NID...Newbie in Distress

[VA2nr]

hey . ive been in the tuning field for a while now but im a relative newbie to the DSM scene. Im looking into gettin into it. Ive been looking for a suitable base car for my new project, and Ive come across a 95 GSX which has sparked my interest. But being new to the world of 10 year old factory turbo'd cars i dont know what to look for to determine what kind of shape its in. So if you could give me a few tips on what to look for as far as determining what kind of mechanical shape its in and what to look for in the way of warninig signs of DSM abuse i'd really appreciate it . thanx

 

[CowPimp]

If you can gauge the driving style of the previous owner(s), then that is a good start. Don't buy from someone who races ever Civic that pulls up to him at a redlight, or you are asking for a car that might be sub-par in terms of reliability.

Have the current owner do a compression test and make sure that everything is within reason. I can't remember the compression level that you are supposed to read. I believe it's 180 across the board for a 2G, but don't quote me on that. Do a search to find that out.

See if you can get ahold of maintenance records. Changing all the fluids is very important, in particular the oil and tranny fluids. Turbochargers heat the oil up to much greater levels than an N/A car, so changing the oil in a timely manner is of utmost importance.

Another big maintenance item is the timing belt. This needs to be changed every 60K. If the timing belt slips in this car, then a piston could smack into a valve. We're talking big bucks to repair that kind of damage.

Other parts that seem to go on some of these cars are: wheel bearings, master/slave clutch cylinders, and the valve cover gasket.

If you can get the car on a lift, then you can check for play in each of the wheels to inspect the wheel bearings. Also drive around with your windows down. If you don't hear anything from 30-70MPH, then they are probably fine.

To check the master cylinder, look at the underhood diagram available in the sticky on these forums. Make sure it isn't leaking. To check if the slave cylinder is leaking, look for fluid on the mat around the clutch pedal.

If the valve cover gasket is leaking, then it will almost appear as though the head gasket is leaking. You will see oil residue on the head. Even if it's not, it is a good idea to change this, because it will need to be changed in time.

Pop the hood and make sure hoses and clamps are tight. Also ensure radiator hoses and other hoses are dryrotting or torn in any way.

Feel around anywhere there is a gasket. Ensure there is no air leaking out when the car is on.

Look into the recalls available: ball joints, transfer case, ECU, and possibly others that I can't think of at the moment.

If you do get the car, then change the plugs and wires as well as all other fluids in the car so you have a fresh start. This would also be a good time to change that valve cover gasket.

I probably left something out, but I feel this is a fairly complete list that will definitely help make sure you are getting an immaculate vehicle with a lot of life left in it.

 

[crankbender]

Being that you have been in the tuning field for a while now I have to ask.

How serious are you about the vehicle and performance. If you are going after the performance and not the style you may actually be better off picking up a 1ga that needs work for many thousands less and replacing the parts with the saved money. This way you end up with an upgraded car for the same price.

Of course it all depends on what you are wanting in the end. If you are going purly for 1320 and are serious you should look at some 90-92 cars.

 

[Jena]

check the motor mount bolts. if they're in poor shape (stress fractures/shearing) DON'T BUY IT. the pervious owner has been doing neutral drops and the money you're going to put into fixing his stupid driving habits is rediculous.

if you can, pull the drip molding around the doors. has a nasty tendancy to rust under there, as well as along sunroof trim and under the hatch trim.

check the intercooler and oil cooler for leaks and excessively broken fins. and for sure get the turbo hot and listen to it cool down. if it doesn't spin for a good while after the car is turned off it needs a rebuild, which'll run around $200.

look to see what body panels have been replaced. started tearing into mine and realized that only the rear quarter panels are original anymore. even the roof has been replaced....

oh, and pull out a spark plug and check for excess carbon. check the tailpipe too. it'll let you know if the car's been running rich or anything of the nature.

love my 95 GSX, but she's a hog and a money pit. they aren't a good car to own casually, but they are full as hell to drive.

 

[VA2nr]

I really appreciate the support. it is invaluable..........actually its worth about $5grand but thanks again. and if anyone has anymore suggestions please feel free to post.

 

[Warmachine91vr4]

It all depends on what your after dsm and reliable are an oxymoron (usually). i personally dont like the 2nd gen's the resale on them is high as hell and the7 bolt 4g is prone to premature thrust bearing failure, for the price of that car you can find a nice 1g awd for alot less and put some money into it, if you interested in that car just look it over, does it smoke, pull the plugs, do a compression/leakdown, around 130 is the serive limit it should be 170 to 180 across if the car has been taken care of, get under it look for anything abnormal, like oil all over the place, drips, drive the car, listen for anything abnormal, look at the kind of person that owner it, 18 year old kit that kept the throttle half way to hell, or old granny that got the oil changed every 500 miles, i would buy a 1st gen if i were you, if your after performance being in the tuner feild go with a first gen, 9/10 2nd genners go with the 6 bolt platform anyway,

 

[sjgYFZ200]

Cow Pimp couldnt have said it better. Follow that post and you can't really go wrong. The saying that DSM's are unreliable is simply becuase most are 5-15 year old cars who have had a rough life. People beat the crap out of them because the performance is incredible, then turn them up for sale when something breaks. It's like picking up a girlfriend at a Rehab center