The Official "What's this DSM worth?" Thread

[TheWanderer]

Searched the forum and couldn't find an answer to my specific question, so here goes.

I have been looking for another DSM lately, and I found a 91 GSX for sale. Has your typical problems, like headlight motors and what not. But, the major issue is that it uses coolant and idles at 3000 rpms. To me it sounds like a head gasket issue, but being new to the DSM world I am probably wrong, considering our cars are an entirely different monster when it comes to problem diagnosis, etc.\

I asked the guy what was wrong with it exactly, and this is what I got back from him:

I planned on taking the head off and resurfacing it and putting a new head gasket on. i put a coolant pressure tester on and the pressure did not drop. i was thinking that when the engine is warm the coolant is going through the gasket and head and leaking into the cylinders.

Any ideas guys? Only reason I am still looking at it is because its a GSX. May be an auto, but I have a 5sp GS that I can use for parts once I get this on the road. Just want to see if I can figure out whats wrong before I make an $1100 mistake and buy it.

 

[TheWanderer]

It does, but nothing major. Typical problems that I have seen on all the DSMs I have looked at lately. Headlight motors, some interior issues, but nothing major. I just want to get an idea of what may be causing the major issue, and that is the use of coolant and the high idle.

 

[SOADweskey]

For the high idle start as basic as you can and check that the throttle cable isn't binding.

As for the questionable head gasket. Insist on running a compression test on the engine before buying so you at least have a small idea of what you are in for.

 

[AlaskanDsm]

Before all hell went to hell on my GSX, I know that I had some idle issues that were fixed by messing with the BISS screw. Also I would agree on the compression check. The compression check would deffinetly tell you if the head gasket was going bad, as well as give you an idea of how the cylinders are doing as of now. I bought my Talon for 1000 with a motor that had a thrown rod through the block, a new engine stand, and a whole second engine with random parts everywhere haha.

 

[adiffrentcity]

Cracked windshield is a bad sign that there is at least some "frame" (unibody) damage. If you really need to sell it, parting out might be your best option. If you can't stand to go through the trouble, I'd say you won't be able to get over 1500 given the kbb value, and you may want to aim lower than that so you can move it fast.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

I'd sell it for a grand and cut your losses.

 

[GSX Eclipse]

Ok its a 1997 AWD Talon with 83,000. The guy bought it off his friend for 5 grand because it needed work the he couldn't afford. It just needed stuff like a timing belt, timing belt tensioner, tires, brakes, and wheel bearings and a secondary timing belt??????WTF. He's asking 5,800. Here's a copy of the ad and a link with the pic.

"97 Talon Tsi awd 83,000 miles
5 speed
power window,lock,sun roof,leather,cruise,mirrors,cd player,
Alot of new parts done
New tires
3in down pipe
3in apexi n1 exhaust
k&n filter
b&m short shifter

The car is really clean nothing wrong with inside or the out you could eat off it......Im not really a dsm guy soo i was lookin for a honda.....vw....or something you might have to trade let me know im open to anything.....best way to reach me is to call my cell"

97 Talon Tsi....awd.....5 speed....low miles

 

[adiffrentcity]

So what's this stuff worth? Thanks for looking and this is not a classified listing i just want to know what this crap is worth!

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2g exh mani, downpipe, and stock turbo from an auto. With O2 sensor. Absolutely NO shaft play.

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2g maf with wiring and ractive filter

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2g SMIC hard piping with Greddy type RS

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2g turbo motor, complete; along with 2g turbo auto trans. I know you guys want that auto! :roll: The motor feels good turning over by hand and the timing belt is intact. Obviously a lot of good external stuff, maybe some front end brackets or accesories for you guys. Unfortunately I never heard the motor fire or turn over and can't say it's good for anything other than a core even though I believe different. When I bought the trans I put a filter in it and was pleasantly surprised to find very little in the pan as far as sludge. I also can't say whether it's actually good for anything; though if circumstances had been different I would be driving an auto 2g eclipse...

Tell me what this crap is worth!

 

[adiffrentcity]

This is not a classified listing so do not reply as such, I need to know what this car is worth so I can decide to sell or not.Thanks for looking!

And now for the car
1992 plymouth laser awd turbo

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I think that's an extreme psi front mount, its a little huge-ish
The car was made at some point to look like an eclipse, but....

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The taillight panel doesn't lie

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Vehicle mileage.

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You might not be able to see too well in this pic, but there's a lot of bondo on this quarter. The whole thing is pretty beat up, but this is just wrong.

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Buckled roof

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Lsd rear factory warning label

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The bling!

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Gold-line springs on factory struts

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Electric oil pressure gauge

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Apexi timer, manual, wiring. Never installed. T-case and axle seals and turbo to manifold gasket.

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Kind of looks like the pump has been "rewired" as the dsm'ers say, and yet it doesn't.

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Stock ecu, haven't pulled it to check for eeprom.

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Engine bay with abs and a/c removed. Non-stock fans with the latest technology in wire joining, don't know if those fans are necessarily better than stock, but maybe. Intercooler piping. Cam angle sensor. FPR with gauge. AEM fuel rail with what appear to be stock injectors. Big downpipe. Stock cam gears. The motor is a jdm evo 3 with intake manifold.
Before I acquired the car it was a tow-away, and while stored the gigantic t3/t4, maf translator, downpipe, I/C piping and maybe more were stolen. Bummer. I know the guy that did the majority of the work on the car(not the same who owned it when towed), and he says the pistons, rods, and clutch are really in there. I would be willing to do the work to verify this stuff if someone is really interested. There is also a nice sized single row oil cooler, but I didn't upload the photo since I'm a nimrod. :x

Also, I really don't want to part the car out!
Tell me what this car is worth!

Oh, and I DO have a clean TN title on the car.... but no keys.

 

[Bud92gsx]

just talk him down, if it dont run he has no real use for it.

 

[GofaST4life]

just talk him down, if it dont run he has no real use for it.

+1 for that

 

[pinky]

Hey guys,

I have a situation on my hands. I recently sold my first gen. I have since bought a bike.

After moving, a friend going down, and no space at my new place, and catching the DSM bug again I put my bike up for sale. Had lots of offers and people looking at it...

However, this guy offered me a straight up trade.

Here is my bike:2003 Honda CBR RR black and mint

It is basically stock, I bought it for 5k. Haven't really rode it at all. Put new tabs in it...

Here is the 98 GSX:
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

I went and looked at it today. Its in decent shape. Interior needs help. Needs lots of supporting mods. It didn't even have guages, fuel pump, suspension mods, etc. Basic things I would expect on a car like this...It drove great. It almost sounds to go to be true.

Just wanted some input on what you guys thought I should ask him, if you thought I should go along with the trade, and what to watch out for.

Thanks in advance.
Aaron

 

[HighBoostLaser]

Have Reciepts to it accually being a 2.3 Stroker? Cams to Support Stroker? Bigger Turbo? Injectors? Might Be fraud it not all true? Even Exhaust?

 

[pinky]

My point exactly....

He said he didn't have time to wait on the HKS cams while the shop had the car....He says he has paper work for the stroker. I most def will get that before the trade and review it all.... Has a CAT BACK n1, 16g, I think stock injectors....The thing that really gets me is there is no boost controller, no guages, no fuel mods...I'm wondering if he knows anything...Maybe its never been above stock boost

 

[GSX4BangR]

Yea try talkin him down. In my opinion 1G's are the best out of the DSM series and I bought a shell for around $400 which was in real good condition but sadly after i got it fixed a few years later it got wrecked . But now I have another one which I got for a good price so yea anythings possible.

 

[evileclipse909]

That's possible. But at the same time, he might have just wanted to break-in the motor stock. I know quite a few people that have returned their setups to stock after doing a motor rebuild, including myself. And you never know. he probobly had big plans for the car, wanted the motor built b4 doing all that, but ran out of money. Like me as well. I think it would be a good trade as long as the tittle is lagit.

 

[D's GS-T]

My point exactly....

He said he didn't have time to wait on the HKS cams while the shop had the car....He says he has paper work for the stroker. I most def will get that before the trade and review it all.... Has a CAT BACK n1, 16g, I think stock injectors....The thing that really gets me is there is no boost controller, no guages, no fuel mods...I'm wondering if he knows anything...Maybe its never been above stock boost

I was actualy considering buying this car, but the goofy set up kind of scared me . hes got a stroker, and getting cams, but yet has no gauges, or fuel system, just seems kind of weird. I say just keep the bike until you find out all about this car.

 

[Car_guy_09]

Plus your only asking $5500 for the bike and he's asking $10,000 for the car...Pretty big difference in price .So as far as the straight up trade goes, It sounds a little weird to me. And i find it kinda hard to belive that this guy knows anything if he didn't upgrade the fuel system or put any gauges in the car ect. But you never know it could be a good deal...And it could blow up on the drive home(I actually know someone this happened too ) But just make sure you look over all the paper work and check the motor over good and that stuff. Good luck

 

[blkwidow]

At least you know it's still running the BCS. Did it feel.....Torquey

 

[GSX Eclipse]

Ok its a 1997 AWD Talon with 83,000. The guy bought it off his friend for 5 grand because it needed work the he couldn't afford. It just needed stuff like a timing belt, timing belt tensioner, tires, brakes, and wheel bearings and a secondary timing belt??????WTF. He's asking 5,800. Here's a copy of the ad and a link with the pic.

"97 Talon Tsi awd 83,000 miles
5 speed
power window,lock,sun roof,leather,cruise,mirrors,cd player,
Alot of new parts done
New tires
3in down pipe
3in apexi n1 exhaust
k&n filter
b&m short shifter

The car is really clean nothing wrong with inside or the out you could eat off it......Im not really a dsm guy soo i was lookin for a honda.....vw....or something you might have to trade let me know im open to anything.....best way to reach me is to call my cell"

97 Talon Tsi....awd.....5 speed....low miles

Ok As of today the guy lowered the price 1000 dollars to 4,800. Anyone?

 

[motox-010]

FS: mitsubishi eclipse gsx - RICEKILLER.COM FORUMS
If that is close, I might go take a look at it. It looks clean, and for that price it wont cost to damn much to get it running again. Hopefully. I will need to ask him what he used to cover the cylinders.

 

[GSX Eclipse]

FS: mitsubishi eclipse gsx - RICEKILLER.COM FORUMS
If that is close, I might go take a look at it. It looks clean, and for that price it wont cost to damn much to get it running again. Hopefully. I will need to ask him what he used to cover the cylinders.

You never know what you are fully getting when you buy a car that doesn't run.

 

[motox-010]

That is why I am gonna ask some questions first. Like why he parted out then decided to sell as a whole.

 

[DeadlyEclipse95]

I just recently picked up a 90 Eclipse GS-T...It has 176,000 miles on it...it got a rebuilt head 2500 miles ago..it also has a new transmission with 500 miles on it and a act 2600..it has a 3 inch down megan racing downpipe with a 3 inch exhaust....it is painted flat black with five start rims...it runs like a champ and pulls very very hard for being stock...the only problem the car has is that it won't hold a charge...the alternator is fine...i haven't really got a chance to look at it yet due to the weather but I believe its a bad ground or something as the wiring underneath the hood is hacked up...i thought this was a good deal for $400...what do you think?

 

[tunethis]

Seems like a good deal to me. It runs good and has a rebuilt engine and new transmission. Once you figure out the wiring mess under the hood, you'll be in good shape.