Road Race Build (Sold but not forgotten) Solomon's 2GNT Build ('98 RS)

[BLACK'98DSM]

The item Solomon's 2GNT Build ('98 RS) has been updated:

Cleaned/organized build & specs sheet.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Looking NICE and disk over drum any day!

Hondas in NW FL are idiotically priced. A POS dented knocking same gear civic would be $6k.

If I score a passable 2Gnt for like $1500 that needed some engine work I’d jump all over it.

My son picked up this old Honda for $500. It hadn't ran in 12 years. We started it and it smoked so bad, I couldn't see the car. He freshened up the car with a tune-up, hoses, brakes, tires and now the car doesn't puff any smoke and you can't even hear it running. I think it will be a good DD for him and good mileage he hopes.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I didn't realize it actually makes a post when I update a vehicle profile. That's probably a not so new function that I'm just discovering. Anyway, feel free to ponder at my mods list. I feel like that's how every member should organize their profile.

I enjoy the good ole Hondas. I've had far more Hondas than DSM's. They never had impressive performance until the DOHC VTEC heads came along. But always very solid engines that weren't designed to die easy. I'm tempted to swap my SOHC CB7 Accord to a DOHC head, but I really don't think the high mileage auto trans would take kindly to that. The odometer stopped counting at 227k miles a few years ago, so who knows what it has now. Even with that mileage, it doesn't knock or smoke and is still very fuel efficient. All I've had to do on the engine side is replace a leaky distributor o-ring and flush the fluids. It probably has another 200k left in it, if treated properly.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Trevor mentioned that you got a BETTER model and year of Honda when he saw your Prelude.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Slight clash, but I can live with it. I won't have stockish brakes forever.

 

[Dericsh]

It’s different, I like it.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Rocking the appropriate windshield stickers. I'll have to make sure they stay protected while I sand & spray primer

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Installed some new rear brake hoses. No way I was sending it with those junkyard hoses. I made quick work of bleeding the brakes with a vacuum bleeder, checked to make sure everything I installed was tight, and immediately put the car out on the road. I couldn't wait anymore. The last time I drove it the weather was snowy, so it was definitely time to go blow the dust off. That 15 minute experience was definitely the highlight of my day. I'd say the poly bushings definitely made a difference, and so did the disc brake conversion. Steering response is instant, and I don't have to lock up the fronts to get a decent stopping distance. Things will get even better once I bolt up the rear sway bar and go for larger front brakes. I'm happy with the improvements for now though. Often times I forget how peppy the damn thing really is. It pulls hard for what it is. I let it rip past redline a couple of times, just to make sure I properly wake it up after a season of rest. I swear the damn thing would self destruct before it stops making power. I always shift when I'm scared, not when power drops off. I honestly don't know when that would occur, if at all. Anyway- until next time.

PS: I didn't install braided SS rear lines because you can't buy them separately, and I already have the fronts installed which were bought separately. At some point I'll get a kit and either use the spare fronts on my other 2g project or just give them away to another member.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

6 years ago, I started the body work on this car. It only took a couple of days to finish and spray paint, then I had considered it finished. Here we are today, and I'm still doing body work. It could almost seem like progress has been minimal, but you have to understand the mutliple stages of this body work, and my changes of plans over the years. First time around, the goals were just a clean OEM look for daily driving. Second time around, some revisions were made and much more meticulous repairs performed. This time around is not OEM at all, and simply aimed at maximum aerodynamics and weight reductions. It went from one side of the spectrum to the polar opposite. Maybe one day I'll make final decisions and have it all finished up, or maybe it's one of those never ending projects that everyone else would have given up on already. I'm more excited than anyone else to see this car sprayed emerald pearl with smooth & tucked bodywork, but the day furthers constantly and my interest has swayed towards other projects in recent years. The largest project being my mental and physical health, which become more important every year.

I still have a long list of parts to purchase, and one hell of a "to-do" list written out for the car. I just check things off one at a time, with no real pace - I'm not trying to meet a deadline after all. Sometimes I add things to the list quicker than I can mark them off. ONE DAY the car will be finished, but not in a near future it seems.

One of my biggest problems is that I NEVER take my vehicles to someone else for work. I never have and never will, unless I become cripple. My point is, I could have already had the car finished with bodywork and paint if I had dropped it off with a shop months ago. But I can't bring myself to do that. And where's the joy if I didn't build it.

Oh and one more note that I want to make. Yes, the front bumper has probably been off the car for 2 years now. It isn't because I failed to finish it. It's because the city added a speed bump that must be crossed a quarter mile from my shop, and heading in either direction damages the bumper. I put a lot of work into making that one of a kind bumper and will not let the city ruin it. I've got 3 options to solve this. 1: let my intrusive thoughts take over and rip the damn thing off the road (illegal). 2: raise suspension height one full inch. 3: leave the bumper off the car.
So far I've gone with option 3.

Until next time,

 

[CrackedDSM]

If it were to be anonymously ripped completely off, the city usually prioritizes replacing it.

If it were to be anonymously and totally not by you, have a center section from each lane ripped out just wide enough to fit, just as a total exercise in argument's sake alone, a 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, through without touching the bump...the city drags their feet. The speed bump is still technically there.


Just hope no miscreant does that. Because boooooy aren't speed bumps just sooooooo valuable to the GOD DAMNED community.

 

[Dihtung Glava]

If it's the kind of plastic speed bump that they bolt down in sections I'd definitely become an avid collector of said sections of speed bump. If it's asphalt... that sucks. If a car has to pass a yearly inspection to be considered "roadworthy" the road should be worthy of the car too!

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

The said rubber speed bump may or may not have disappeared one of the late nights recently...

I must say, I'm very surprised. A totally new bump was installed in 4 days. Not even long enough for my busy ass to take a DSM over the smooth road.

All good though. I saw who installed the thing, and I should probably use the term "city" very loosely if at all. I know what the city trucks look like. This looked like a local that knows where to buy a damn bump.

I've been reading thoroughly through the city codes and ordinance regarding speed bumps/humps/traps and related buffoonery. Bare minimum, for the city themselves to install a bump it must be on a public road with at least 500 cars passing through per day. This particular road meets neither of those requirements to my knowledge; perhaps one with some deep digging. Either way, I can potentially stand before a council and have the thing legally removed.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Noticed some fast blinking so I pulled the right side bulb... No, I pulled the socket. Somehow the bulb stayed in my housing. I can't imagine how or why it's broken besides pre-existing damage before my installation a couple years ago, and I didn't notice since it were a complete assembly. Damn thing finally rattled loose and fell in. One of my spares fit in the housing, so I'll leave it for now. Tearing the assembly open is far down the priority list. It gave me 2 good drives before something else fell apart.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Had an interesting night.

I recently helped a neighbor unload a 55 gallon drum using an engine hoist. It is filled with avgas (leaded and approximately 100 octane fuel). Filled at the airport. Well, we decided since my car was practically empty to pour a few gallons in the tank and write a new street tune with it. I was able to throw in an extra 4 degrees of peak timing without knock. It was running great. Once the tune was mostly sorted out we were messing around on the highway and my brake booster started leaking vacuum. I went to press the brakes after a hard pull and the pedal felt pretty stiff and wasn't having the pressure I normally do. Once we stopped the engine was idling high and slightly lean at around 16:1. Pumping the brake pedal would build some slight pressure but raise the idle more. The 27 year old OE brake booster diaphragm gave up on me tonight. I guess I'll put in an order for that soon.

I'll definitely be swapping back to my previous 93 octane unleaded tune once this fuel is mostly burned out. The avgas is twice as expensive and only available at certain places not so close to home. It was an enjoyable experience though until the brakes went funny.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

My right rear caliper seems to be seizing. The rotor is turning blue and the pads are smoking. The slides are clean and greased. I guess I'll be reaching out to see what needs to be done. I'm hoping I can just get a replacement. Maybe they want it shipped back, but I'm not sure yet. Sucks with such little usage.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I haven't fully concocted a post yet, but I'll say this.

My heart metaphorically suffers an open wound. I'm letting the car go. It's not practical to own anymore and there are certain things I want/need more than this ride.

I've been in deep thought and even had dreams about it in the recent days. The decision has been made and the car is to be considered no longer in my possession though.

I'm having a harder time than usual letting this one go, but I keep reminding myself that it's just a machine and that I have other aspirations and desires that outweigh the ownership of it.

More to come later.

 

[Dericsh]

I haven't fully concocted a post yet, but I'll say this.

My heart metaphorically suffers an open wound. I'm letting the car go. It's not practical to own anymore and there are certain things I want/need more than this ride.

I've been in deep thought and even had dreams about it in the recent days. The decision has been made and the car is to be considered no longer in my possession though.

I'm having a harder time than usual letting this one go, but I keep reminding myself that it's just a machine and that I have other aspirations and desires that outweigh the ownership of it.

More to come later.

Totally understand. Can’t say that thought hasn’t gone thru my mind lately too. We will still be here, you know I’ll keep up with the Hondas too.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

The deal fell through so I still have the car. I'm not pushing and shoving to get rid of it. If nobody can show up with less cash than I have in the short block, I'm not letting it go.
To be fair, there are a few loose ends that need to be tied up with the car. But you can't expect to buy a 27 year old project and it need nothing at all.

That being said, I may have to hold onto it for a while and finish up a few of the smaller items on my checklist. I was never in a hurry to part ways but I thought I had a good opportunity to cash out and reinvest in other substantial projects.

Worse comes to best, or best comes to worst... I'll just keep it for much longer like I originally planned to. But the last thing I'm doing is selling it for chump change to a broke teenager that will destroy it. I have one of very few 420A cars built to this degree and want it to stick around/be taken care of.

I need to finish buttoning up the body work and get an alignment, at least. That's if I'm keeping it or selling it, regardless. What's painful is that I removed my entire engine wiring harness since I thought it was gone, but now I need to reinstall it so I can continue to have it functional to my desirable level.

 

[CrackedDSM]

The deal fell through so I still have the car. I'm not pushing and shoving to get rid of it. If nobody can show up with less cash than I have in the short block, I'm not letting it go.
To be fair, there are a few loose ends that need to be tied up with the car. But you can't expect to buy a 27 year old project and it need nothing at all.

That being said, I may have to hold onto it for a while and finish up a few of the smaller items on my checklist. I was never in a hurry to part ways but I thought I had a good opportunity to cash out and reinvest in other substantial projects.

Worse comes to best, or best comes to worst... I'll just keep it for much longer like I originally planned to. But the last thing I'm doing is selling it for chump change to a broke teenager that will destroy it. I have one of very few 420A cars built to this degree and want it to stick around/be taken care of.

I need to finish buttoning up the body work and get an alignment, at least. That's if I'm keeping it or selling it, regardless. What's painful is that I removed my entire engine wiring harness since I thought it was gone, but now I need to reinstall it so I can continue to have it functional to my desirable level.

I am both sad for you, and selfishly relieved. I do wanna see the car and ride in it one day. Would've sucked for you to sell it like right before we could ever meet up.


And honestly, yeah. Stand your ground. If people want something cheap they can look elsewhere. I hate modern car culture and especially the buying/selling portion right now. Everyone has this attitude that 1) I deserve this car for literal pennies on the dollar and 2) But if I sell something it's absolutely Rolls Royce money and I'll crush the car before I settle for a penny less.


So yeah. Sorry to hear, but also happy to hear! I'm conflicted.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I'm also conflicted. It's a special ride. Many people who see it know who owns it. But it would also be nice to make quick progression on other projects.

Like I said, not in a hurry to part ways but not passing up on the dough I need if I can get it.

A while ago I looked at my passenger and said "I'm never selling it". Maybe that's what the future really holds. Not sure though. Definitely getting the car fixed up some more though.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

It's sold. Really this time. I waited until I had cash in hand to say so.

For anyone curious, I had over $9k on paper spent on this thing. Probably a bit more that I never added up. The new owner has a manilla folder packed full of receipts and packing slips to prove it. I paid $950 for the car 7 years ago, so that's some substantial modification and commitment.

It still hurts even though I've spent weeks mentally preparing for this moment. I'll never forget it or the long nights I spent building it.

The new owner knows about these forums and may drop by to share his experiences with it.

I'll still hang around here and help where I can. I can't just leave this site behind. Years of perusing, selling/buying parts, and various camaraderie keeps a place in my heart. It's one of 4 DSM's that I owned so I'm here to stay. A big thanks to this community for being so helpful and friendly, and I'll keep giving back.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Maybe you'll get another one? There's a 420a for sale near me that's cheap...I think it's auto but it runs and drives for like $1000. Manual swap maybe?


But, glad it worked out for you. Happy you'll still be around.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I know too much about this platform to leave it all behind. I won't give a definite "no" that I'll never own another one, but parts are too hard to find, and there's no practicality left in building one of these. I had a gem and wouldn't mind having another one in the future, it won't take the same path as this one though if so.

The cash I got will be wisely spent on other projects that I need to tie up. Things that are practical and have a positive effect on my daily life. As I grew older, I realized that's more important.

I'm still playing with Hondas though. They're far more practical. Parts are everywhere and it will take much longer for that community to dry up.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I just want to reiterate how thankful I was and still am for this community. While many things had to be engineered myself, and many of the members that helped me along the way are no longer present, I'm still so thankful for what this community both did and tried to do for me. It all left a lasting impression for sure. I almost wish I were more public with the car, but I'm normally a very private person. It achieved greatness that I never even shared. My best 0-60 time was 5.45 seconds, which while it isn't great in comparison to modern super cars, it's totally screaming and hauling ass for an N/A 420A Eclipse.

Side note, I still have 2 freshly built NV-T350's ready to be installed for sale. One of them went with the new owner but the other two need a new home. Both of them have the discontinued OEM Mopar input shaft bearing, full brass synchros, and bored oil passages. I may keep one for a shelf piece, but am willing to let the other one go for much cheaper than MWM wanted for a far more mild unit.

 

[420eyy]

I'm sure the new owner is quite pleased and you are happy in the end as well. Thanks for all the help here and glad to see you'll still be sticking around. It was a pleasure picking your brain for knowledge when my tranny went down and I appreciate it greatly.