completely stock 97 gsx looking to modify

[REDgsx97]

I have an all stock 97 gsx i just bought and am looking to do some modifications to it. Where should I start?

 

[Type1DSMr]

Start with maintenance first and the search function. Do a lot of research. Also these cars require a lot of attention especially on maintenence so be prepared to learn how work on them or it's gotta be pricey. Good luck and welcome.

 

[952g63t]

I have an all stock 97 gsx i just bought and am looking to do some modifications to it. Where should I start?

Congrats, and welcome!

What's the previous history? Any current issues? What do you want out of the car?

 

[Chumpaumpalumpa]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/dsm-maintenance-guide.476550/
Edit: http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-dsm-upgrade-paths.486217/
Tah-Dah! and welcome to the forums.

 

[synthetek]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-dsm-upgrade-paths.486217/

 

[Chumpaumpalumpa]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-dsm-upgrade-paths.486217/

That's what I meant thanks

 

[2gGst98]

Hey chumba
To OP Welcome to tuners.

What kind of shape is the car in? Do you know the maintenance history?

Best thing I did was my new timing belt the day I got the car, along with NGK plugs wires and new fuel filter. Would start with that if hasn't been done or you don't know when it has been done.

Then Boost leak test, if that is fine pull the restricter out of factory boost control solenoid. That can be found in the above link. After that a nice exhaust. After that, is the question what do you want/expect from the car?

 

[Dfw_Dsm]

agreed with the above, first thing should be taking care of the maintenance, then follow the upgrade paths for your car, they work well. Had my dsm about 2 months now and and followed the upgrade paths and can't complain one bit about the car. If your not familiar with what your doing there probably are a few tech articles already up on how to do said work correctly. and welcome btw!

 

[Jdevil187]

auto?

 

[Rev_olution]

Boost Controller and blow it up! Just kidding, I'm new to the platform myself, but us Evo guys usually check our cylinder pressure, fuel boost etc numbers, and then get it re-tuned. Expect to pay 4-600 for all of this at a notable shop.

 

[JackStieben]

Perform all your necessary maintenance before you modify anything. It's going to depend on what you want to do with it, but an aftermarket boost gauge (the stock one on the cluster is shit) and a manual boost controller is a good start for everything.

 

[REDgsx97]

Congrats, and welcome!

What's the previous history? Any current issues? What do you want out of the car?

car bought from southern virginia from dealership, don't really know much more than that. it has a bad clutch so putting a new one in this weekend, and hoping to build the car up to 300 350 ft - lbs of torque over this next winter.

 

[REDgsx97]

Perform all your necessary maintenance before you modify anything. It's going to depend on what you want to do with it, but an aftermarket boost gauge (the stock one on the cluster is sh**) and a manual boost controller is a good start for everything.

What brand of manuel boost controller do you recommend?

 

[REDgsx97]

auto?

standard shift!

 

[REDgsx97]

car bought from southern virginia from dealership, don't really know much more than that. it has a bad clutch so putting a new one in this weekend, and hoping to build the car up to 300 350 ft - lbs of torque over this next winter.

Thats my end game! I don't plan on trying to get their over just one winter. ha

 

[REDgsx97]

Thanks for all the great advice and help everyone! once i get my clutch fixed ill take it to my local import shop, Puretuning, and get all my maintenance checks done!

 

[REDgsx97]

Bought a nsx mbc. would you recommend a aftermarket boost gauge as well?

 

[2gGst98]

Yea of your going to be messing with boost, you need to know what your at. But with that little t25 you should be fine at any.

I just pulled off my vacuum hose to to waste gate and ran 10 1/8 mile runs with it spiking to 18psi then dropping to 12 quickly then to 8 at 6200. trying to blow it up before I installed my 16g that was bad from the get go. (Was told different when I bought it ) so I'm on my 14b my buddy gave me when he got his 20g. But basicallyYES get a boost gauge. Extremepsi is where I got mine.

But you said you got it in souther. VA from dealer, and that's all you know about it. Do you know the maintenance of the car or have you done any? Timing belt is a need if not sure and you haven't. Compression test is always good for you to know how strong you are.

 

[2gGst98]

Man spell check is changing my words.

I meant if your messing with boost at all you need one.

Also southern VA. Sorry

 

[Black95TSIawd]

You absolutely need a boost gauge. I would not install the MBC without it.

First mod you should do is READ. Read these forums, or others, and learn as much as possible. You should want to understand what is changing on your car, even if you are paying a professional to do the work. Also, research shops. Not all are the same and not all do good work.

Last, take your time. If this is your first DSM, you're going to think the car is a rocket with just your basic, intake, mbc, turboback. Build it up progressively and don't over do it. Too many people throw so much $$ on a car and then end up parting it out before they could enjoy it.

 

[JackStieben]

Bought a nsx mbc. would you recommend a aftermarket boost gauge as well?

Yes, definitely get a boost gauge. I have a hallman mbc, those seem to get a lot of love and I've had zero problems with mine. Pretty much any boost gauge will work too, I'm using an autometer mechanical boost gauge. A boost gauge is a good investment for any DSM as you can check to make sure your turbo system is running properly. It's good to know that everything is ship shape before modding.

 

[iloveboost]

If you haven't actually purchased the clutch yet I would consider getting a better one than stock or you may be putting in another clutch sooner than you like. I would consider an ACT2100 or 2600 based on your HP goals. Might save you money later. ACT clutch kits are on sale at Extreme PSI right now or you might find a decent one in good condition here in the classifieds for less.

 

[REDgsx97]

I have a buddy at work who knows just about everything to know about engines and is very familiar with turbo engines. He's been working with me one my car and teaching me and he told me not to install the mbc till I have a boost and a lambda/airfuel gauge as well. I was told to join a forum like this to asking questions and read as much as i can about dsm engines.

 

[REDgsx97]

Do you need need evo 8 valve seats when upgrading to evo 8 springs and retainers!? Please need advice cant find answer thru Google

 

[keltalon]

Do you need need evo 8 valve seats when upgrading to evo 8 springs and retainers!? Please need advice cant find answer thru Google

No the seat are the same diameter. The retainer is a different story.