To shell or not to shell?

[tay97gst]

Ive been having a really hard time trying to make up my mind. Right now I have a gst but want to upgrade to a gsx. Is it worth it in the end to get a shell and a motor and build it over the winter? Or would I be better off saving until winter is over and then buying an already running gsx? Im guessing that if i get a shell and put upgrades on the engine it will cost more in the end than buying a car that already has the mods on them, because obviously they don't retain the same value as when you first bought them. I've never pulled or put in an engine but learning about cars is something I want to do so I think it would be good for me, I'm just worried if I try the shell I'll get in over my head and spend more money in the long run. I'd appreciate any input from your experiences, thanks guys.

 

[Roberti 2G]

You can prob do a Gst to awd conversion for cheaper then both. Idk how well a coverted awd compares to a factory gsx though.

 

[tay97gst]

You can prob do a Gst to awd conversion for cheaper then both. Idk how well a coverted awd compares to a factory gsx though.

The reason I cant stick with my gst, besides being fwd, is that the undercarriage is ridiculously rusted... as well as the rest of the car haha

 

[dsmpasian]

my cousin did a conversion on his and it came out beast mode!...just depends on how much you value the car you have if your willing to put alot of time and extra cash into it...if not then say bye bye and just go find yourself a gsx

 

[Arthris]

I would find a shell with the drivetrain at least. the less other things the better as you can swap everything else from ## GST to the GSX to make a running car. In reality all you need is the GSX shell rear drivetrain trans T-case drive shaft and exhaust. Everything else is the same. Look for parts outs and see if there gettin ride of the shell aswell and see if you can swindle a deal for the basic stuff for a AWD

 

[bryanwheat]

The reason I cant stick with my gst, besides being fwd, is that the undercarriage is ridiculously rusted... as well as the rest of the car haha

If the structure of the car is rusted thru than i would consider just finding a good awd shell with the rear end components in good shape, or one with a blown engine and putting your engine and other parts in. If it is just surface rust than i would just grind it off and undercoat it.

 

[92AWDHX40]

You may find a awd shell with some extras, if you look good enough you can find some really good shells, found mine on craigslists. Quite a few around here where i live, i was fortunate to ge one with everything, and some more, plus it was it was rust free from front to back, a little surface rust on the suspension but thats getting cleaned up.

 

[tay97gst]

I'm hoping i'll actually be able to sell the GST instead of removing the engine from it. It runs beautifully and I would hate to part it out, but im not sure that many places would pass inspection like my mechanic would. We'll see how it goes, I have to register it in december so if he passes it then maybe it can still sell.
And just because im curious, if i do get a shell but then don't feel comfortable dropping in the engine, how much would a place usually charge to drop the engine in?

 

[mchustle]

Honestly you can find a decent awd shell or one with a blown motor, you, a couple friends, and basic tools you could pull the motor from your gst and drop it in the gsx in a weekend max. If any of you had experience I would say a Saturday is all you would need. You could pull the motor in these cars in a few hours easy.