suggestions on my new gsx? should I continue with project?

[dreamdsm99]

I recently posted suggestions on whether I should purchase this high mileage gsx I came across. I bought it last week for $1700. It has 190,000 on it is a 5 speed and only needed the oil pan to be changed. I am getting the pan changed wednesday and it really needs nothing else to my knowledge at least. I bought it with the desire to drive it thru the rest of the year and drop all my modifying money into it next spring. My question is, with an engine rebuild, more or less total parts replacement top to bottom, is it worth it to do a complete rebuild on this car? I know it will be a little pricey but I do have some help to save on labor. I know this is probably a pretty noob question but does a total rebuild like this give you essentially a new lease on life for the car? I know nickel and dime stuff will come up, but when done right will this overhaul provide me with a vehicle with some long life on it? thanks in advance I have only had my gsx for a few days and i love it!

 

[habitatguy187]

It will be a whole new motor, but remember the rest of the car is still 190k old, suspension transmission, little things here and there. But a motor rebuild would be very nice, if you're planning on making big power then look into a 6-bolt swap, but if you just want a fast DD then don't even worry about it.

 

[Littlebeeper]

everything he said except the 6-bolt. its not entirely needed as the 6 bolt has stronger rods but if your making a big horsepower engine those are going to be replaced anyway. CW is over-rated.
If that engine was well maintained it may still outlive a newer engine thats been beaten to hell. do a compression check and leakdown and then decide if its worth it to rebuild now or wait.

 

[123eclipz]

do a compression check and leakdown and then decide if its worth it to rebuild now or wait.

hey ive been reading all these threads and ive seen alot of people talk about compression and leakdown tests. what do they do and where can you test it? i feel dumb right now asking these questions.

 

[Prolab]

This might help you out:

Compression Test vs. Leak Down Test

 

[darvesh88]

hey ive been reading all these threads and ive seen alot of people talk about compression and leakdown tests. what do they do and where can you test it? i feel dumb right now asking these questions.

Here ya go:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-engine-fuel/338152-compression-test-vs-leak-down-test.html

Explains compression/leakdown tests very well.

 

[qnz]

what year is the car? IMO, there are more important things to check/fix on a used DSM than the engine. checking the suspension, control arms, ball joints, leaky seals, leaky exhaust, working AC, non-cracking radiatior, are all things I would address before the engine. You might have a nice built engine, but what fun is it if your wheels are about to fall off.

 

[dreamdsm99]

it is a 95...and yea I definitely do not want to ignore anything else as well...i didnt plan on diving headfirst into a rebuild without checking everything over, I just wanted to know the opinion of those who maybe have done this before and if it is worthwhile...I am trying to get around 300 hp

 

[black_gst]

if you plan on doing everything right built motor and all expect to spend around $10,000 maybe less depend on your hp goals. but once you start making more and more HP its like a drug and all you want is MORE!

that said im in the middle of build and restore and i dropped a built 6 bolt and head tons of new bushings and spacers and pullys and gaskets. custom rear differential bushings i designed, clutch, flywheel, 20G turbo and tons more parts
and im getting pretty close to the 10k mark

 

[joshs1074]

hows the rust situation i dont see too many dsm with a lot of rust but i do see some. no since putting a lot of money into something that is going to rust away

 

[habitatguy187]

if you plan on doing everything right built motor and all expect to spend around $10,000 maybe less depend on your hp goals.

He said he wants around 300hp, which will cost MUCH less than 10k.

 

[joshs1074]

yeah 300 hp isnt hard to reach a few minor bolt ons and he should have it

 

[dreamdsm99]

Rust is pretty much only on edge of hood not really newhere else.....n yes I'm aiming for MUCH less than 10k ha