Problems with the DSM AWD

[Ceepo]

I am in the process of buys a 1991 GSX AWD with a broken timing belt, i pulled the head off and the exhaust valvues where all bent(quick easy fix) my question to you guys/gals are what are the reliability factors on this car, if i get it i plan on selling my focus but i need something reliable, what should i check before i buy this car??? thank you guys for your imput, please help me out, im a newb when it comes to the dsm's

 

[rjennings]

Well if your looking for a reliable 4 cylinder engine, you've found one. The 6 Bolt engine is a bulletproof powerplant. This engine will make tons of power and it is one of the most forgiving turbocharged engines available.

Since the timing belt broke on that car, I would be a little more concerned with the tops of the pistons. They are probably damaged.

Randy

 

[Slow4G64]

I agree. Definately check the top of the pistons, but if they look good, well then you have got yourself quite a package. Just as long as you keep checking at the timing belt.

Other things to check, just normal 15 year old car stuff. Check the frame for rust. Check the brake lines for the same. I don't know if there are annual "car inspections," nor do I know what things you need to have to pass. (I have run into the problem of having illegal fittings on my brake lines here in NY).

 

[maxpressure]

I would hate to say this hear but why would you buy a dsm if your looking for a reliable car? I love dsm's and there fast and very fun to drive/own, but in my opinion not at all reliable.....

 

[spendone]

If you mod it, teh car will become less reliable as with any car.

 

[Quasimondo]

When properly maintained, a DSM can be a reliable car. As with any car that is over ten years old, things will break, whether they're worn out parts or belts and hoses that are failing from years of extreme heat.

One thing I tend to recommend is avoid picking up a beater at all costs. It may sound like a deal, but any dsm that's lived a rough life (and any Supra, RX-7, Civic, Miata, Celica, 240SX, 300ZX, Integra, etc.) will probably have more problems than will be disclosed to you. Timing belts break because they've gone way beyond the recommended 75,000 mile interval, or a long term oil leak near the belt that caused it to deteriorate. If the timing belt wasn't maintained, what else was neglected on this car? This is something to consider.

From my personal experience, my first DSM was a 92 AWD that the owner told me just had a broken clutch and it wouldn't engage the transmission. That broken clutch turned out to be cracked bellhousing. It also had a locked up transfer case which eventually burned up the center differential. It had more problems in the 1000 miles I put on it that I ended up dropping twice as much money keeping it running than I did to buy it. This was a car with only 104K miles.

My last car, a 90 AWD had 130K and was well maintained by the owner. It had it's share of issues, like a cracked manifold and severe erosion of the wastegate opening that limited how much boost it ran, but it was loads better than the previous one and even if I never took care of those two issues, I had a feeling that the car could run with no problems to 300K miles.

The moral of the story: If this thing is a beater that looks like it won't even get you down the street (even after you replace the timing belt and head), step away from it, and keep looking for a non-abused dsm.

If you're still set on getting this car, don't get rid of the Focus until you're 1000% sure this car has all of its maintenance issues taken care of.

 

[Ceepo]

thank you guys so much for your information, i will check all that, the body interior and all that is in great shape for the age of the car, my freind who bought(may sell to me if i want it) we pulled the head off 2 days ago, everything looks fine but the 8 exhaust values, we cheaked the cam gears and on the exhaust side it was 180degrees off from the stock setting, that explains why it wont run and why the valves are bent, the intake and exhaust valves are suprisingly very clean!!! not black at all... i think if my freind can get it in running order, then i will buy it from him...