew blood want let me spend that much, Lol. and type1DSMr I wasn't meaning you in the comment I was talking to chysler kid.

 

[Type1DSMr]

See that's what I'm saying though.either way if its 100miles down the road or 30k down the road. Your gonna have to rebuild the engine if it hasn't already. I don't know though. I guess my jew blood want let me spend that much, Lol. and type1DSMr I wasn't meaning you in the comment I was talking to chysler kid.

I know you weren't talking to me. I was adding my thoughts on it. Also, you may not always have to rebuild the engine if the po did or at least taken care of it. I paid over 6k for my tsi; however, it had a 2 year build thread on here and was all rebuilt to stock besides arp head studs, Evo springs and valves, etc. Only had 57k orginal miles as well. Today it has 65k with 175psi across the board with about 6k worth of upgrades.

 

[StanleyDSM]

See I can understand paying that much for that. Because you have proof of everything and you know what's went on with it.

 

[cmehlxl]

$800 For pistons/rods/bearings/hardware
$290 to remachine cylinders
$150 for gaskets/bolts
$150 in tools
That's all stock knock offs.. Times total by 1.5 for legit oem parts. And by 2.5 for name brand performance Parts.

I paid 2,500 For my running tsi that Didn't need it's engine rebuilt, I don't plan on rebuilding it. So no, it's not "everyone rebuilds their engine at some point." argument.

If he's including 2 other engines in the deal and doesn't have a working car, those parts are probable Shit too.. So you'll have to rebuy those parts anyways. Good luck though, hope you have a service manual!

 

[cmehlxl]

Can't vinyl wrap rust or an engine