CrackedDSM's boring new project (420a)

[CrackedDSM]

Hey at least you’re still turning wrenches! That’s half the fun of owning a dsm

True. And learning new stuff. Which is just as fun to me. It’s all new and exciting.

 

[CrackedDSM]

More good news, I bought the upper transmission bracket that I needed. So that's two out of three.

For the rear transmission bracket, the automatic bracket looks SUPER close to the manual one, just modified a bit. I am 100% tempted to buy the automatic rear bracket and cut it. Maybe get a local to tac weld in a brace and to move one of the bolt ears up. It looks legitimately like that's what MOPAR did for the rear transmission bracket for the NVT-350. Just used an automatic rear bracket, cut it, welded in a brace to make up for the cutting, and moved the ear up a bit.

Even with two bolts though, I bet it'd be plenty strong. The 420a isn't exactly a torque monster and powerhouse from the factory.

We'll see! In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for a 2G 420a M/T rear trans bracket por favor.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I just wouldn't recommend running with only 2 bolts back there! Would be awful to crack a transmission after all the work.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Hey, you also need to look into the frontmost bolt upgrade. To reduce the rocking of the drivetrain. I'll edit this post with links about it.

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/s...lomons-2gnt-build-98-rs.521510/post-153811525 (post #286)
https://www.2gnt.com/index.php?d=Front_Motor_Mount_Bolt

It literally made the car feel more responsive and helped with launches etc...

 

[CrackedDSM]

Alright, been doing a ton of research and decided to pull the trigger on the automatic rear mount.

What I'm gonna do is just cut and get someone to weld it into a copy of the M/T mount. Probably fill the upper most bolt hole on the left side and drill/tap a new one. Move the ear down so it's equal to the upper most bolt hole. And definitely gonna have to cut and raise the center/through bolt holes because the M/T brackets straight through hole is higher.

You just can't find the M/T bracket anymore and I don't really wanna wait around for one. If someone finds one and wants to sell it to me though, hit me up. In the meantime I'll keep you guys updated with pictures. In all actuality it probably wouldn't be very hard to just custom fab a mount bracket if there was literally ANY market for it. Lol.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I drew on this picture years ago when I was helping another member, and it's kind of in the way. But you can see that the M/T bracket is shaped that way for a reason. To clear the speedometer sensor. So you'd definitely have to cut the A/T bracket for clearance. It's thick steel too so be ready for that.

 

[CrackedDSM]

I drew on this picture years ago when I was helping another member, and it's kind of in the way. But you can see that the M/T bracket is shaped that way for a reason. To clear the speedometer sensor. So you'd definitely have to cut the A/T bracket for clearance. It's thick steel too so be ready for that.

View attachment 787504

Yeah I’ve been researching and found why it was cut like that. Looked on my trans as well. Think I’m ready. Lol.

 

[opn0]

Yeah I’ve been researching and found why it was cut like that. Looked on my trans as well. Think I’m ready. Lol.

I better see it running soon enough!

 

[CrackedDSM]

I better see it running soon enough!

You and me both feel the same way.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Woohoo. Found the 95 model speed sensor I needed along with the gear attached to it.

Yay.

Hopefully in a couple weeks I can have this engine mounted and bolted fully in and start figuring out electrical connectors and etc.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Went to the junkyard today and scored some stuff. Paid roughly $80 for it, but honestly considering used DSM parts, I think I made out with a great deal.

I needed a replacement set of window switches, and really wanted to replace the center console (I'll show you why with pictures) and the car came without wiper arms. So, I got all that and more!

Was stoked to find these. Relatively great condition minus a crack on the inside cover on the right one.

Window switches! They're dirty, but feel phenomenal. They click like new.

Replacement center bezel and various little interior covers(more not pictured).

Finally...the center console! First pictures are the new one, and the second set are why I feel like I need to replace it.

OEM cigarette lighter! yay!

Now what its replacing.

The paint doesn't bother me, the fact that they drilled the 12v socket/lighter socket out to accommodate the useless AFR gauge and drilled holes for random toggle switches made it necessary IMO to replace it. I use the 12v socket for my phone a LOT, and this will be getting a sound system like the Talon so it needs to have that for various chargers or bluetooth adapters.

But, the final piece was these. I'll remove them again in the future to recondition them like I have done for the past few DSMs I have with plasti-dip, but I wanted them on ASAP just to get the feel for it.

Wiper arms! The wipers were sitting in the back of the car and legit look 15 years old so I threw them on for giggles.

But yeah, pleased with my score. Wasn't like, making out like a bandit but it was good enough. I will probably go back next week or the week after and grab the front fenders to get rid of these terrible fiberglass ricer ones on the car now. I also am horribly tempted to grab the twisty side skirts off of it too. But we'll see.

 

[1cleangsx]

That’s exciting! The painted interior pieces remind me of 2000’s tuner times

 

[CrackedDSM]

That’s exciting! The painted interior pieces remind me of 2000’s tuner times

Same. Apparently this was a stereo/radio competition car because I've found remains (and old pictures) of a massive sound system in the car which is what I assume what a lot of the toggle switches were for. Also a ton of speaker wire and etc.

I miss those days.

 

[1cleangsx]

The good ole Fast and Furious, “All Show and NO GO” days

 

[CrackedDSM]

The good ole Fast and Furious, “All Show and NO GO” days

And now it's gonna be no show and no go.

I'm gonna try to make it look as OEM and "clean" as possible though. If it ain't gonna go fast it's gonna be hopefully a time capsule.

I think I'm probably counting my chickens before they hatch or before I even have all the eggs, but in the future I'd like to paint the top half of the car black, then 2K clear over it all. Hopefully maybe make it look Kona Blue adjacent. If all else fails I'll do the OEM color of what the car actually was and that's gloss white and gloss black top. Thankfully, rustoleum makes it SUPER easy to paint in those colors if I go there.

 

[1cleangsx]

I was referring to cars with the aftermarket wings/bodykits specifically, I think you’ve got a good looking car there

 

[CrackedDSM]

Finally pulled the trigger on a 2GA talon spoiler to get rid of the gsx hoop spoiler. Was a relatively easy install, now I’ve got to fill holes though.

I think this looks so much better. I’d love to have 2Gb eclipse swap it but have no way to weld so that’s out. It’ll stay 2GA talon with a 2GB eclipse front end. very pleased.

 

[opn0]

It's looking great, man! The GSX hoop spoiler doesn't fit the Talon rear well imo. The Talon spoiler looks right at home!

Just curious, what do you prefer body wise, Talon or Eclipse?

 

[CrackedDSM]

It's looking great, man! The GSX hoop spoiler doesn't fit the Talon rear well imo. The Talon spoiler looks right at home!

Just curious, what do you prefer body wise, Talon or Eclipse?

I honestly prefer a 2GB GSX above everything 2G.

For a 1G, Talon all day. 1GA Talon specifically.

 

[opn0]

I honestly prefer a 2GB GSX above everything 2G.

For a 1G, Talon all day. 1GA Talon specifically.

Yeah that makes sense. The 2GB Eclipse just scratches a certain itch with the body lines and styling. The Talon def has a time and place tho.

As for the 1G, I'd probably have to agree as well. The Talon is the most aggressive of the three. In my 1GA Eclipse, the front and rear bumper was replaced with Talon parts and I think it looks better that way.

 

[CrackedDSM]

I didn't know this was my inspiration, but now I can say this is officially my inspiration as to how I want this car to look. It was originally white before it was spray painted blue.

Couple changes though. Wheels aren't for me, there will be no intercooler, and the chrome headlights are also not for me. They'll be OEM or as close to OEM headlights as possible, and the wheels...IDK. Lol. Maybe something black with a polished lip. Whatever I can find.

Yeah that makes sense. The 2GB Eclipse just scratches a certain itch with the body lines and styling. The Talon def has a time and place tho.

As for the 1G, I'd probably have to agree as well. The Talon is the most aggressive of the three. In my 1GA Eclipse, the front and rear bumper was replaced with Talon parts and I think it looks better that way.

Agreed. Plus the 1GA Talon spoiler wraps all the way to the mirrors vs ending on the rear quarter panels. Love that little detail.

I must admit though, I really really love a blue 1GB Talon.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

What springs are on the car? I noticed it's lowered. Just curious.

 

[CrackedDSM]

What springs are on the car? I noticed it's lowered. Just curious.

I think it’s tokico illuminas and ground control springs/sleeves.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Wow I ran the exact setup a few years ago, but ended up swapping to Koni yellows as the Tokicos wore out...

 

[CrackedDSM]

Wow I ran the exact setup a few years ago, but ended up swapping to Koni yellows as the Tokicos wore out...

Hopefully these shocks aren't blown. I had tokico illuminas and eibach sports on my old 2G and actually really liked how it rode.


If it's all blown...what's recommended for a firm but comfortable ride?