How can I make sure my GSX stays reliable?

[smills1840]

I'm probably picking up a 99 GSX next week. Bone stock, 110,000 miles. Completely serviced already (timing belt, water pump, head gasket, fluids, etc).

My question is, how can I make sure it will stay up and running? What are some common parts that will break? I don't have a problem upgrading things like axels, mounts, etc. For a few months, it will stay stock-ish (exhaust, intake, fmic, minor bolt ons) but then I'll be doing a holset build. I'll be looking for around 400hp, so THEN what will I need to do/upgrade so it stays as reliable as possible?

Thanks,
Spencer

 

[H@xtGSX]

A water pipe O-ring doesn't even register on my scale of "fixing things" anymore... That'd be akin to putting gas in the car.
If it doesn't involve pulling the motor or transmission, or both, it doesn't count.

....seriously.

 

[smills1840]

A water pipe O-ring doesn't even register on my scale of "fixing things" anymore... That'd be akin to putting gas in the car.
If it doesn't involve pulling the motor or transmission, or both, it doesn't count.

....seriously.

Well do I have to remove the manifold and turbo to do it?

 

[H@xtGSX]

You don't have to take that stuff off... Just get it up off the ground on some stands so you can get at it from underneath. The water pipe O-ring is an easy fix.

Trust me, you are going to get NASCAR fast at getting your car onto and off of jackstands. I am not kidding even a little bit when I say that I have my car up on stands AT LEAST twice a week. I am under the hood daily.

 

[smills1840]

You don't have to take that stuff off... Just get it up off the ground on some stands so you can get at it from underneath. The water pipe O-ring is an easy fix.

Trust me, you are going to get NASCAR fast at getting your car onto and off of jackstands. I am not kidding even a little bit when I say that I have my car up on stands AT LEAST twice a week. I am under the hood daily.

Got anymore tips for changing the oring? It seems impossible without taking off at least the turbo.

 

[BurrowZ]

Got anymore tips for changing the oring? It seems impossible without taking off at least the turbo.

You're on a 2G so I'm assuming you have the stock water pipe:
1. Drain coolant
2. Remove thermostat housing
3. Remove bolt from behind manifold holding water pipe on
4. Remove bolt on bellhousing holding the pipe on (behind thermostat housing)
5. Pull the water pipe out just enough to clear the water pump.. you may have to disconnect the hose near your alternator real quick.
6. Replace both O rings with felpro part number: ES72872
7. Lube new O rings with coolant, and reverse the steps to get the water pipe back on.
8. Start up car and check for leaks.
9. No leaks? You're done!

 

[Talon96fwd]

Just keep up in the maintenance. Take care of your car and it will take care of you.

^^^^^^

 

[smills1840]

You're on a 2G so I'm assuming you have the stock water pipe:
1. Drain coolant
2. Remove thermostat housing
3. Remove bolt from behind manifold holding water pipe on
4. Remove bolt on bellhousing holding the pipe on (behind thermostat housing)
5. Pull the water pipe out just enough to clear the water pump.. you may have to disconnect the hose near your alternator real quick.
6. Replace both O rings with felpro part number: ES72872
7. Lube new O rings with coolant, and reverse the steps to get the water pipe back on.
8. Start up car and check for leaks.
9. No leaks? You're done!

Thermostat housing is on the left (passenger) side of the engine, correct?

 

[WES_393]

Thermostat housing is on the left (passenger) side of the engine, correct?

Yes. It's what the radiator cap is on.

 

[Backinajiffy12]

Once you do the bolt on and mods you want, get a solid tune. Reliablity come from the tune!