2G Should I Consider Buying

[carfreak6970]

Hello Everyone,

New to DSM, but not new to working on vehicles. I found this vehicle in a yard in Pittsburgh PA when I was getting an alternator for my truck, and it REALLY sparked my interest. Well I went back today to get some pictures and a closer look:

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The body looks nice. I did check underneath it and it is a 98 GSX with the 5 speed. From what I can tell the underside looks okay, couldnt get any pictures since it was wet, cold and low to the ground. The interior looks nice:

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Everything appears to be there. it has an A Pillar three gauge pod that includes gauges for AFR, Oil Pressure and Boost/Vacuum. However the engine bay is what has me a little concerned:

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When Reviewing threads here everyone said a problem area with these cars in the strut tower mounts. Well as you can see this has cancer in both. Another thing I found concerning was the radiator seemed to be empty. However the dip stick looked okay. But I think it is reading high?

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According to the inspection sticker, it was last inspected until 2017, so it has been off the road since then. I have no idea how long it has been left in this yard. From what I could see of the rockers, fenders and wheel arches it doesnt appear to have any bubbling. I can only identify that it has an after market air filter, and the rest of the air piping appears to be factory. The turbo appears to be stock? at least it has the same patina as everything else in the engine bay. The other thing I noticed in the engine bay was some aftermarket light boxes sitting behind the head lights? maybe strobe lights? It did have an after market head unit and a power cable attached to the battery so I am assuming someone had an amp and maybe a sub in the trunk (which I couldnt get opened). I did check KBB and a vehicle in "Fair Condition" (which is very generous) in my location from a private seller is anywhere from $1100-$2400. The yard gave me the ball park of $1,600. I feel that is a little high.

I believe any rubber component (tires, hose, vacuum lines etc) would need to be replaced. Given that the engine has no coolant the engine is an unknown. Someone could have drained it, or something could have cracked and leaked it out (radiator, hose, head, block). The first story I got was the previous owner tried to get it tuned, couldnt getting it running and then got rid of it. Then I got a story that the car does run. And I also heard they do not have a key for it. Obviously, no one at this yard has any idea about this car or its condition. With no coolant, and the hose that goes to the throttle body being off I am going to say it doesnt run. Unfortunately I have no idea what it will take to get it running. Given that I dont see many mods I kind of dont believe the car was ever tuned. Would I be correct in that assumption? If everything is okay with it mechanically it shouldnt take much to get it running?

So, the question everyone asks when they present a "should I buy this" topic is what is my intended useage is. Well, I was looking to get a race car to take to a track and then do some auto crossing. Something cheap and fun. Wasnt looking for something crazy modded out. Just something thats quick, can handle, and could daily during fair weather. Given the rust is that not plausible? How bad would it be to fix? The other idea would be that my brother has a 96 Eclipse GS-T Spyder that he talked about making AWD and if this body is more trouble than its worth, it could be parted to convert that car to AWD (is converting a convertible to AWD even worth the trouble?). But given how everything looks (minus the strut towers) and the mileage it would be a shame to part this car out. Thoughts?

 

[SixBolt_16G]

Hello Everyone,

New to DSM, but not new to working on vehicles. I found this vehicle in a yard in Pittsburgh PA when I was getting an alternator for my truck, and it REALLY sparked my interest. Well I went back today to get some pictures and a closer look:

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

The body looks nice. I did check underneath it and it is a 98 GSX with the 5 speed. From what I can tell the underside looks okay, couldnt get any pictures since it was wet, cold and low to the ground. The interior looks nice:

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Everything appears to be there. it has an A Pillar three gauge pod that includes gauges for AFR, Oil Pressure and Boost/Vacuum. However the engine bay is what has me a little concerned:

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

When Reviewing threads here everyone said a problem area with these cars in the strut tower mounts. Well as you can see this has cancer in both. Another thing I found concerning was the radiator seemed to be empty. However the dip stick looked okay. But I think it is reading high?

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

According to the inspection sticker, it was last inspected until 2017, so it has been off the road since then. I have no idea how long it has been left in this yard. From what I could see of the rockers, fenders and wheel arches it doesnt appear to have any bubbling. I can only identify that it has an after market air filter, and the rest of the air piping appears to be factory. The turbo appears to be stock? at least it has the same patina as everything else in the engine bay. The other thing I noticed in the engine bay was some aftermarket light boxes sitting behind the head lights? maybe strobe lights? It did have an after market head unit and a power cable attached to the battery so I am assuming someone had an amp and maybe a sub in the trunk (which I couldnt get opened). I did check KBB and a vehicle in "Fair Condition" (which is very generous) in my location from a private seller is anywhere from $1100-$2400. The yard gave me the ball park of $1,600. I feel that is a little high.

I believe any rubber component (tires, hose, vacuum lines etc) would need to be replaced. Given that the engine has no coolant the engine is an unknown. Someone could have drained it, or something could have cracked and leaked it out (radiator, hose, head, block). The first story I got was the previous owner tried to get it tuned, couldnt getting it running and then got rid of it. Then I got a story that the car does run. And I also heard they do not have a key for it. Obviously, no one at this yard has any idea about this car or its condition. With no coolant, and the hose that goes to the throttle body being off I am going to say it doesnt run. Unfortunately I have no idea what it will take to get it running. Given that I dont see many mods I kind of dont believe the car was ever tuned. Would I be correct in that assumption? If everything is okay with it mechanically it shouldnt take much to get it running?

So, the question everyone asks when they present a "should I buy this" topic is what is my intended useage is. Well, I was looking to get a race car to take to a track and then do some auto crossing. Something cheap and fun. Wasnt looking for something crazy modded out. Just something thats quick, can handle, and could daily during fair weather. Given the rust is that not plausible? How bad would it be to fix? The other idea would be that my brother has a 96 Eclipse GS-T Spyder that he talked about making AWD and if this body is more trouble than its worth, it could be parted to convert that car to AWD (is converting a convertible to AWD even worth the trouble?). But given how everything looks (minus the strut towers) and the mileage it would be a shame to part this car out. Thoughts?

You should post more about your automotive experience as a mechanic or autobody.

But by the way those strut towers look.... you would be in for some work...

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

If it is CHEAP, get it for the parts. I pay $300 for a complete car, no more if I know nothing about it. Strut towers are the thing that 2g's are notorious for so if you could swap all the goodies (if they are GOOD) into another body, that would be good. Is it a GST or GSX?

 

[carfreak6970]

You should post more about your automotive experience as a mechanic or autobody.

But by the way those strut towers look.... you would be in for some work...

So I have done everything from complete engine rebuilds, trans rebuild, suspension rebuilds, steering rebuilds, fuel systems, ignitions, wiring, body work etc. The only thing I really dont do is upholstery or machining. The body work I did do involved cutting stuff out and welding in new reproduction metal. I am not well versed in making my own panels. And given that there is more than one curve in that area, plus not knowing how stuff looks under the rotted area, I would be hesitant to repair it unless I know they have replacement panels? If they dont have replacement panels, I would probably shy away from repairing this body and using this vehicle as a race car. Because even though the tops look bad, cutting those areas out will most likely reveal more garbage that needs repaired and with the engine in the way, I am not to sure how far down that rust goes.

If it is CHEAP, get it for the parts. I pay $300 for a complete car, no more if I know nothing about it. Strut towers are the thing that 2g's are notorious for so if you could swap all the goodies (if they are GOOD) into another body, that would be good. Is it a GST or GSX?

This is a GSX and at $1600 I wouldnt consider it cheap. No idea on the condition of any of the mechanical systems. Can you still get parts for the rear diff and trans in case they are damaged and I move forward with buying it for parts?

 

[steve]

The yard might get 1K out of it by breaking it down but as a restoration candidate it's just a money pit. I'd pass.

 

[SixBolt_16G]

Were you able to see underneath? Probably just as bad, but like @1990TSIAWDTALON, if you could get the price down... You could probably make a chunk of change off the interior parts, oem bumpers, drop the engine into a better shell, but then again, you have no ideas of the engines condition...

 

[99dsmer4g63]

Strut towers are rough. The side skirt in the rear rocker has a screw in it probably because the entire rocker is gone.

Probably got parked because it wouldn’t pass inspection anymore.

Buy it for parts at cheaper than $1600.

If you can get it closer to $1000 I’d buy for the parts and just keep them for spares for rebuilds.

P.S the chassis looks like it’s where it belongs. However the drivetrain shouldnt be along with them seats. If you’re gonna pass PM the yard info I might make a trip and save some of it if you’re looking to pass on it.
-Daniel

 

[carfreak6970]

Were you able to see underneath? Probably just as bad, but like @1990TSIAWDTALON, if you could get the price down... You could probably make a chunk of change off the interior parts, oem bumpers, drop the engine into a better shell, but then again, you have no ideas of the engines condition...

See, when I hunched over and looked at the underside it didnt seem that bad... yea I could probably make money if I part it. But currently I dont have the room or time to take something like that on.

Strut towers are rough. The side skirt in the rear rocker has a screw in it probably because the entire rocker is gone.

Probably got parked because it wouldn’t pass inspection anymore.

Buy it for parts at cheaper than $1600.

If you can get it closer to $1000 I’d buy for the parts and just keep them for spares for rebuilds.

P.S the chassis looks like it’s where it belongs. However the drivetrain shouldnt be along with them seats. If you’re gonna pass PM the yard info I might make a trip and save some of it if you’re looking to pass on it.
-Daniel

If that screw was not suppose to be there, then yea I would agree with your assessment in that its there because the other areas holding the side skirt on is gone. If that is the cause then I can see it getting parked due to not passing inspection... such a crying shame.

Ill talk with the brother and see what he wants to do. its in the back of the yard so I dont think it will go anywhere anytime soon. If I move forward with it, Ill wait until the weather breaks.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Thats a rust machine who knows whats hiding underneath.

 

[IHeartMyHonda]

The last parts car I bought was a 2g awd talon. I paid $1700 for it and turned a profit in a matter of a few weeks. Granted, it was generally free of rust. The AWD swap, revised 7 bolt, and black interior alone are worth more than 2000.

 

[evil_eagletalon]

The strut tower condition alone is a hard pass.

 

[pat white]

That car will take a commitment and ur gonna need space and resources ...especially if u use this one for parts/swap to a good roller ...which would be my goal ...windshield is good ? ...that would pay for the car if u get it cheap

 

[jesse12345]

If I was closer I'd definitely buy that up as long as it's got a clean title. I wouldn't be afraid of the trunk, floor, or the strut towers it's the rockers that are a real pain. For it being complete and an awd if it were me I'd try to save it, but I have zero issues sinking all of my time into them. It's kind of a passion at this point. I just hate seeing them sit and rot, it only gets worse as time goes on.