Questions about a car I'm looking at buying (1991 TSI AWD)

[Gremo87]

I've been talking to a guy with a 1991 TSI AWD and I just wanted to get some opinions on a few things.

It's mostly stock except for full exhaust. 119k. Rebuilt head (jumped timing) w/ARP studs and 3g lifters, new timing belt, rebuilt 5 speed with ACT 2600 6 puck, new tires clutch alternator battery water pump....

But, it has a manual boost controller with no boost gauge, and the boost is turned down all the way - and can't be turned up any. That bothers me - not being able to see how the engine handles stock boost, let alone anything more. (said he did this to keep this car more reliable - he has another DSM with lots of modifications)

Seller said the drive shaft thumps a little, but not very loud - other people don't even notice it. Said it could be carrier bushings because when he reinstalled it after tranny rebuild, he didn't have new bushings so just used washers - is that ok?

Has A/C and emissions stuff removed, and CEL comes on randomly - normal for emissions being removed or not? (seller said engine runs great and the CEL is seemingly random)

He seems to be very open and wanting to disclose any and everything he can...but I'll be coming from 4 hours away to check it out so I'm just trying to cover my ass the best I can. I've owned one DSM several years ago but didn't get very deep into it all, so my knowledge is limited.

And seller if you see this feel free to jump in - I just want some independent perspectives on things that I'm unsure of/know little about.

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

Couple of suggestions:

• Run a CarFax before you go look at it. A small investment for a possible nightmare.You can also ask about some incidents should the owner not divulge "everything". After all, they are trying to get rid of a car.
• Ask the owner if they wouldn't mind performing a compression test to get an idea of the engine's health especially after jumped timing (providing pictures of each cylinder). If not, then ask if you can perform the test to see for yourself while also checking the spark plugs. If they oppose, then a red flag goes up.
• You could ask for the test drive to be done on waste gate pressure to see how it handles boost.
• Ask before hand for permission to have the test drive to an auto parts store to have the codes checked. This way, you can confirm out emissions CELs.
• When you complete the test drive, leave the car running a short while to see if the car is overheating or not.
• Check the oil before and after the test drive.
• Check for leaks under the chassis before and after the test drive.
• Bring a car jack to lift the car up to check suspension/steering components/bearing play.

 

[Gremo87]

Hey thanks for the quick reply.

What exactly does running on waste gate pressure mean? I mean I know what the waste gate is....but what would have to be done for this?

Looks like since it's a 91 the trouble codes will have to be read with a voltmeter hooked up to the diagnostic port. So, I'll bring one along and hope that the CEL is on - (or that the battery hasn't been disconnected since it was last on).

Thanks again

 

[enriquez2000]

Hey thanks for the quick reply.

What exactly does running on waste gate pressure mean? I mean I know what the waste gate is....but what would have to be done for this?

Looks like since it's a 91 the trouble codes will have to be read with a voltmeter hooked up to the diagnostic port. So, I'll bring one along and hope that the CEL is on - (or that the battery hasn't been disconnected since it was last on).

Thanks again

See if someone in the area has a snapon reader that will do diagnostic scan for you.. yes it reads obd1 codes but youll want to make sure they have the hyundai 2 adapter. It even reads tranny codes on autos(which i know this is manual)

Waste gate pressure would be done by taking the vac line off the controller and running straight to the turbo wastegate which should put it around 10psi or so.

If its thumping you will be replacing carrier bearings at least but could be the joints.. ask me how i know ...

 

[Gremo87]

Excellent thank you both.

What size vacuum line would that be? Would like to bring some along in case what's on there won't reach to the waste gate. Seems unlikely but I have no clue...I'll ask the seller.

 

[enriquez2000]

6 or 8mm depending... 6 will stretch enough to test.. and if you arent sure you can run it from j pipe nipple to gate nipple directly if he didnt run his controller that way already