So i want to make my dsm reliable

[Jorge50505]

So i want to make my dsm reliable. i need tips on what to do it currently has 131xxx miles on it. and the only problem im starting to have is that shifting into first is getting hard and on cold days when i shift into reverse it grinds.
maybe next summer when i have the money i'll start modding it.
but for now i want my car reliable.

 

[BoostFrenzy]

First step, change your trans, t-case and diff fluid. While around your trans, make sure your reverse light switch isn't too loose, or too tight. Both will cause problems getting into reverse. From there, pray your syncros aren't screwed and you don't need a trans rebuild.

Then do a compression check to see what kind of condition your motor is in.

 

[Dserge]

Change out every fluid.
Change your brakes/rotors.
Check turbo for shaftplay
Change fuel filter
Change all belts out.
Make sure tires are in good condition.

Most of all do not hot rod it all the time if it is your daily driver.


I have been driving on my notchy transmission for 2 years now.
Trust me they are pretty strong as far as entirely losing a gear goes.

Wouldn't hurt to maybe swap in a new radiator if you live in a hot area if it looks original just to be safe.
Maybe also look into getting new clamps along with radiator hoses. Along with any worn vacuum lines.

Finally a boost leak test should wrap it up nicely.

 

[Jorge50505]

First step, change your trans, t-case and diff fluid. While around your trans, make sure your reverse light switch isn't too loose, or too tight. Both will cause problems getting into reverse. From there, pray your syncros aren't screwed and you don't need a trans rebuild.

Then do a compression check to see what kind of condition your motor is in.

later on i was thinking of getting a shep transmission stage 2. would that solve the problem???

 

[fwdmaster]

Do all your "maintenance", that is "key" with a dsm

 

[Dserge]

Do all your "maintenance", that is "key" with a dsm

Not just with a DSM but any car for that matter.

 

[Jorge50505]

so what i have done since i bought it with 127xxx miles is
oil change
oil filter

and thats about it
i was thinking of getting the radiator flushed
brakes seem to be in good condition so far
the guy told me that he changed the belts at around 60xxx mile and they look good
next on my to do list is check turbo for shaftplay
tires look like their at 30%

 

[DSM1G90]

..and a full BELT CHANGE out !

60xxx mile and they look good

- which you are definitely due for this important procedure.

Mine has 174k on it, still runs like a top with standard and preventive maintenance regimens.

I know of one fellow has a '91 DSM with over 375k on the chassis - original motor, doesn't burn oil past the rings even though he's done valve seals (something one can't get away from..), tranny fluid changeouts and all of the other prevent stuff.

DSM's won't die unless you make them die.

-DSM

 

[Dserge]

..and a full BELT CHANGE out !

- which you are definitely due for this important procedure.

Mine has 174k on it, still runs like a top with standard and preventive maintenance regimens.

I know of one fellow has a '91 DSM with over 375k on the chassis - original motor, doesn't burn oil past the rings even though he's done valve seals (something one can't get away from..), tranny fluid changeouts and all of the other prevent stuff.

DSM's won't die unless you make them die.

-DSM

Yeah usually I get bored so I just go out and start doing maintenance. Even if it really isn't "needed". Always nice knowing your running good fluids.

 

[lacroixdp]

Just like any car, if you drive it like a race car, you can expect frequent maintenance needs. If you drive DSM's like a regular car, just like every other car, they will be dependable for the most part. Replace all your rubber components under the hood, including fuel lines, radiator hoses, vacuum hoses, injector seals, throttle body seals, and oil seals. Check your intake system for boost leaks. If you have the original radiator, replace it if it looks rotten. Put on NGK BPR6ES plugs with NGK wires. Check over your harness for bare spots or cracking insulation. Make sure your battery is tied down and make sure you have no corrosion on the terminals. Change your timing belt along with the tensioner, pulleys, and water pump. Eliminate your balance shaft while you're in there doing that. Check and change, if necessary, your wheel bearings, tie rod ends, CV joints and/or boots, ball joints, anti-sway bushings, springs, and struts. Change your fuel filter if it hasn't been done decently. Check your brakes and rotors. Check your ECU for leaking caps. Lastly, make sure your clutch is properly adjusted. If you do all those and have a well maintained engine, you should be able to make your DSM into a reliable vehicle.

 

[Jorge50505]

Just like any car, if you drive it like a race car, you can expect frequent maintenance needs. If you drive DSM's like a regular car, just like every other car, they will be dependable for the most part. Replace all your rubber components under the hood, including fuel lines, radiator hoses, vacuum hoses, injector seals, throttle body seals, and oil seals. Check your intake system for boost leaks. If you have the original radiator, replace it if it looks rotten. Put on NGK BPR6ES plugs with NGK wires. Check over your harness for bare spots or cracking insulation. Make sure your battery is tied down and make sure you have no corrosion on the terminals. Change your timing belt along with the tensioner, pulleys, and water pump. Eliminate your balance shaft while you're in there doing that. Check and change, if necessary, your wheel bearings, tie rod ends, CV joints and/or boots, ball joints, anti-sway bushings, springs, and struts. Change your fuel filter if it hasn't been done decently. Check your brakes and rotors. Check your ECU for leaking caps. Lastly, make sure your clutch is properly adjusted. If you do all those and have a well maintained engine, you should be able to make your DSM into a reliable vehicle.

wow my small list went into a really big list. so far i only drive my dsm on weekends to go to work which is all highway and 20 minute drive, and i go to school on week days rarely use the car

 

[joe sobo]

So i want to make my dsm reliable. i need tips on what to do it currently has 131xxx miles on it. and the only problem im starting to have is that shifting into first is getting hard and on cold days when i shift into reverse it grinds.
maybe next summer when i have the money i'll start modding it.
but for now i want my car reliable.

haha, yea good luck

 

[907gs-t]

do all the work now & then enjoy.it will be worth it.

 

[MOTOR-RX]

I didnt know those words could be put in same sentence

reliable-----dsm.................. no shit, news to my ears

 

[dsmtun3r98gst]

So i want to make my dsm reliable. i need tips on what to do it currently has 131xxx miles on it. and the only problem im starting to have is that shifting into first is getting hard and on cold days when i shift into reverse it grinds.
maybe next summer when i have the money i'll start modding it.
but for now i want my car reliable.

Reliable DSM?????

 

[BoostFrenzy]

later on i was thinking of getting a shep transmission stage 2. would that solve the problem???

If you have the money to do so, yes it will solve your problem. That is, as long as it is not a problem with your hydrolic clutch system, the pedal assembly or the clutch itself. But in most cases, a good fluid flush fixes some trans problems. And if it doesn't, it at least puts your trans in the best environment possible to use for the time being before you put in another transmission (as in, no metal flakes being tossed around with the potential to screw up even more stuff).

 

[Jorge50505]

if you try, dsm will be reliable if you dont hot rod it and keep up with maintenance