2G Where do I start?

[97GSTProjectv2]

Just picked up this 97 GST. Previously owned by someone who admitted they didn't know what they were doing. He said he picked it up and wanted to get it wrapped(as you can see the paint is shot). Got about a few days in to it and then realized he was in over his head. He changed oil and fluids, Which I verified and they're all clean.

Step 1 is doing a full service...plugs, filters etc. Also going to change out the thermostat, housing, radiator hoses etc as they look pretty rough. Needs a battery and new grounds as well. Also going to change cam belt and serpentine belts along with the water & oil pump

Step 2 is going to be reconnecting the loose stuff. The mass air sensors are disconnected, air intake is loose(Probably just replacing it with an injen I just picked up off Craigslist NIB). Then going through the vacuum system as there's alot of disconnected lines.

Step 3 is praying to God that the extra wires running all over the place are just connected to the gauges pod and not just the really scary looking viper alarm module that hanging below the dash.

So once all that nonsense is taken care of....what should be next?? I live in AZ so I'm thinking radiator & fan upgrade to help with cooling? Any other MUST DO's for the 4g63 engines? Looking more for a reliable bump up in power vs doubling the power but Its always broken.

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[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Thats a mess.......but it can be fixed.

 

[steve]

Step 0, wash it. Itemize everything you have. Read the DSM Tech Manual and the FSM for your model year. Make a list of missing parts.

 

[99dsmer4g63]

Step 0, wash it.

First thing I thought when I seen that dirty thing. Please do so but cover the blow off valve hole and intake snorkel before you do so. Also before you order any of said maintenance items realize that is not the correct motor for your year. That’s not a 2gb cam sensor looks like a 1g cam sensor and a 1g intake manifold. Which would lead to believe someone 6 bolt swapped the car and uncommonly used the 6 bolt head too.

-Daniel

 

[gofer]

Wow, you've got your work cut out for you but it's the perfect time of year to get started on something like that since it's dipping below 100 during the day.

My first question is, do you know the condition of the engine, ie, compression or leak down tests? If not, before I invested all my time cleaning/replacing everything, I'd do those things first. You could clean it just so you don't get your hands dirty I guess but if the PO (before the owner you bought it from) treated it like it looks then I'd be concerned that the engine wasn't properly maintained either.

If leak down/compression tests check out then I'd drain every fluid (even the new stuff that the PO put in since who knows what it was) then unbolt everything from the block, ie, intake mani, exhaust manifold, turbo, thermostat housing, disconnect all electrical plugs and inspect/clean everything. Remove the fuel filter and check it, then head to the back of the car and pull the rear seats to check out the condition of the fuel pump.

 

[pauleyman]

Does it even run? I'm guessing no.

 

[Dericsh]

Yikes- you’ve got your work cut out for you, but you’re in the right place. All I can really add besides what everyone else said is some links you may find useful.

DSM Maintenance Guide

You have a factory turbocharged DSM so, of course, you want to go fast. Before you do there are several maintenance checks you will want to run through. These cars have an unfair reputation of being unreliable in other circles - much of that reputation is due to new owners throwing on a boost...

www.dsmtuners.com

https://www.dsmtuners.com/forum/frequently-answered-dsm-questions.44/

Visual Frequently Answered Questions - Home Page

 

[chrysler kid]

Just from what I see under the hood:

Car was converted to speed density/ blow through maf setup. There is a GM map sensor mounted on the firewall

There are no fuel injectors in the car

You will want to check to see if the car has an ecu in it, it has enough modifications to have had decent engine management system, so if the underhood has been poached for parts, then it probably just has a random ecu slapped in there or just none at all

The wiring is f***ed. Theres no reason to fight it. Unless youre ready to plop down $800 for a dsmlink ecu setup and cross your fingers the last guy wired it right, the best way to know what you have is to get a new engine harness

But before you do any of that check compression. The motor is probably hurt

It genuinely looks like some one parted out the car after they blew the motor

Unless youre ready to memorize the engine harness pinout and be the dsm guru you should just tap out now and sell it. The fact that you have to ask where to start is a sign youre over your head, dont get invested in a money pit if youre not ready to be the dude.

Sell it. Just me being honest, not trying to be rude. Its not a good starting point to learn about these cars