Looking to buy a DSM

[Lions3]

Right now, I have a 1994 Trans Am LT1 that I'll be selling. I'm in way too much debt for my student status, and I want to move into something that has a cheaper price tag. I can afford my car, it just means that I have to work away from home in the summers, and that puts a serious strain on my social life. So I'm not too worried about paying for breakdowns.

My dad has a 90 Laser RS FWD Turbo, and I really like the feel of that car. He did have a pretty serious problem with the motor (Balance shaft ate the block out like a porn star), but that was the builders fault more than anything. Other than that, it's been a pretty good car. He's really good about preventative maintenance, and I think that's the key.

So, in light of that, I'd like to step into a DSM. I can get just as much power out of the 1G as my T/A, and I feel that because the DSM is lighter and a bit more nimble, it has more fun factor to it.

If I were to go look at another LT1 Fbody, I know a lot about how it should be that I could look for problems. Basically, I want to be armed with the same knowledge. I know the timing belt needs to be carefully looked after, but that's about the extent of my knowledge. I want a turbo, but I'm undecided about AWD or FWD for reliability reasons.

Thanks!

 

[xcelr8n]

I say go AWD, but I'm biased, you wont regret buying a awd i would think, but eventually you might regret buying a FWD, buy a stick 1G, not an auto, smaller turbo in autos.

 

[9DTSiAWD]

go AWD and try to get a compresion test before you buy it. you could also remove the intake, it does not take long at and check to see if there is any shaft-play in the turbo just try and move the fins up/down or side to side. Not sure if the seller would go for that but if they wanted to sell it bad enough im sure they wont mind.