Just joined the forum, have a question.

[fmars62]

Hey guys im 17 and i really would love to get a 2G Eclipse GSX. But all the ones near me have a lot of miles on them. So i was thinking about buying one and completely restore it. I want to strip it down and rebuild it. Has anyone on here done this before? How much do you guys think this will cost me? I want to maybe get a crate engine or a rebuilt engine somewhere online, any suggestions where i can get one? And i would rather have a 6 bolt cause i heard about a crank walk problem wit the 7 bolt. Please post a response, idk if im going to do this but i really want to and i just want to here from people who have experience with dsm's.

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

I know of a few who have stripped down a DSM and completely restored it. It will cost thousands of dollars though. I would say right around the 10 grand range for a full restore. Crankwalk is a blown out of perportion issue. It is not as common as you think, and on the 98-99's they have a revised thrust bearing, and isn't really a problem. Also, a project this big takes a great deal of skill, time, and paitence to pull off. But in the end if all was done correctly, you will have a damn nice DSM.

 

[TSi Kid]

No, no one has restored a GSX before. Being that you want to take on this daunting task, if you do indeed follow through with it you brave soul you, please make sure you take lots of pictures and document EVERYTHING. I'm positive you will at least make local news after you achieve your goal.

For you to strip down everything, rebuild and restore it you're looking at spending a couple grand. And that's only if you're doing all the work. If you pay someone to do it for you, you might as well buy something else with lower miles. Be wary with these cars. If you don't have above average mechanical skills then I would not get one until you're older. I had my first DSM when i was 16 and it was parked longer then I drove it.

 

[H4G64T]

1. Has anyone ever done this before? Yes.
2. How much will this cost you? Considering that you are 17, don't even own the car yet and apparently lack very basic knowledge on these cars...unfortunately you should refer to the first reply.
3. 6 bolts crankwalk too, stop believing everything you hear.
4. My personal opinion is that you are already over your head.

 

[Chaosweaver]

More than you can afford, pal. . .

I'm gonna if he's loaded and just wants to do a DSM build for the lulz.


OP, it does get costly, but its worth it if you truly love the cars.

 

[fmars62]

Also, a project this big takes a great deal of skill, time, and paitence to pull off. But in the end if all was done correctly, you will have a damn nice DSM.

i will be going to community college for 2 years and i was planning on making this my project car to rebuild over the 2 years, i have 2 jobs now and my dad said he will help me out too so i just want to hear from you guys, what do you think? and can anyone tell me where i can find a rebuilt engine or a crate engine online for a 2g eclipse gsx, i just want to do some more research and put some pieces together if im going to go through with this

 

[H4G64T]

Magnus Motorsports
FFWD Connection - Race Components That Will Freeze Your Brain
Welcome to Slowboy Racing
http://www.thedsmgraveyard.com

Come ready for around 4 grand.

 

[TSi Kid]

Unless your dad is going to hold your hand through the process, and is mechanically inclined, then I would stay away from these cars. If he can help you out when it breaks, because you will break parts like bull in a china shop, then go for it. You don't understand what you're trying to get into though.

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Why not rebuild the engine yourself? If you have the skills to restore the rest of the car, you should have the skills to rebuild the engine.

 

[Boomdeeze]

Like stated earlier in the thread, if you lack above average mechanical skills, you will struggle with the restoration. And if you plan on paying someone to do it for you, invest your cash elsewhere. Wait it out and find one with lower miles that you can have for awhile before needing to rebuild the whole thing. If you drive one for awhile before restoring it, you will learn how to work on car just by maintaining it. Greats cars but can get very upset if not cared for.

 

[fmars62]

i do know what i am getting myself into, my dad and i did this to my first car, we bought it with a bad motor took it out and dropped another one in, i know that a dsm is more complicated and stuff but i really liked doing that, and my dad was a mechanic for years and he knows what he is doing, and im not that bad with cars my self

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

i do know what i am getting myself into, my dad and i did this to my first car, we bought it with a bad motor took it out and dropped another one in, i know that a dsm is more complicated and stuff but i really liked doing that, and my dad was a mechanic for years and he knows what he is doing, and im not that bad with cars my self

So why pay 4 grand for a built engine rather than building one yourself for less than half that? If you and your old man have the skills, I would build it yourself. That is what I am doing.

 

[TSi Kid]

i do know what i am getting myself into, my dad and i did this to my first car, we bought it with a bad motor took it out and dropped another one in, i know that a dsm is more complicated and stuff but i really liked doing that, and my dad was a mechanic for years and he knows what he is doing, and im not that bad with cars my self

Being which model you get, myself owning a 1991, the weirdest things will break. I had a 20 year old tb screw back itself out and crack my piston. Now i'm not saying that this is going to happen to you but be in mind the PO rode the sh*t out of your car and things are going to go wrong. But once you replace everything they're great cars to own.

 

[Boston]

i do know what i am getting myself into, my dad and i did this to my first car, we bought it with a bad motor took it out and dropped another one in, i know that a dsm is more complicated and stuff but i really liked doing that, and my dad was a mechanic for years and he knows what he is doing, and im not that bad with cars my self

If you are sold on it, then search for a quality used one, or buy a junked one and literally have a few extra thousand saved to replace/repair improve what you need.

Welcome, there is a wealth of knowledge and advice here. Good luck!

 

[fmars62]

So why pay 4 grand for a built engine rather than building one yourself for less than half that? If you and your old man have the skills, I would build it yourself. That is what I am doing.

now how would i go about this? do i buy the engine block online and then start buying all the parts separate?

 

[H4G64T]

now how would i go about this? do i buy the engine block online and then start buying all the parts separate?

Let me stop you here and tell you the mistake you are making on these forums. You claim your father was a mechanic, and that you are good with cars, but yet you don't even know how to go about building an engine?

Be real with people here and they will be real with you.

Building Basics for Your First Engine - Tips & Tricks - Circle Track Magazine

 

[ktgurl87]

Also check craigslist for motors. Hubby found a complete longblock (just needs to be assembled) for $550.

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Yup. I got my block for $40 in the classifieds and am building it with new stock internals.

 

[fmars62]

i would like to use all new parts though, can i get like an engine kit for this car? where i get the engine block and everything with it but i just have to assemble it?

 

[H4G64T]

I think you picked the wrong car platform for what you want. Try a Camaro or Mustang.

Mitsubishi Parts | OEM Mitsubishi Parts | Genuine Mitsubishi Parts

Brand new short block, there you go. $2200.00 + shipping.

Mitsubishi Parts | OEM Mitsubishi Parts | Genuine Mitsubishi Parts

Brand new cylinder head, there you go. $1200.00 + shipping.

Extreme PSI has the valve cover and the rest of the components, probably only run you another $1200 to $1500. But hey you got a brand new engine that still won't hold anymore power than a used one.

 

[1990AWD]

Read.

 

[vinnio]

I think you guys are being a little harsh on him... I get some of your points but I see no reason why he shouldn't buy a DSM. Its like saying you shouldn't own a bicycle if you don't know how to fix it... (I'm a certified bicycle technician and I don't go around telling people that)

OP: Buy the car first before you worry about a full restore. Obviously if you buy a car with a blown engine you expect to rebuild. But if its a running and driving car, get it first, then assess the situation.

These cars are steak sauce if they're done right. Just don't expect the car to be great if you cheap out on the maintenance and the important parts.

 

[TSi Kid]

Bicycles usually aren't awd, turbo'd, 20 years old and have been beaten on. He should know what he's in for.

 

[fmars62]

yeah its very hard to find a gsx in good condition, thats why i want to find a decent one and rebuild it

 

[SrKegler]

I think we may be missing the point when he say's restore. To me a full restoration is replacing all worn parts, including bolts, subframe connectors, etc.

He may just be talking about a rebuild. I would prefer buying a DSM with a rebuildable motor than take a chance on paying top dollar for something that was supposedly rebuilt. Believe me, I've seen a lot of engines that were rebuilt with a spray can.

Our engines aren't that much more difficult to rebuild than a Ford or Chevy.

I say go for it. Find something reasonable and use his school time to rebuild the engine/trans himself. The rest of the stuff he can just replace when it breaks.