Is a GSX right for me?

[GSX HP]

I am thinking about getting a '95 GSX 5-sp. I have been in love with DSMs since I was about 13, and have just found one for under 5k. I am pretty car-intelligent, but I have had little actual hands-on mechanic experience. I have done fairly basic jobs like intake, exhaust, header, engine mounts, rotors, pads, coilovers, guages, sway bars, etc. But I haven't taken out an engine or been into an engine or tranny. (although I know how they work and what all the parts are.)

I am looking for a project car that will be mostly a track car, but will see the street occasionally on weekends. If I get the GSX, I know the whole list of mods I plan to do (building up for a GT30R or GT35R) after basic maintanance... But are DSMs so ureliable that I will most likely have to change out engines more than once? this is a scary thought as I am 16, am going to college next year, and am getting $7 an hour at my job. Will I face so many problems that it just wont be worth it?

Essentially, this or an MR2 Turbo?

Link to the one I'm considering: Here


Also, if I get this, would it be best to just immediately swap for a rebuilt 6-bolt before doing anything? or can some 7-bolts handle mods after getting the crank bearing replaced (or even without)?

Thanks for your help, I have been browsing the forums for a while, and I am pretty daunted by all the DSM horror stories. And I figure that people with true DSM experience can help me decide.

 

[weith1111]

There are folks with 200k miles on their motors. Keep up the maintanence and don't believe the hype. Obviously if you mod it and race it you are going to wear out/break parts sooner.

First thing I'd find out is when the timing belt was last changed. It should be done around every 60k miles. If it hasn't been done for awhile you are looking at doing it immediately after ownership, which is going to cost you $300 in parts alone. Something to negotiate with. Do a compression test, if the numbers are good, go for it. Not a bad price if it's in good shape.

Then we can welcome you to the world of owning a DSM!

 

[elfroggo]

That one looks ok, but ask about the maintainence history. It looks completely stock so that is good. It's not necessary to change out the 7 bolt, but it's not a bad idea to have some money saved up in case something catastrophic happens.

Anyway, with a 95 eprom you're halfway there to a DSMLink jealous

 

[dieseltech]

I wish i had a GSX

 

[MrBoxx]

Also, if I get this, would it be best to just immediately swap for a rebuilt 6-bolt before doing anything? or can some 7-bolts handle mods after getting the crank bearing replaced (or even without)?

My car's been diagnosed with CW for two years now and I'm still driving on it with no symptoms. I'm still adding a few small modifications to it and beginning to tune it with DSMLink, also. Not bad for a car with 15x,xxx miles on it. So... to answer your question: You could probably begin modifying the 7-bolt and have no issues that would warrant replacing the engine.

But of course, then you said this:

this is a scary thought as I am 16, am going to college next year, and am getting $7 an hour at my job. Will I face so many problems that it just wont be worth it?

In the first three years of owning my GSX, I racked up about 3 or 4 thousand dollars of credit card debt just on repairs on the car. That's not including upgrades I made when the car was actually running (which was actually most of the time). At the time, I was 21-24 years old, making over $8 an hour, and going to college. Depending on the condition of the car you buy, you may get lucky and not have to replace anything other than general maintenance/tune-up parts. Or you might end up like me and get a car that wasn't cared for in the past and needs major repairs. It's honestly a gamble, but even after all the repairs, even after all the blood I've spilled on my car, even after all the times it's stranded me in the middle of winter on the highway on my way to work... I am still thankful that I found and own my car. It's never leaving my posession.

Find a good car that's been well-maintained and you will probably have a good DSM-owning experience. Or find any car and nurse it back to health. Either way, if you choose to buy a DSM, we welcome you to our community.

 

[VicBoost]

Like states earlier make sure the timing belt was done because that will cost you about $100-300 on parts and its not that easy to install. A gsx is awesome i own a 95 tsi and there both identical cars the AWD and the turbo is awesome and they handle great. I would rather get a gsx then a mr-2..... since i'm a tall guy i couldn't even drive my buddies mr-2 the thing is made for midgets.......

 

[mattdev]

Well, a front engine compared to a mid engine, I've always heard nightmare stories about mid-engine cars. Nearly impossible to do anything to, w/o completely stripping out the engine. But again, I don't know how accurate that is, but makes sense. If your leaning dsm, gsx, 100%. Also try to find out if its had the crank recall done, it may not fix the problem, but it'll delay it. Crankwalk check, turbo check, etc. your no dummy.

 

[MrBoxx]

There is no crank recall. The major ones are the ball joint recall and the transfer case recall.

 

[jumpfroggy]

I'd really recommend arranging to have a mechanic look at the car. I've heard this recommended before, but I always figured it was too much trouble. But if someone is serious about selling their car, they should work with you a little bit. Some garages will do free checks, but even if it were $100 I'd still do it (if I trusted the guy and he was thourough). I recently bought a motorcycle that seemed fine. When I took it to the shop for safety, he pointed out a really obvious flaw (front fork leak, $450). If I'd taken it to the garage first, the mechanic would've glanced it over and told me about the leak in 10 seconds and I could've bargained the guy down the cost.

But think of this; buying an old car is a big investment, even if the initial cost is low. Buying performance anything will cost you. You're looking at a GSX, which is slightly lower gas mileage and a few more expensive parts to replace/repair. If you're concerned about money, get a little beater corolla and wait to get a nice car (and spend the money on something else fun). I love having a turbo'd car (TSI) now that I have a steady job and am out of college. During high school it would've been such a waste, cause I wouldn't have had any money to fix it, let alone tune it up.

If it were me, I'd still go for it. But you have to realize this may be your one thing that you spend money on. Everyone's got hobbies, most of them take money. This is no exception. For me? I'm waiting on my FWD TSI till I get back to the continental US, then I'm going AWD (for those snowy winters, can't wait). I really wish mine was AWD now, then again you really don't need it around here.

I bought my 95 Talon TSI for just under $3000. It's FWD, but works great and was in pretty good shape (except for the oil line that just busted). AWD would be rare to find and a lot more money. Are you sure you want that kind of performance? One thing to consider is where you'd be with a FWD + mods, or a stock GSX. Choices.

 

[SaiyanFury]

Buying an older car with plans to mod can be a bit exhausting. Determining what the maintenance needs are and what you'd like to do as far as mods go can be money sucking. We rebuilt my engine because I felt it was not up to my expectations, but most people do not go as far as I do for a rebuild. You really need to determine what you expect from your car, then go to the proper lengths and research in order to make it happen. But make sure you don't stray too far from the formula, and make sure you keep what should be factory, and what should be aftermarket. Like heat shields/fuel/and if you're adding a turbo, which would be best for your needs. If you're planning on a bigger turbo, factor in if you plan on cams and such. If you plan on racing cams, factor in a slower spool. I have HKS cams in my car and my spool is slower, but the higher end gains are worth it. So make sure, before you decide to mod your car, what is best for your personal needs.

 

[silvawolfe]

I would recomend getting a GSX to almost anybody. I've had almost 100 different cars in my life(I'm 26) and so far the DSM seems to be the best bet.
You can get cheap parts, good MPG, a back seat, and is extreamly easy to work on. Once you drive a good one you'll love it.
Comparing it to a MR2 seems alittle outragous. If you ever work on a mid engine car you will find out the difference immediatly(try bending over a trunk for an hour to work on the eng!). Also a midengine car fells much differnt while driving, drive it hard and you will discover what understeer feels like really fast!
As far as the one your looking at. It's clean but I would check to see why there is oil spray on the hood.
The carfax is very nice other than an accident @50K mi(very minor rear impact). Two owners with a very nice service record all the way over 100k. I would walk in with $4k cash(cash will buy the car) Tell the dealer about the crankwalk and that it's a ticking timebomb and I bet youll get it.
I would buy it if it werent so far away!

 

[SkURTnDSM92T]

I am thinking about getting a '95 GSX 5-sp. I have been in love with DSMs since I was about 13, and have just found one for under 5k. I am pretty car-intelligent, but I have had little actual hands-on mechanic experience. I have done fairly basic jobs like intake, exhaust, header, engine mounts, rotors, pads, coilovers, guages, sway bars, etc. But I haven't taken out an engine or been into an engine or tranny. (although I know how they work and what all the parts are.)

I am looking for a project car that will be mostly a track car, but will see the street occasionally on weekends. If I get the GSX, I know the whole list of mods I plan to do (building up for a GT30R or GT35R) after basic maintanance... But are DSMs so ureliable that I will most likely have to change out engines more than once? this is a scary thought as I am 16, am going to college next year, and am getting $7 an hour at my job. Will I face so many problems that it just wont be worth it?

Essentially, this or an MR2 Turbo?

Link to the one I'm considering: Here


Also, if I get this, would it be best to just immediately swap for a rebuilt 6-bolt before doing anything? or can some 7-bolts handle mods after getting the crank bearing replaced (or even without)?

Thanks for your help, I have been browsing the forums for a while, and I am pretty daunted by all the DSM horror stories. And I figure that people with true DSM experience can help me decide.

All the technical jargin shared so far is very good. However, I am going to take a little different stance. You said you are 16 I believe, and you have a job where you dont make that much money. My question is, do you have another car to drive around?

The reason I ask, if you plan on modding your car, you need to be very careful and read everything. Do your mods right the first time, and dont half ass anything. Understand that throwing on big turbos and what not will be more work than maintaining a stock trim car.

Realize that you need to do your mods liberally, and make sure you have the finances to carry through a job completely, or your car will be down for a long time. In my opinion, you sound like an intelligent kid who has the desire to learn. Just take the time to learn correctly, you would be surprised how far you need to come along in your mods, knowledge, and the "DSM" experience before you need to bolt up a GT35R..

 

[njc1064]

truthfully, people say that dsms are the worst and they break all the time. Thats not true by any means. I drive my car all the time, some days i drive easy and some days i just cant help myself. I ALMOST never have any major issues, but remember, the car is very very well maintained. . The reality is that there are a million factors that can effect the way your experience turns out (how well it is maintained, the way you drive it, and how carefully you pay attention to all the little noises and squeeks, how much boost, tuning...). I first got my talon when i was 16 and i still (3 years later) do not regret it. Its been a very satisfying experience.

 

[GSX HP]

Yes, I do have a way to get to school/work, my parents' old hand-me-down F150. I'm just looking for something to mess with so that I can work on cars a lot more, and have a little fun at my local strip and track with. I have about 4k saved up to use in case something really bad happens. And yeah, I know I'll spend most of the time doing repairs and not mods. But i'm just looking for something to work on and mess with (but not something too bad), to get experience and to just have some fun, and this looks like a pretty good idea. Thanks.

 

[SkURTnDSM92T]

No problem. Like I said, you seem like you know your ass from thrid base.

DSM's are extremely fun, and you will learn a ton. I bought my car a few months before I got my license (around 15.5 i guess) and have had it ever since. I just turned 21. I have learned a lot, how to and also what not to do. However, its getting to where I want it to be.

I have always told people you cant go much faster in a cheaper manner, but you have to take care of it, and tuning is everything!

 

[B-Dog98]

I was 17 when I first got my 98 GST. I was lucky because where Im from you dont see many Turbo DSM's just driving around. I bought it from a nice lady who I could tell babied it and she also did all the recalls and timing belt changes so I found a diamond in the rough.

Ive had it for over a year now and the biggest thing Ive encountered so far was changing the clutch master cylinder, PITA . All I can say is treat your DSM well and it will return the favor. Im entering Clemson University in a couple of days so I know how it is with balancing time and money. Just realize whats important for your car and not wanted so you dont end up with money issues.

Basically if it comes down to spending $550 on a turbo and you have only $600 or so in your account, dont be stupid and buy it because luck will have it, and something will end up breaking and then your screwed. Other than that man DSM's are great fun and definitely go for it, remember just be smart.

 

[1g_tsi_awd]

AWD is for everyone!

 

[jumpfroggy]

Yeah, if you've got another car and are willing to spend some money, I'd get it. What other posters have said seems true, DSM's give a lot of bang for the buck. Some of my criteria for choosing a car:
1) fast
2) easy to tune
3) cheap
4) looks good
5) reliable

#2 is a big one. You can get other cars that are faster stock, or that look nicer. But the great thing about DSM's is that they're underrated by a lot of people compared to other cars. Just look at the classifieds here... you can get 3" catbacks for $200 shipped, turbos for a few hundred used, o2 housings easy, data loggers. My friend is trying to do a Celica Swap (3sgte) with a lot of custom parts to reach his 400hp goal (unrealistic, in his case). I calculated the amount of money it'd take him vs. how much it'd take my stock TSI. For him, it'd be about $17k to fully build his car. For me, about $9-10k, mostly because the parts are available and cheaper.

But if I did not have a second vehicle, I wouldn't do it. I have a bike that I'm riding to work until I can repair the water line that busted while driving down the highway. One last thing I would recommend, set a budget when you start out. Buy the car, but *first* have some money set aside for repairs. I've given myself $1000 right off the bat for random stuff (brake pads, tires, CV joints). That way when things break down you wont have already spent all your money on upgrades and have none leftover for maintenance.

I don't believe DSM's are less reliable. It comes down to maintenance. After owning a few (not too many) older used cars, I've realized that there's a huge difference when the owner maintains the car. My grandma had a same-year Honda Accord that I used to have, but to look at the two was night and day. Her's looked almost brand new (literally), she never drove it. Mine looked alright, but working on it was a pain because everything was neglected and corroded. So just budget that in. And good luck!

 

[VicBoost]

Not only that you would have more hp then your buddies shitty celica and you would destroy him..... I love dsm's because the 4g63 so easy to work on and so easy to do mods on it. Every mod is straight up bolt ons. Only hard part and most expensive is just changing internals but once you have a bulletproof engine then you can go crazy with the turbos and what not. But yea i love these cars so cheap to get so much hp Also all new cars engine bays are a bi*** to work there is like no space, my buddy own new 06 sir and man there is NO SPACE at all to work on it. Same with the new 06 eclispe.

 

[2gGSX]

This is more or less the exact situation my friend and I came upon 3 years ago when we bought our cars. I chose to go with a 95 GSX and he went with a 93 MR2 turbo. Let me tell you, in both our opinions I made the better choice. Granted, I got insanely lucky with my car and it is mechanically perfect for the most part and the most maintenance I've had to do on it other than the usual fluids, brakes, etc was change a fuse. Any extraneous repairs done to it have been caused by me for the most part (slid into a curb once, etc).

My friend on the other hand bought his car in immaculate condition as well. However, as soon as he started modding he realized what a pain in the ass it is to do anything on the car. Not only that, but the parts are very scarce and generally very very expensive. Turbo upgrades are generally a thousand dollars, exhausts are just as expensive for less piping (doesn't make sense does it), and to top it all off--they don't have anything like DSMLink. I can't speak for everyone, but I definitely took DSMLink for granted when I first heard/got it. Full injector compensation/fuel tuning/timing tuning/datalogger/plethora of other options for its price? MR2's don't have anything like that. They have piggybacks, expensive flashes, and standalones.

My advice: go with the GSX. I'm 3 years into modding mine and it sounds like you already have as much if not more experience working on these cars than me and you haven't even bought it yet.

 

[gsxAWDdsm692]

Unreliable?
come onnn thats harsch
haha

buy the 95 eprom gsx...
you like the way you look
i guarentee it
haha

 

[HyperGSX]

the main thing with our cars is buying one thats in pretty good shape from the start. The big issues with dsm's is the previous owners, since our cars are OLD. Ppl use them and abuse them, neglect maintenance, and put it up for sale. I bought mine 3.5 years ago, it has run strong, very minor issues that i've had to work on that also seem to be common in all my friends cars as well (mr2, srt4, wrx, etc.). I say go for it, you will learn a lot about cars, and you will have a lot of fun doing it =)