fix my 7 bolt or swap for a 6 bolt

[98GSX5speed]

OK guys here's my deal, I have a copression issue at hand.... I got a check and I have 17% leakdown on piston #1 and 5% leakdown on piston #2. on my 98 GSX. The mechanice I took it too (local guy referd to by a friend) told me it is due to using low grade gas. so he told me all I need is to fix a few parts and he'll make it "like new" for about 1,000

now on the other hand I was told by a friend that it would be a better idea to just run the engine till it pops and buy a 6 bolt from japan wich he said is better and cheaper in the long run due to the 7 bolts being prone to "crankwalk"

the way I see it 1,000 to fix my 7 bolt engine with (100k miles)
or get a better jdm for 1,000 plus the swap (500-800)

now I am doing a few mods on it nothing big.

has anyone had problems with compression on the 7 bolt? can it be fixed?

anyone with an opinion or comment would be of great help...
sorry i am a newbie so go easy on me....
thanks by the way dsmtuners is awsome.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

that's a tough one.. but i dont think a 6 bolt swap is going to cost <2k. weigh out your options cause i'm not scared of crankwalk [knocks on wood]

i'd fix it

 

[98GSX5speed]

Hmmm thats hwat I said at first but reading up on it and how much it is to fix it's one of those btter safe than sorry thing but I'm not wuite sure yet... I have verything ready to be put on my car (mods) and I was planning to get the compression fixed before I put them on and turned up the boost....

and I heard the 6 bolt engine and the turbo it comes with handles more boost... so yeah I'm stuck like chuck.... and chuck is one stuck...*****

 

[dsmturboawd]

a 7 bolt will take 450whp while a 6 bolt will take 530whp. i dont see you touching either of those #'s.

i suggest you just fix it.

as for the mechanic saying this is because of low grade gas, take your car to a different mechanic. that is the most rediclous thing ive heard in a while.

 

[98GSX5speed]

Using anything lower than premium gas whouldn't couse the compressiong leakdown?.... interesting. I'll have to get another opinion.
I don't think I'll even get to 300 hp (i wish) but realistically I don't think so. thanks a lot for the info guys I'll keep this updated and tell you all know what I come up with. thanks for the responses.any other tips for a newbie doing stage 1 mods... I'm all ears!

 

[98RedGs]

Originally posted by dsmturboawd
a 7 bolt will take 450whp while a 6 bolt will take 530whp. i dont see you touching either of those #'s.

i suggest you just fix it.
as for the mechanic saying this is because of low grade gas, take your car to a different mechanic. that is the most rediclous thing ive heard in a while.

I agree. I honestly have never heard anything like this and personally I think the only think that would happen from you running shit gas is the filter plus injectors are gonna get clogged/junked.

Run it to one more mech and ask them their opinion before you jump into it with the guy you're currently looking to repair it.

Also I would just fix what you have.
My opinion.

 

[98GSX5speed]

hey I apreciate the responses I'm going to find the local mitsu shop and see what kinds of money I'm gonna fork out to get my car checked, I'll get back to you all......

 

[leet]

If you're not going to go too crazy with your car, just rebuild the 7bolt.

If you plan on ever making big power someday, it would be smarter to build a 6.

 

[98GSX5speed]

(greddy type s bov, boost control and gauge) lets see upper ic pipe, intake pipe, k&n filter, 3"downpipe 3" back to apexi muffler. turn boost to 15 psi?

maybe intercooler in the future... but that's it for now
I don't want to spend too much more... what do you think?

 

[blcknspo0ln]

that's what i call lightly modded so yea, fix the 7 bolt and be done with it

 

[98GSX5speed]

I'm gonna ride that engine till it NEEDS to be fixed for now unless can find an inexpensive guy to fix it for me.... that's just my thinking for now.
thanks for all the replies.

 

[paranoidTSi]

Heh the motor well probably run fine for awhile, its just not going to perform optimally.

I don't see a point switching to a 6-bolt motor unless you experience complete motor failure or you get the dredded crankwalk..otherwise just get it fixed when you can.