Total noob

[skwon9642]

okay guys, i am getting a 1998 eclipse gs. w/ 83XXXmiles. got some questions. first of all, i already bought it, its just in for inspection so im not just making a thread for nothing.

i got some questions about the vehicle.

-the carfax says it is a GS trim, but the max rpm goes to 9. i've seen ones that go up to 8, which i suspected was the RS version, but i thought RS and GS had the same chrystler engine? it also doesnt have a stock turbo psi guage, so i think its the non turbo GS. it doesnt have any badge stickers in the back or anything, so i dont have a way to know...i also didnt know where to look for the engine code so...sorry...

-i work at sunoco gas station as a cashier, but my boss (mechanic) said NEVER EVER buy eclipse becuase in order to take out the timing belt, u have to take out the whole engine...which i find hard to believe...really...hard...so just clear that up for me please.

-do i own a "DSM"? what is considered a DSM? is that the name the whole line of 1998 eclipses?

yea, i think thats about it. i think i made a good decision on buying the eclipse. i love the look of it and it is in good condition. i will post up pics when i pick it up. meanwhile, i need those questions answered please. thank you!

Edit: oops. i just noticed that this section is for maintence only...im sorry, can u move the thread to the appropriate one? thank you, and sorry

 

[TSITurbo95]

1) RS and GS are non turbo models
2) No, you do not have to take out the whole engine to change the timing belt
3) Yes you own a DSM. Up until the year 99 I believe is when they arent DSM's anymore.

 

[Tanro]

Check under your hood. Do you have a turbo?

Dont know what that is fine. Check underyour hood what side is the part where your air filter is? Passenger = Turbo car unless something is going on wierd.

Driver = Non Turbo car with the chrysler motor.

If its not a turbo and the gauge cluster has a boost meter then you may have had a gauge cluster swapped out of another car due to a fault one.

You dont have to take the engine out to change the timing belt. It may be easier to just take the engine out to do it but you dont have to.

Some people say that a DSM is a 89-99 Plymoth Lazer Eagle Talon or Mitsubishi Eclipse.

But in my opinion a DSM has a Mitsubishi 4G63 engine and is usually turbo. A few of the 1g Cars had a non turbo 4G63. No 4G63 engine then thats just an Eclipse (or Talon Or Laser)

 

[colbyc]

doesnt matter if it has the 1.8 4g37 2.0 n/a 4g63 2.0 4g63t or 2.0 420a its still a dsm regardless

 

[Bud92gsx]

You sir have a non turbo like these fellas have said...

If you ask the previous owner they should be able to tell you when the last time they had the timing belt serviced...If it was 26K miles ago you should have nothing to worry about for 34K miles ish...

If you got yourself a 5spd just keep it stock for great gas milage..If your looking at building, most of the folks on tuners will probly reccomend starting with a gst, or gsx(the turbo models)..But there are still tons of non turbo dsm guys doing great things..

 

[IceMinion]

Yes and no: It is a DSM, but it is also a dodge neon power-train.

The body is a DSM, the Engine and transmission are from the Neon.

Enjoy fuel economy and blowing head gaskets. Although some have taken thousands of dollars to prove this statement false: it is not a performance platform/engine.

So seriously, enjoy the fact that you have a low-horsepower platform, drive your car, change the oil, take your girlfriend/boyfriend out on dates, focus on life.

I now experienced in rebuilding transmissions and engines, I would consider myself a master mechanic in some senses.

I am also single and have no social life and I spend all my money on my cars.

Good luck

 

[TotalEclipse21]

I think it is the truest model of DSM. Chrysler 420A in a Mitsubishi body, I mean come on.... IMO

 

[FLASH1970]

But in my opinion a DSM has a Mitsubishi 4G63 engine and is usually turbo. A few of the 1g Cars had a non turbo 4G63. No 4G63 engine then thats just an Eclipse (or Talon Or Laser)

Well, you are wrong. Seeing that DSM stands for Diamond Star Motors which was a joint venture between Mitsubishi and Chrysler, all the 1990-1999 Eclipses, Talons, and Lasers are DSM's regardless of drivetrain.

To the original poster, post up some pics, take care of it, and enjoy the car. There are a few people making some good power with the 420A and there seems to be a good following for the non-turbo cars. Learn what you can and welcome to the forum.

 

[Achelea]

If it was 26K miles ago you should have nothing to worry about for24K miles ish...

There, Fixed it. It's 50K, not 60.

To Skwon9642: Welcome to the DSM world. If It's an Eclipse,, Talon or Laser from 89 to 99, it's a DSM. Your car is probably the RS or GS as people have mentioned before. Depending on how much automotive experience you have, that car can be a great introduction to working on DSMs in general, and a reliable Daily driver. Just Remember that Maintenance and repairs take precedence on Any car.

This site is a great resource for all your questions, cause after 20 years, there are next to no new questions. Spend some time lurking and researching. Go through the tech articles and read one of those every day. Read the wiki article, and VFAQ Site - Visual Frequently Answered Questions as well. (Yes, some links are down, but a lot of the information has found it's way here) If you find out there are meets near you, go to the meets and talk with people there. If you search for a week and still don't find an answer, ask away. We should be able to direct you to the answer, or answer it directly, albeit through playful jabs.

Over all, Good car to learn DSMs through. If you want torque or more power, Cheaper route is the Turbo FWD, or AWD version. If you want to go against the flow, there are N/T cars on here that put down serious power, and others that have added a turbo. There is a N/T car here that they broke the 200HP barrier for the NA motor. Anything is possible.

Have Fun.