To gsx or not to gsx?

[rcarbajal4]

That is my question. I have a 95 gst that I bought completely stock, so that I could work on it from the beginning and get to know these cars. The thing is, I have a chance at picking up a 95 gsx, lightly modified. I've been doing some research and everyone seems to say awd is the way to go, but that it takes more maintenance and will break down on you more often than fwd. (not really sure if that's true)
I dont have big plans, and I don't plan on going to the track or anything(although things could change down the line), I just want a DD with power to take on anything I find on the streets (400whp is my goal). Is the gsx REALLY that much better?
I'd like to hear from people who've owned both too. Any input would be great

 

[Aproductions]

GSX or GTFO haha.

I am in the process of converting my 99 GST to a 99 GSX (thats what my part car was).

it is THE way to go.

 

[rcarbajal4]

the GSX is rated 20mpg combined
GST is rated 24mpg combined

GS (N/A) is rated...
drum roll

23 mpg combined. go figure

It's just something to consider with gas prices climbing with no cap in sight. I'd say get the two, keep one stock for dd and mod the hell out of the AWD for weekend fun.

Really? Fwd has better gas mileage? :what: go figure. Hadn't considered that. And I do drive a lot for school... Hmm...

 

[WES_393]

Ricardo- Well that's a rough estimate of my Spyder, but it is a very noticeable difference between the Spyder GS and my AWD. Here at 5200ft and nothing but roads designed by preschoolers with crayons, the Spyder GS is just a dog when it comes to performance. So much so that it's getting a turbo this summer. I saw your hypermiling thread and that's pretty cool stuff, if I wasn't so heavy footed I'd give that a try.

OP- Are you looking to replace the GST with the GSX? If so you could always find a clean GSX shell to swap your known-good engine and what not. Just a thought. But I don't think 4mpg difference should stop you from making the decision. An open element filter, emissions delete, and a good tune would give you back the difference between the GST and GSX. I think it's a small price to pay considering I never worry about snow and can launch like a small jet aircraft.

 

[rcarbajal4]

Which GS are we talking about? Because my Spyder GS gets around 15 .

Keeping the GST for daily and the AWD for a build isn't a bad idea.

I would love to keep both, but i doubt that's possible. Most of my money goes to school, and insurance for both would kill me

It would be very convenient though.

 

[Ricardo18]

Really? Fwd has better gas mileage? :what: go figure. Hadn't considered that. And I do drive a lot for school... Hmm...

I'm a tad bit confused by your post. Let me see if I can clear this up.

The GST Hatch gets the best overall gas mileage of all variations of the Eclipse at 24mpg

All GSX's get the same 20mpg (spyder or hatch).

I was adding that the non turbo 420a actually has a lower rating on the epa. It's only rated 23mpg

 

[WES_393]

Well in your case I would say keep the GST and maybe save up parts to do the AWD conversion.

 

[Ricardo18]

By the way, the difference at 15k miles/year between the GST and the GSX (some variations between years) is $600-$800 depending on the price of gas and year of the car. I don't think you'll notice the difference with the year that much.

I sometimes wish I had awd. 1st gear in my N/T is pretty much useless so I can't imagine it in the GST.

With those AWD launches you'll definitely take home prisoners and it might be worth it for that feeling. It's up to you in the end of course.

 

[JKsTSiAWD]

The other big advantage of AWD is the winter driving if it's your daily. Having the AWD is very worth it in even small amounts of snow and spots of ice. I notice it every time I go from driving my civic to my Talon in the winter.

 

[hypergenesis]

Real DSMs have power to all the wheels. The FWD replicas aren't even trying.

Every time you launch so hard your wipers come on it will make you giggle.

Kind of ignorant to say something like this don't you think? Keep in mind that one of the fastest track dsm's is a FWD GST. And calling it a replica is funny when the only thing really different is the tranny and drive train for it being awd.

@OP

Keep in mind the AWD will be beat on a bit but if you have the chance and its a good price go for it.

Im not bashing on AWD but don't go acting like a GST is inferior when a simple drivetrain swap can change all that.

Well in your case I would say keep the GST and maybe save up parts to do the AWD conversion.

Or buy the GST and only work towards the engine then buy a rolling GSX Chassis and just swap the engine. I think it would be less work and money honestly.

I'm a tad bit confused by your post. Let me see if I can clear this up.

The GST Hatch gets the best overall gas mileage of all variations of the Eclipse at 24mpg

All GSX's get the same 20mpg (spyder or hatch).

I was adding that the non turbo 420a actually has a lower rating on the epa. It's only rated 23mpg

I don't think your numbers are right because my GST with mods gets 31 MPG over a full tank reliably while having fun.

 

[HustlerTalon]

My first DSM was a 97 GST, my next cars were: 90 talon awd, 91 talon awd, and a 90 gsx....do you see how I never went back to fwd? .

 

[rcarbajal4]

The other big advantage of AWD is the winter driving if it's your daily. Having the AWD is very worth it in even small amounts of snow and spots of ice. I notice it every time I go from driving my civic to my Talon in the winter.

Yea...the closest to snow we get here in los angeles is high 60s

 

[rcarbajal4]

Kind of ignorant to say something like this don't you think? Keep in mind that one of the fastest track dsm's is a FWD GST. And calling it a replica is funny when the only thing really different is the tranny and drive train for it being awd.

@OP

Keep in mind the AWD will be beat on a bit but if you have the chance and its a good price go for it.

Im not bashing on AWD but don't go acting like a GST is inferior when a simple drivetrain swap can change all that.



Or buy the GST and only work towards the engine then buy a rolling GSX Chassis and just swap the engine. I think it would be less work and money honestly.



I don't think your numbers are right because my GST with mods gets 31 MPG over a full tank reliably while having fun.

Yea 31mpg seems a little closer to my fuel economy, given that I don't go past 2500rpm

 

[Moy]

Fuel economy figures are usually for a stock car. A more efficient intake, exhaust, and intercooling system with less restriction will yield better fuel economy. Add fuel tuning in there and you're able to increase that fuel economy even more, although sometimes not by much.
I may not have a DSM, but I do have a boosted car, and I noticed that when I added just an exhaust my economy went up by 4-5mpg

 

[Tiki2777]

Yea 31mpg seems a little closer to my fuel economy, given that I don't go past 2500rpm

If you're not going past 2500 RPMs...just sell all your DSMs now...she needs to BREATHE!! GO AWD and snap your neck on a launch!

 

[rcarbajal4]

If you're not going past 2500 RPMs...just sell all your DSMs now...she needs to BREATHE!! GO AWD and snap your neck on a launch!

Yea I can't go more than 15 min without going past 2.5k, I love torque!

 

[fonzi90Tsi]

In all Honesty I would love an AWD. But for now I have a fwd.

Of course I am gonna keep the fwd 1g and buy a AWD 2g a lil down the road. And build a 6 bolt for it.

 

[Ricardo18]

Kind of ignorant to say something like this don't you think? Keep in mind that one of the fastest track dsm's is a FWD GST. And calling it a replica is funny when the only thing really different is the tranny and drive train for it being awd.

@OP

Keep in mind the AWD will be beat on a bit but if you have the chance and its a good price go for it.

Im not bashing on AWD but don't go acting like a GST is inferior when a simple drivetrain swap can change all that.



Or buy the GST and only work towards the engine then buy a rolling GSX Chassis and just swap the engine. I think it would be less work and money honestly.



I don't think your numbers are right because my GST with mods gets 31 MPG over a full tank reliably while having fun.

Those are EPA figures on a closed loop used to compare all vehicles. Your mileage will vary depending on where and how you drive. If we were all gonna compare numbers, my GS gets 47.75mpg, but that wouldn't be a fair measure since my driving technique is so different.

We all drive differently and live in different climates, different elevations etc. Plus, some cars run on different blends of fuel.