GSX buying advice

[tay97gst]

So im finally ready to start looking for a gsx. I have plans to build it up to 400-450hp and use it as a daily driver pretty much, with my GST as a beater. Currently I've been ignoring every ad for a gsx if it had a stock motor because I feel like I'll just have to replace it anyway to reach my goals. But I also want to build the car myself instead of just buying one half assed and it's pretty much impossible to find one with a built engine without any mods so... should I just suck it up and buy one with a stock engine and just replace it down the road if it fails? If you were in my shoes what would you do? Sorry if that was as confusing to read as it was to write haha, but I'm just looking for some advice.

 

[4Lurker4]

Most will buy a stock engine AWD DSM, build another engine on the side and replace the engine when the built one is finished. Buying one that's already built is always taking a chance, specially since you know the driver built it for a reason and therefore probably had his share of fun in it. It also depends on the funds you have and if they are ready for use now, or progressively down the road.

 

[idkiliketurbos]

Personally, I like to buy cars with little to no modifications. It just gives me a little peace of mind knowing that hopefully, it wasn't torn apart, parts installed incorrectly, or poor work done on the car. I feel like either way you will end up spending a lot of money, but you could be buying somebodies "built" motor that is going to fail or already is showing signs of failure. I just don't trust people, especially people who are selling cars.

 

[finesse49ers]

buying one with a stock/unmolested engine is what you want to do.

 

[DammitCoby]

I would rather have one that hasn't been touched, but thats because I've had many that were done so wrong. If you can find stock that would be great.IMO

 

[99ECLIPSEGSXDSM]

Why not buy a rolling chassis and buy/built the motor and trans?

 

[tay97gst]

Wow guys thanks for the fast response. I was hoping people with personal experience would chime in so thank you so much. The only reason I wasn't going to plan on getting an engine built is because I know it costs more to have it built than buying it off somebody else but I agree, I don't want somebody elses mistake. At least this means I can save my money on the initial buy that can be put towards some fun parts!

Why not buy a rolling chassis and buy/built the motor and trans?

I was thinking about that at first but I feel like it would take me too long to get it on the road and im anxious to get going on a build now.

 

[finesse49ers]

If you really want to go hardcore you buy one with a blown engine and rebuild that. That is if you're not trying to drive the car immediately.

 

[tay97gst]

If you really want to go hardcore you buy one with a blown engine and rebuild that. That is if you're not trying to drive the car immediately.

I'm open to the idea, i'll just have to see what pops up first haha I think it would be a fun experience even though I've never done anything like that before, but I would love to do it

BTW, you're cars gorgeous. I would love have a magenta gray pearl GSX

 

[finesse49ers]

I'm open to the idea, i'll just have to see what pops up first haha I think it would be a fun experience even though I've never done anything like that before, but I would love to do it

BTW, you're cars gorgeous. I would love have a magenta gray pearl GSX

Thank you sir . It took a lot of time GSX hunting before I came across that one. Under the hood was bone stock except for the air filter, radiator hoses and upper timing cover.

 

[WES_393]

My first turbo DSM (90 TSi AWD) seemed like a solid deal at first. Came with a legit Evo 3 16g, tubular manifold, EBC, and was supposedly recently rebuilt with upgraded internals and whatnot. Once I got the car into my shop I found a lot of things weren't how I'd like them. The EBC solenoid was loose in the engine bay, some messy wiring here and there, random bolts missing, etc. I spent countless hours cleaning up the previous owners mess. Once I got the little stuff sorted out and put some miles on the car, the true condition of things started to show. The tach had to be rewired, the speedo cable was rusted and broke, the gauge cluster was from a 91-94, the turbo locked up thanks to some random metal chunks in the turbine housing, and the dipstick kept blowing out from excessive pressure. A compression test showed the engine was likely the stock engine with heavy wear.

So I sold it at huge loss and picked up my 95 TSi AWD, which was a rolling shell with a blown engine and trunk full of parts. I figured if I was going to spend all of my time and money on a car, it would be built right and exactly to my liking. Not spent worrying about the condition of parts or if they were installed right. The only person that has touched the car is me, which is who I trust most.

Moral of the story, buy as close to stock as possible, or buy a rolling shell. You don't want to inherent someone else's headaches.

 

[DammitCoby]

My first turbo DSM (90 TSi AWD) seemed like a solid deal at first. Came with a legit Evo 3 16g, tubular manifold, EBC, and was supposedly recently rebuilt with upgraded internals and whatnot. Once I got the car into my shop I found a lot of things weren't how I'd like them. The EBC solenoid was loose in the engine bay, some messy wiring here and there, random bolts missing, etc. I spent countless hours cleaning up the previous owners mess. Once I got the little stuff sorted out and put some miles on the car, the true condition of things started to show. The tach had to be rewired, the speedo cable was rusted and broke, the gauge cluster was from a 91-94, the turbo locked up thanks to some random metal chunks in the turbine housing, and the dipstick kept blowing out from excessive pressure. A compression test showed the engine was likely the stock engine with heavy wear.

So I sold it at huge loss and picked up my 95 TSi AWD, which was a rolling shell with a blown engine and trunk full of parts. I figured if I was going to spend all of my time and money on a car, it would be built right and exactly to my liking. Not spent worrying about the condition of parts or if they were installed right. The only person that has touched the car is me, which is who I trust most.

Moral of the story, buy as close to stock as possible, or buy a rolling shell. You don't want to inherent someone else's headaches.

Thats exactly the problems I've ran into. But I've learnt by my mistakes.

 

[Joethefallen23]

Thank you sir . It took a lot of time GSX hunting before I came across that one. Under the hood was bone stock except for the air filter, radiator hoses and upper timing cover.

I have to say, I've always been jealous of some of your posts over on C3G, especially the first one you made about picking up that GSX and your Evo in particular. Speaking of, still working on that monster of a 3G?