What in a gsx would i be looking for?

[bombout800]

Ok, so i have a f-250 diesel and i want a gsx because they aren't bad on fuel mileage. They have potential to be fast, and im hoping that they are reliable. I have been looking and what i have found is that the 1g motor(6 bolt) is the motor to go with. I like the look of the 2g, but would buy a 1g if it was set up right. I don't want a 2.3 stroker because none of them have a/c??? May i ask why that is?? Well i want something thats going to run in the high 11s to low 13s. Whatever i buy will have already been built. If the 1g motor is built and not stroked i can still have a/c right? As well as the 2g? What about if the 2g is built? Is crank walk still an issue? Im asking all this questions because im coming from a diesel with aftermarket, and im just now getting back into gasoline engines. So if i found one that i liked(which i can't find one close to where i live) what would i look for? What would the hp range have to be to run what i want it to? I know i would like for it to be built(motor and trans). Intake and tuner. Dsm link preferrably. Turbo back exhaust. If it doesn't already have gauges, they will be added. Probably a a/f, egt, oil, water, fuel pressure, and boost. What all do i need to look for and ask, as far as if something is wrong. Or how will i know if it really is built? If someone could please help me out. Im very interested in getting a gsx. I just want to buy one thats already been put together nicely, so that i don't have to tear it down myself and build it. Thanks guys!

 

[HIGHPSI4]

Well, thats a lot. Get your self a 2G if you like it. 2.3L engines can have A/C. 7 bolt engines are fine if built right fixing the crank/oil squirter issue with some engines. A lot of the issues of is it built and built right is just something you have to learn. Read up on the cars and the mods to them. Look at member set up and performance times and get an idea of where you want to be with your car. Good luck.

 

[DevilDoug]

first off....there is a big difference between 11 sec in the quarter, and 13 seconds. have you ever driven a car that fast before? if not i suggest taking it one step at a time to make sure you can handle it. i have seen way too many cocky kids jump into a fast car thinking they can drive...but they wreck. im not bashing your skills because i dont know you but makign that statement (11 sec or 13 sec) i can make the assumption you have never raced, or dont have much experience.

also when purchasing a car that has been built by someone else, you need to be VERY careful because you dont know the quality of work. check maintenance records, every good mechanic keeps track of what they have done to their vehicle, when they did it, and regular scheduled maintenance.

 

[heckles]

a gsx wont be fuel efficient if your planning on building it for those numbers, and depending on the technician, not reliable.

 

[Aphix]

You can learn an ass load from just lurking around here for a month. And probably save yourself alot of issues as far as seeing some red flags when your shopping for a dsm.

 

[under50k226]

I agree with the man with the TA, you don't know the quality of aftermarket work. And dsm's are inexpensive so there are a bunch of people who get them and do absolute HACK JOBS on them. Or get them and buy a boost controller and stop there, need I say more? If you get an already tuned one, god knows what's been done to it or how it's been done, who knows how the cars been taken care of maintenance wise. Its great to buy a 13 second car, poopy when it blows up because they never flushed the coolant, changed the oil; beat the shit out of the transmission or whatever else. Who knows? I'd plan on tuning myself because you're going to end up doing work on the car anyway. So I'd try to find the proverbial old lady's GSX, and go from there. I wanted a GSX too, but since it's a DSM I got a talon model, correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the Mitsubishi models a bit more expensive when you do find them (based on kbb)?
If you're all about buying an already tuned on either be prepared to do some catching up, or giving a good mechanic who you trust and who has experience with these cars a good amount of money to make sure its cool or to get it to 100%. And check out the upgrade process then you'll know what need to be done to get those sorts of times.
And I dunno about the not reliable part for a car the quick, I live in Colorado and there are some quick ass ones running around here in Colorado Springs all the time. Its all in the owner, the tuning and maintenance.

good luck to you

 

[z24frank]

I also agree with the fact that fuel consumption changes drastically in all cars when different levels of performance are changed.And also a 11 sec car is stupid fast and it will be alot more money than a 13 sec car,very dangerous to trust that either car was built right.I say get a stock or stockish car and do it yourself.

 

[gorf]

I also agree with the fact that fuel consumption changes drastically in all cars when different levels of performance are changed.

OR the way you drive it!!
My car has a fair amount of mods and I "was" averaging 26-27 MPG but that was like 60% highway. Now I am driving about 80% in the city and when I do get on the highway, I always jump on it, so my mileage has dropped to about 21-22 mpg.

 

[bombout800]

first off....there is a big difference between 11 sec in the quarter, and 13 seconds. have you ever driven a car that fast before? if not i suggest taking it one step at a time to make sure you can handle it. i have seen way too many cocky kids jump into a fast car thinking they can drive...but they wreck. im not bashing your skills because i dont know you but makign that statement (11 sec or 13 sec) i can make the assumption you have never raced, or dont have much experience.

also when purchasing a car that has been built by someone else, you need to be VERY careful because you dont know the quality of work. check maintenance records, every good mechanic keeps track of what they have done to their vehicle, when they did it, and regular scheduled maintenance.

I understand what you are saying. Im not cocky by any means. I have driven anything from a honda civic to a zo6. I know how to drive. Im young, but in my younger days(when i first started driving) all i ever did was drive crazy. Ive never been in a wreck, ive actually avoided a few because of my reaction time, and knowing what im driving. I don't ever drive anything wild and crazy unless i have the feel for it. I made the statement 11sec to 13 sec because i want something in that range of power. I don't plan on dragging the car. I just would like something in that power range that i could find and be reliable. My f-250 that i drive everyday has almost 500hp and right around 950lb/ft torque. If i had to guess seeing from other people with the same mods i would be in the high to mid 13 sec range. Thats pretty quick for a truck that weighs 8800lbs. I know there is a big difference between a car and a truck. But i have driven both. I think a car that runs 13s tuned and built would be better reliability wise than the car that runs 11s tuned. Is there any names of suppliers and builders that i should be looking for. Of course when i buy one i want it to be strong. But i understand that nothin last forever!! Thanks for the replys guys. Any more input is appreciated. I didn't repost to anyone else yet because i have to head to work. Thanks again!

 

[z24frank]

OR the way you drive it!!
My car has a fair amount of mods and I "was" averaging 26-27 MPG but that was like 60% highway. Now I am driving about 80% in the city and when I do get on the highway, I always jump on it, so my mileage has dropped to about 21-22 mpg.

First of all when people usually MOd their car its not so they can drive it normally!Thats the reason you mod your car right?So you actually just proved my point for me thank you.

 

[GsxEcutioner]

I agree with the man with the TA, you don’t know the quality of aftermarket work. And dsm’s are inexpensive so there are a bunch of people who get them and do absolute HACK JOBS on them. Or get them and buy a boost controller and stop there, need I say more? If you get an already tuned one, god knows what’s been done to it or how it’s been done, who knows how the cars been taken care of maintenance wise. Its great to buy a 13 second car, poopy when it blows up because they never flushed the coolant, changed the oil; beat the shit out of the transmission or whatever else. Who knows? I’d plan on tuning myself because you’re going to end up doing work on the car anyway. So I’d try to find the proverbial old lady’s GSX, and go from there. I wanted a GSX too, but since it’s a DSM I got a talon model, correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t the Mitsubishi models a bit more expensive when you do find them (based on kbb)?
If you’re all about buying an already tuned on either be prepared to do some catching up, or giving a good mechanic who you trust and who has experience with these cars a good amount of money to make sure its cool or to get it to 100%. And check out the upgrade process then you’ll know what need to be done to get those sorts of times.
And I dunno about the not reliable part for a car the quick, I live in Colorado and there are some quick ass ones running around here in Colorado Springs all the time. Its all in the owner, the tuning and maintenance.

good luck to you

Mitsubishi does seem to be "worth more" than its brotherens. and You bought a Talon because its "Not" a DSM 0_o ahahaha. Does this mean the talon is "Not" a dsm? ; ] .

 

[GsxEcutioner]

I understand what you are saying. Im not cocky by any means. I have driven anything from a honda civic to a zo6. I know how to drive. Im young, but in my younger days(when i first started driving) all i ever did was drive crazy. Ive never been in a wreck, ive actually avoided a few because of my reaction time, and knowing what im driving. I don't ever drive anything wild and crazy unless i have the feel for it. I made the statement 11sec to 13 sec because i want something in that range of power. I don't plan on dragging the car. I just would like something in that power range that i could find and be reliable. My f-250 that i drive everyday has almost 500hp and right around 950lb/ft torque. If i had to guess seeing from other people with the same mods i would be in the high to mid 13 sec range. Thats pretty quick for a truck that weighs 8800lbs. I know there is a big difference between a car and a truck. But i have driven both. I think a car that runs 13s tuned and built would be better reliability wise than the car that runs 11s tuned. Is there any names of suppliers and builders that i should be looking for. Of course when i buy one i want it to be strong. But i understand that nothin last forever!! Thanks for the replys guys. Any more input is appreciated. I didn't repost to anyone else yet because i have to head to work. Thanks again!

The problem here is, your looking for a built GSX, When in reality you should build your own. There really isnt a way to tell what is in it, unless you open it up.(internals). Also if you do find one that is fast, your going to want proof of the power it produces(dyno). And with a modded car, your looking at a car that has been abused. So Why not buy a stocker and build it yourself with whatever parts you want. Take Baby Steps, There's two types of people in this world, "Dsm'ers and Everyone Else".

 

[shredwin]

The problem here is, your looking for a built GSX, When in reality you should build your own. There really isnt a way to tell what is in it, unless you open it up.(internals). Also if you do find one that is fast, your going to want proof of the power it produces(dyno). And with a modded car, your looking at a car that has been abused. So Why not buy a stocker and build it yourself with whatever parts you want. Take Baby Steps, There's two types of people in this world, "Dsm'ers and Everyone Else".

I agree with you. I bought a 98 Talon TSI AWD and the kid told me it had brand new rod and main bearings, and he also told me the turbo was brand new... Well I took the motor apart I found out the bearings were shot (it wasn't crankwalked), and I also found out the Turbo was shot too... In my opinion its better to build your own motor that way you know whats in it, but sometimes people get lucky when purchasing a car with a built motor.

 

[DevilDoug]

like has been posted before. i suggest finding one that is stock or mostly stock, and/or driven by an old lady. they will be your best bet in reliability terms (even though old people neglect their cars too sometimes). it will be a hit or miss....but i definitally recommend walking away from one that has modifications done, and owned by a younger person. in the end you will be stuck with transmission problems, major engine problems, more headaches, and more money spent making the car RUN rather than making it fast.

again, there is a HUGE difference in an 11 sec car and a 13 sec car. MAJOR power differences and major amounts of work needed to achieve, you should know this already. still, my point stands and everyone will agree, buy a stock one and build it yourself.

 

[mcintosh816]

first off....there is a big difference between 11 sec in the quarter, and 13 seconds. have you ever driven a car that fast before? if not i suggest taking it one step at a time to make sure you can handle it. i have seen way too many cocky kids jump into a fast car thinking they can drive...but they wreck. im not bashing your skills because i dont know you but makign that statement (11 sec or 13 sec) i can make the assumption you have never raced, or dont have much experience.

also when purchasing a car that has been built by someone else, you need to be VERY careful because you dont know the quality of work. check maintenance records, every good mechanic keeps track of what they have done to their vehicle, when they did it, and regular scheduled maintenance.

Agreed. Last fall I decided that I was sick of having car payments, high insurance, and property tax rates for the past 12 years.... So I decided to part with my 2006 WRX and buy a 1998 GSX. It had everything I was looking for...... ALMOST..... It had the turbo, the AWD, the large aftermarket, and I liked the look of it...... But it was heavily modded by the prior owner and many of the routine maintenance items had been over looked and some of the modifications could have been done a bit more "professionally" Id say. Of course I didnt find this out til a few months after purchase. Not to mention that many of the mods I was very unfamiliar with, making for a steep learning curve in taking care of my own car (like being outfitted with DSM Link). I knew nothing about DSM Link but I do know that if I disconnect the battery I have to figure it out in a hurry to properly re-tune my car in order for it to run right.

I have yet to learn how to use DSM Link because I have spent so much time and money replacing various other parts of the car that had already shot craps or were on the brink of it--Interior (re-working some shady wiring for gauges etc, Exterior, Fixing major sunroof leaks, replacing the entire suspension (control arms, shocks, springs etc), half shafts, rack and pinion etc etc.

I agree with other posters in that you should purchase one as close to stock as possible and start from there. Also I wouldnt reccomend purchasing a 10 year old car if youre afraid of opening up the pocketbook on a regular basis haha.

 

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

Good thing I don't ever plan on selling my car. Everyone here suggests against buying an already modded car.

I agree with them. Find a virgin DSM and work on it from there.

1. You know it's never been touched. Therefore no hack jobs have been done
2. You can make it whatever you want.
3. Start on the maintenance ASAP, unless they kept every reciept you won't know when they changed anything last. I don't want to see a thread here in 6 months labeled "Just Bought Car. Timing Belt Broke... Now What??"

Good thing I take pictures of everything I have done to my car therefore when I sell it I can hand them an album!!

If you do want to buy a modded car... Poke around, ask questions, if they don't seem knowledgeable about what is done don't buy it. Someone that has a list of stuff done to it and can explain to you what is done and why it was done probably really loved his car and took very good care of it. It's all about getting a feel for the owner as well as a feel for the car. Ask for receipts. Most of the time stuff from the DSM community was bought online and receipts can be printed out if they were actually done. If not they can contact the vendor and get a copy it's not hard.

Good luck... If you want a 13 second dark blue 1g come and talk to me we'll work out a deal!!

 

[bombout800]

so PROJECT what are we looking at? ha ha! Im just kidding.. Well i might be... Let me know.

 

[bombout800]

Oh and thanks again guys. I know that its better to buy something thats stock and hasn't been messed with. Then again im sure all of your cars are built right, and driven hard at times. But that doesn't always mean its been ragged on or it wasn't built right. I would look into receipts and ask questions on who did the parts, where the work was done, and who do i call to contact who actually did the work. I know people throw things together just to get it to run or to function. But if i found one that i really liked i would ask for the advice from you guys. Well if anyone has anything else feel free to post! THANKS!

 

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

I don't think I'm ready to part ways with this car yet. It's actually running pretty good. It needs a little body work and two front seats but other than that it's a great car.

Here's my build thread: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/hangout/216538-check-out-my-new-project-dsm.html

But if you make an offer worth looking at... I might not refuse.

 

[GsxEcutioner]

Oh and thanks again guys. I know that its better to buy something thats stock and hasn't been messed with. Then again im sure all of your cars are built right, and driven hard at times. But that doesn't always mean its been ragged on or it wasn't built right. I would look into receipts and ask questions on who did the parts, where the work was done, and who do i call to contact who actually did the work. I know people throw things together just to get it to run or to function. But if i found one that i really liked i would ask for the advice from you guys. Well if anyone has anything else feel free to post! THANKS!

Actually heres a story for you. take it how you want it. Well I found my car on Craigslist. and I went onto the Galant forum. Well the guy on the forum turns out to be the previous owner of my current car that was for sale on craigslist. The car has 200k when I bought it claimed to have everything replaces. I asked the previous owner and he said its all legit and everything and he had receipts blah blah for parts and stuff. I believed him. Well one day my tranny was leaking. took it into my boys shop, and what did I find? Tranny has a big crack in it, and was sealed up with silicon 0_o, next thing, I had my exhaust manifold bolt break off on me when adding a new mani. Oil pan was replaced the other day. Found out one of the bolts were stripped. This is just telling you. Just because they have receipts and blah blah, you still cant trust it. Stock is better. Means it wasn't taken apart and way less chance of stripped bolts..........
-Shane