2G Turbo vs Non Turbo?

[SLburna]

Hello DSMTuners,

New to the website and am seriously thinking of getting a DSM. I have Passat 1.8T so I am used to mods and familiar with how the turbo works. I don't think I could possibly do another thing to my current car to make it go any faster so I think its time to move on. I def need a little bit more speed!

So I've turned to 2g DSM's. I dont go to the track or anything, so I don't want to get that serious in mods but I have a question, which I would like your opinions on to help me make a decision.

Now once I sell my car I figure I'll have about 15g's to work with.

I'm really into audio and I'll be putting at least 3g's of top of the line equip into it right away. So now where down to about 12g's? Now I do know I want a turbo, ever since the Passat I've fallen in love with turbos.

I think I want to get a 98 or 99 and obv there is a big difference in price range btw turbo n non turbo.

So, I'm wondering what your opinions are on getting a non-turbo and putting a turbo kit on it? Cause I'm thinking if I can get a non turbo for around 4 or 5 grand, I'll have about 7g's to do whatever mods I would like.

I know you are all much more experienced then I am in this area, just wondering if you can give me some advice whether I should do that or just spend the 12-13g's on a turbo DSM, put my system in and save up for mods? But that is going to be kinda hard, being in college in all.

I appreciate your input....
-Sean

 

[paranoidTSi]

I think its just best to get a GSX or a GST 2G, I would look into a 97 or 98 since they are cheaper than the 99s considerably. If you find one in the 7 to 8K range, that leaves you with 4 or 5 grand, that would be sufficient enough for:
Front Mount Intercooler ~$1000
Intercooler Piping ~$320 (Upper & Lower)
Short Throw Shifter ~$70
Intake Pipe ~$120
16G Turbo ~$900, 20G ~$1100
Fuel Pump ~$110
Fuel Injectors ~$620
Aftermarket Boost Gauge ~$30 - $80
Exhaust System w/ Downpipe ~$650

Thats $3830, you'd be running over 300HP on this setup...thats more than you are going to get out of buying a cheap non-turbo and turboing it...the price difference isn't THAT big between the two anyways.

 

[chris26969]

The GSX, GST have a different engine than the GS, RS (420a). It sucks. Dont even bother turboing it. Just buy a GST or GSX. As for 7-8k.. i dunno thats a little low. You might find a GST 97 for 8 grand. Not a GSX tho.

 

[SLburna]

thanx 4 the input...one other thing....

ive heard a few rumors not sure if they are true but one of the reasons im getting rid of my car is to get away from all the problems ive been having recently....(but i guess that comes from all modded cars)

1st i heard that eclipses are not that reliable and have many problems too...

2nd...should i be doing anything specifically to watch out for crankwalk or cars that are close to crankwalk

3rd...ive heard to buy a gst instead of gsx because of problems with the awd system...

 

[BD1]

95' GSX is the best/cheapest combo to go with

 

[top_end95]

Originally posted by SLburna
thanx 4 the input...one other thing....

ive heard a few rumors not sure if they are true but one of the reasons im getting rid of my car is to get away from all the problems ive been having recently....(but i guess that comes from all modded cars)

Correct

1st i heard that eclipses are not that reliable and have many problems too...

The reason we get this reputation is beacuse the previous owner(s) drive them into the dirt, which leaves the next owner with a big problem.

2nd...should i be doing anything specifically to watch out for crankwalk or cars that are close to crankwalk

Get a 2g w/6 bolt swap or get a 2g and then do a 6 bolt swap (Some would agrue w/this and stick w/the 7bolt).

3rd...ive heard to buy a gst instead of gsx because of problems with the awd system...

Im pretty sure they're talking about the transfer-case.

Mitsu has a safety recall on the transfer-cases beacuse they could leak and lock up. The best thing to do if you were to get an AWD DSM is to check the x-case regularly(sp?).

If I am not accurate on the info I've given, please correct me.

 

[Defiant]

Originally posted by SLburna
1st i heard that eclipses are not that reliable and have many problems too...

They're cheap. Not that they're built that way so much, but that the performance per dollar ratio is just nuts. They start out fast, and it's easy to make them faster. Maybe too easy. And once made faster, they're driven faster. Then there's the crowd-pleasing AWD burnout. Quite the show... about four times.

Starting stock and adding fifty horsepower, and driving it like you have further to go than the end of the block, and their reliability is very good.

2nd...should i be doing anything specifically to watch out for crankwalk or cars that are close to crankwalk

Nope. Some people die of cancer, some never get it. Not much can really be done to influence it either way. Crankwalk is talked about all the time, but happens occasionally. It's only common if it's happened to you.

3rd...ive heard to buy a gst instead of gsx because of problems with the awd system...

The DSM AWD system is not only pure 50/50, it's also incredibly trouble-free unless abused. And as you learned in the VW, FWD is the work of Beelzebub. And, he's a tire dealer.

 

[flowfx]

DEFINATELY get the turbo, or you will seriously regret your purchase.

I'm very anti-FWD, I've owned several Preludes, and now I own a Firebird Formula 6speed, and refuse to ever return to any cheap FWD cars (no offense to any GST'ers). FWD is made to appeal to the masses, not the sport enthusiasts.

Just be very careful with what DSM you buy - I'm referring to the owners, and quality of modifications.