Wanting a dsm, could use some help

[new2spool]

Hello everyone, Im looking to buy a gsx/talon awd in the next few weeks, Im new to the performance scene so alot of the ads Im looking at on craigslist have things in them that I dont know if its ok to buy or not.. Im also here to learn and start learning how to do my own work.. thought this would be a good car to start with.. well besides being legendary

Anyway heres one Im thinking about looking at, seems clean. But says it idles rough since he installed 274 cams, and needs a tune to correct. But also says he would install stock ones free of charge.. Is this something I could drive with untill I get it tuned? Or is it an immediate maintenance thing? Could I tune it myself with safc with some forum searching?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/cto/4593534538.html


Also any tips on what to look out for on these cars would be extremely helpful, I know to check for tower rust, and see if clutch sticks when turning left for crankwalk...

Anyway thanks for the help guys!

 

[Type1DSMr]

You choose the perfect kinda car if you wanna learn how to fix cars because dsms need a lot of work (love). I would personally stay away from cheap and modded dsms. As you usually buy the last owner's problems which means more money. I don't know why that tsi from ad has all those parts and no tune. If you can get for cheap enough it's worth saving as talons are way more rare than eclipses.

 

[jared_gibbs]

I say by one that barely works. Get it running then rebuild the driveline. You can by them in that condition for well under $2k. You can buy one for $5k+ that is solid but you'll have to take the owner's word for it on repairs and "no abuse". That's a risk I personally wouldn't take.

Motor rebuild $4k if you do yourself. That's pretty much stock and includes all parts and machine work (cylinder head, bore, recondition crank & rods). That budget includes room for a clutch, belts, hoses, fluids, plugs, wires, broken bolts, and misc tools. The little shit ads up quick!

Define your goals ahead of time. 6 bolts can handle 400+hp stock which is enough for a lot of us. More than that would be tough for street use. Going higher than that is very expensive. And seriously, how much power do you really need?!

Rebuilt trans $1600. I've driven 4 1g DSM's and all but one of the transmissions ground due to worn synchros. You can still drive them but eventually they will give out.

This hobby takes some cash and dedication but I find it very fun and rewarding. When people comment and compliment it's a pretty cool feeling to know you built that car yourself.

 

[mitsubishikid]

If you dont already have these, I think you should get and read both of these books [see links]they are both good reads for new comers, I enjoyed reading them both.

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Max-Performance-Mitsubishi-4g63t-Engines/dp/1613250665
http://www.amazon.com/Mitsubishi-Diamond-Performance-

TuningHP1496-High-PerformanceMitsubishi/dp/155788496X/ref=pd_sim_b_3/186-0392502-4580147?ie=UTF8&refRID=0M12N9YH9591G7DA3Z4G

And then look into getting your ride weather it be a... CSM, 1GA, 1GB, 2GA, 2GB, GVR4 or an EVO. also these forums are a great resource for info, it just takes some patience searching, and reading through a few posts, and then doing a bit of creative experimenting of your own.

most successful [and even some amateur] dsmer's are vary smart people, who know how to build [and in some cases] tune their own cars, and we're all fortunate to have such a great resource
site/ community, with all the dsm tuners who are as dedicated to tuning, building and sharing their info on our cars here as they do, DSM'S are clearly not already built fast cars, we do sometimes have to put effort in to them to get the desired effect, but I feel thats what makes them really unique cars.

Oftentimes most people write us off as people who have already made fast cars... few onlookers are actually fortunate enough to actually really see the world behind the curtains, where all the careful parts selection, and part fabricating/modifying takes place.

figure out which gen/style dsm you like the most then find one that suits your budget, and has all the features you like then after you own the dsm of your dreams, start planing a parts list, then start laying aside some money for all the mods you intend to do, and [as tempting as it is] try not to cut corners if you want a real solid build.
Good luck man.

 

[jared_gibbs]

Also if you haven't already, familiarize yourself with working on cars. Replace your basic belts, hoses, tune -up, maybe some other basic repair. I've helped friends, family, coworkers, even strangers on Craig's just to get a little experience. Try to find yourself a local dsm whisperer too.

 

[new2spool]

wow thanks for the response guys! my budget is 3500 bux, Im looking at 2Gs, preferably 97-99, but decent ones at my price range are hard to find, so any 2G, I know I want wither the GSX or Tsi AWD.
Since its going to be my daily, I wouldnt want to put more than like 350whp.. I dont know what kinda time that nets but i would like to sit mid 13's. I would definitly like you guys said like to get a stock and add parts myself. What kinda mileage would you guys start to steer away from? anything over 120k?? Im not looking to put any money in it immediately really.. Im spending all my money on buying it What are the things you would check for when you went to look at one these cars? what questions should I ask and what should i listen/feel for when test driving??

 

[Breezio69]

For starters, finding an awd dsm in either flavor for $3500 is hard enough. Most any in that range will have an issue or 12. Many of them in my area, even 1g awd's with no rust and basic mods start at that price. So expect the thing to have issues or break down on you a couple times while you figure things out. Or to just have a tow service on speed dial.

1, strut tower rust, look on top and below the struts on the front, any rust, pass.

2, look for a non recirculated bov on a setup that it should be recirculated on. This will tell you that 97% of what the guy says to you is complete word garbage.

3, 120k miles or less = way more than your budget, unless you find grandpas grocery getter and he needs the money now to buy a jazzy.

4, ask for receipts

5, do a compression test if the motor is running funny. He says cams, compression test says otherwise = more money, and that = you have a terrible experience with a dsm.

6, expect to spend your next 6 paychecks on basic maintenance, repairs and small mods.

If all that is doable, welcome!

 

[ohlegend]

I bought a barely working 98 for 1300. I have put another 3000 into it. Came with a new block and 6 bent valves.
I started with very little knowledge of cars, and ended up knowing a lot about the 4g63.
I probably spent 1k in upgrade parts and stuff that didn't need.

EDIT: My car came in pieces, it wasn't running when I bought it.
If I had to do it again, I would by a car that at least runs

 

[tmoney20g]

I've had 1g's and 2g's but being 37, I'll always be in love with the 1g, which is why that's my current project. If I wasn't in love with the 1g, I'd look for the latest year 2g I could find, so a 99 GSX, with the lowest mileage I could find. Parts haven't run out on the 2g yet like they have the 1g, so whatever needs replaced, can still be found (like weatherstripping for the windows/doors, etc; no longer available for 1g's). Another thing I look for is records from when it was bought new, books/manuals, both keys, warranty/service documents, etc. Stuff like that makes me happy, and I would think the owner(s) actually cared about the car if it came with all that.

 

[Roberti 2G]

My best advice is to find a local Dsmer from this site with some knowledge and find out if they donyt mind helping you look at the car when you do buy it. Get as much reading on common things wrong with these cars. Have some tools to do your own work, I don't trust anyone working on my car but me. This also saves tons of cash. Save your money for the right parts. Read some more

 

[athlete3344]

Odds are for the price you are looking for, you would be best getting a project car. Try to find one as close to stock as possible. Things like exhaust, intercooler, etc arent really a big deal, but when you start seeing engine work, head work, upgraded turbos, etc it just increases the chances of previous abuse and future breakdown. Generally more mods = more problems.

If you find a project car, or get lucky and find a running stock in good condition, I suggest the following:

1 - Read through this forum database as much as possible. The more knowledge you gain, the better off youll be.
2 - Read through this forum database more.
3 - Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4 - Get a Haines/Chiltons manual. This will be your car bible. Explaining its usefulness is impossible with words.
5 - Do all basic maintenance before anything. This ensures your engine is loved, you will learn a lot of basics, and most importantly you will become very familiar with parts of the engine.

When you get around to upgrading, a lot of deals can be had if you are patient. I recently picked up a set of new BC springs and titanium retainers for 160 (these retail for 250ish).

Good luck!!

 

[kqodprez]

There is a Chicago dsm group on Facebook too bro. But finding a clean non modded 2g with 120k or less is going to cost you more the 3500 and will be rare in Chicago. I would take my search abroad and keep my eyes to the net. I'd you have to take a trip to pick up a clean car you want it would be well worth it. Good lick with your search!

 

[new2spool]

I know it is hard to find in my price range, I was going to spend around 5-6 but I had to have surgery.. But I definitely plan to do regular maintenance on it before any performance mods, but Like you guys said its hard to find a stockie, and upgrades tell me you raced/launched it probably, plus I dont trust ppl in general so Im skeptical of every car i look at I just assume there not telling me the truth. But almost ALL in my price range have the car cancer in the strut tower.. Can that be fixed? Like cutting it out and welding new metal in?? And if its not the cancer, it needs a flywheel, or this or that Just finding a ready to go running one is a hard task . But the chicago dsm group is a good idea I might try asking around there if they know anyone selling. I am doing some reading on the forums, I need to do more... When I arrive to look at one I want to be able to pick it apart and be confident in my decision, I will definitely look into getting a haines if I end up with one. I scour craigs daily, Im in northern Indiana so I check Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky.. But do you guys know if it gets cheaper the more west or est you go? Or is it pretty much the same across the net? Also because my money is low so Im fine with something a little rough, as long as it runs and drives good... I plan to probably keep the car for a really long time, say later on down the road i buy something newer I would like to keep the car to always be my "project" But I am looking to daily it for the next say 3 years. I mean every car needs wear parts replaced Im just scared of them f***ing the engine or tranny.. or if theres other things I dont know since im new to turbos in general.. But the non recirculated bov is a good tip, Ill have to look it up to see the difference. Ill check the local part stores and see if they have a compression tester for rent before I go.. If you guys know anyone or see anything in my range that runs good let me know!

Thanks for all your help fellas!

 

[Breezio69]

Another viable option, or something to just get you into the platform would be to find a clean gst. You could learn about the cars, motor, maintenance, turbos etc.

Then down the road you would have 3 options. Reselling the car, buying a gsx as a project car and keeping the gst to dd (because you know what your into now), or, awd swap the gst.

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

When you find the one you want, pay for the CARFAX!!!! If the owner will not give you the VIN before you go look at it= red flag. You will also have some prior knowledge of the car's life before you look at it. It would suck to get stuck with a lien or salvage car. When I ran one on my last DSM purchase, it had been to Spain! The owner was surprised to know that the CARFAX report had that on there. You will have to jump quick on the one you like, as they generally sell quick if they are at a decent price, and mostly stock.

 

[Readdy2die]

One thing I can say though, if your budget is strictly 3500 then you might wanna wait til you save up more because regardless of what the previous owner says you should start with basic maintenance like oil change, brakes, trans fluid etc.. and these cars tend to break down a lot so most likely your gonna have to spend more money shortly after you get it

 

[new2spool]

Spain?!?! WTF was it doing there? and is that a bad thing? Your cars seen more of the world than I have! ! But yea carfax is nice, Ima try to find somone with a lifetime membership and give them a few beers for a report or 2 I was thinking gst... they are a liitle cheaper even but how do they do in the snow?? And alot of people say these things break down alot? I mean just normal wear and tear for a older car or are they abnormally prone to breaking down? I mean under normal driving conditions, I dont plan to beat the break off it just go thru a gear or 2 every now and again.. Im not really into street racing and all that.. I wouldnt mind seeing a track once or 2ce a year tho I get the feeling tho I should start a kickstarter soon... If a guy can get 35k for making potato salad surely I could get more for people seeing a new coming busting his knuckles and getting ass pissed off and throwing tools

 

[Type1DSMr]

Gst are not that bad in snow. Given you have good tires as they are fwd.

 

[TSi-Rocket]

I would recommend a 1g because they are less prone to structural rust and they may already have a 6bolt motor stock. But its ultimately your choice, and yes the 2g's do look better. Anyways I watch craigslist between Indianapolis , Detroit, and Chicago and I have found quite a few nice cars but they usually sell rather quickly. I recently picked up a garaged virgin 92 6bolt/4bolt with 55,000 miles around your price range. Its stock has only had a clutch put in. Problem is it needs a timing belt(because its the orginal), and balancing shaft elimination which will require the motor being pulled. But I didn't inherit someone else's problem like my other dsm that I spent a year fixing odds and ends to get it into good shape. I've daily drove an awd for 11years... they are amazingly fun in the snow.

 

[MitsuRu]

Love my 2g it's just so hard to find a 1g or 2g not modded or rusted but good luck in your search!

 

[wolf alchemy]

I'm in valparaiso Indiana and I can travel. If your not to far maybe I could help you out. I'm not a pro like some of these guys but I've had/fixed a bunch of my 1gs problems. I'm not the best option, but if we put our technical know how together that should equal on of the vets. Lol

 

[Type1DSMr]

So OP did you ever buy one yet or were you still looking?