Found This 99GSX, Have Some Concerns

[Th3Revreant]

I found this 99 GSX at a local dealer. Its an auto but that can be remedied. I have some concerns though. When the car started up, there is a loud knocking noise coming from the motor until its warmed up and when I get on the gas, it sounds like it starts knocking again. Another is that the piping coming from the top of the turbo is aluminum and looks like it is just clamped to a flexible hose that goes to the stock IC.

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I noticed when I floored it and went open throttle, the check engine light came on. I have seen this before with an SRT Neon that I drove awhile back and was an overboost issue. Can't tell how much the turbo is boosting due to the boost gauge being hooked up so that it sits under the hood in the engine bay. You might be able to see it in the video that I'll post here when it uploads. Vehicle only has 90500 miles on it.

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Here are some other pics of the engine and the car:

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Guess my question is, is it worth the 6k they are asking for it? Body is in great condition and the black leather seats are like any other 13 year old leather seats.

Video Added, not sure why it looks like its going through water: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE81z6ynma8

 

[Bud92gsx]

98-99's come with the flashable black ecu.Evo ecu's are not rare.

 

[Th3Revreant]

Ill have another video of the ticking noise here soon as its uploaded. I noticed this morning when the car started, the ticking was still there and when the dealer guy was backing the car out of the lot, small amount of grey-sih smoke was coming out of the exhaust. Turbo was clean, no serials or anything. No cracks on the hot or cold side of the housing. Little bit of shaft play in and out and not much more side to side. Turbo starts spooling around 1800 and peaks about 17psi around 4800. BOV is loud and seems to be doing what its supposed to. I've got my mechanic taking a look at it on monday morning inside and out. I've already told em' 6k isn't happening. Carfax says the car was in a minor vehicle accident about 4 years ago and another moderate accident with a parked vehicle two years ago. I'm pretty sure the passenger side airbag was deployed due to it being curled around the edges of the airbag door(I think that's what it's called).

As for it being a drag car, not looking to do that with this car. This will ###### be my DD if I can get them low enough on the price. If not, My 1G is getting a Turbo make over as we speak. I like the 1G look better anyhow, won't be too disappointed if this doesn't go through. I did like the look of the 2G's a little more now that I've driven one.

Better video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItZm48wiDrQ

 

[Bud92gsx]

The bov is the junk stock 2g bov.It should be replaced with a 1g or aftermarket, asap.

The turbo, if it's an ebay knockoff, that's junk.Which is a good buying point for you.If it's ebay, that means you can buy for way less than they want for it.

 

[Th3Revreant]

The bov is the junk stock 2g bov.It should be replaced with a 1g or aftermarket, asap.

The turbo, if it's an ebay knockoff, that's junk.Which is a good buying point for you.If it's ebay, that means you can buy for way less than they want for it.

That's what I'm thinking

 

[TallestHERETIC]

How do I tell if its the h8 ecu or not?

Look at the part number. It should say "MD359403" on it.

When you get a chance, check this link out...
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/tun...first-flashed-dsm-ecu-98-99-flashing-faq.html

 

[1G9S9T7]

Autos do have a lot of ups to them but just driving a 5 speed is fun. There is just something about it everyone loves

 

[ed1380]

Oh you just mean black box ecu? I thought you were talking about the special 99 ecu's that ceddy never fully figured out.

Look at the part number. It should say "MD359403" on it.

When you get a chance, check this link out...
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/tun...first-flashed-dsm-ecu-98-99-flashing-faq.html

 

[ofgofg]

For 6k you should be able to get a mint, no problems, runs perfect mods or stock dsm. That sucker should look and drive like new. 6k is ALOT of money for any dsm, let alone a heap that makes bad noises.

 

[DSM Chase]

If the sound was coming from the valve cover it is indeed lifter tick and what you said about it getting warm and stopping is what a sticky lifter does... Tell them its rod nock and the motor needs to be rebuilt and shoot them a low offer...

 

[Th3Revreant]

If the sound was coming from the valve cover it is indeed lifter tick and what you said about it getting warm and stopping is what a sticky lifter does... Tell them its rod nock and the motor needs to be rebuilt and shoot them a low offer...

I might be able to get it from them for 2k. We are still talking. Looking good though

 

[eligst21]

Why is the boost gauge in the engine bay?

 

[Th3Revreant]

Why is the boost gauge in the engine bay?

I asked the same question when I saw it. Doesn't make sense to me. Looks like whoever had it, didn't get a long enough vaccum hose to take to the inside of the vehicle, or didn't care to get a longer one. Hence all of the ebay stuff

 

[Twistaye]

Just out of curiousity... you're obviously still looking at this car and are prepared to pay $6,000.. hence looking in the first place. Why not check the classifieds here? I've seen better looking cars going for $3500-5000.... Just throwing it out there. Good luck

Edit: I don't want to give my opinion on the GSX in question... it's... just move on Justin nailed it earlier.. not worth your time unless you get it for a steal and are prepared to fix a lot of cheap mistakes the previous owner made.

 

[11Banger]

I'd pass, Ebay is no good

 

[boost97gst]

For 6k id say its not bad, not great. Try 5k. And also all i hear is normal lifter tick. rev it to 3k rpm and post a vid. In neutral of course. Thats where you really here the rod knock.
Now, im not sure if the stock ecu has a flashing cel for detonation like link does but that does sound exactly like detonation. The cel flashes and goes away instantly right? That would be a product of too large a turbo or too high boost and its knocking right before fuel cut.
This is all presuming the stock ecu has knock cel. Im not sure

 

[Th3Revreant]

Just out of curiousity... you're obviously still looking at this car and are prepared to pay $6,000.. hence looking in the first place. Why not check the classifieds here? I've seen better looking cars going for $3500-5000.... Just throwing it out there. Good luck

Edit: I don't want to give my opinion on the GSX in question... it's... just move on Justin nailed it earlier.. not worth your time unless you get it for a steal and are prepared to fix a lot of cheap mistakes the previous owner made.

They wouldn't go any cheaper, I walked. No way in hell was I going to pay 6k for it. I'm going to finish my 1g turbo conversion and keep that as my street car. Thanks for all the input fella's, much appreciated. I probably wouldn't have caught that Ebay turbo until it was too late. Above all else, It wasn't a M/T

The cel flashes and goes away instantly right?

Nope, stayed on. I walked on the car, they wouldn't take anything less than 6k for it