Where to start with fwd TSi?

[ARicci6792]

Ill be going to check out a 97 FWD TSi later this week, seems pretty solid from the ad. Just gonna make sure in person. But ill most likely be getting it if everything is okay. After I buy it ill have about $1000-1500 to spend on it.
Where should I start? I know AWD and FWD Talons/Eclipses have different exhaust setups but do they sound different? How would it sound if i straight piped it with just a Muffler?
Oh its automatic btw, just incase anyone was wondering

 

[Luckybob2485]

If i were to start all over, i would do 3" turbo back exhaust, intake, boost controller, and something to tune with. I would recommend doing a 3" stainless steel turbo back exhaust. You can straight pipe it if you want, but i think no cats sound and smell like shit. A good 3" will sound good. If you have big plans for the car, i would go ahead and get a good tuner, such as dsmlink. Then get a boost controller and up the boost.

 

[poundcake]

make sure you have a good blow off valve too before you turn the boost up since the 2g bov leaks at low boost(12 to 15 psi). i would recomend a stock 1g bov for the money

 

[6bolt2gdsm]

How many miles does it have on it? I would recomend doin all the routine maitenance work first. Such as new timing belt and components, oil change, and since its an auto I would change the fluid in it as well.

 

[LTUDSM]

First, what you have to do with your new purchase is Maintenance Check the fluids,change the sprak plugs,wires.Because modding the car after you just boght it,its not right.Later could be very expensive to fix things ,that you didn't do in a first place,when you bought a car And before you buy it, I highly recommend Checking the compression

 

[mrTalonAWD95]

seems pretty solid from the ad

dont ever go by that. check the car out THOROUGHLY. bring a mechanic buddy with you so he can check it out too. when you want a car, you might not notice all the stuff wrong with it.

 

[Jimmer307]

If you don't perform Preventative Maintnance before you mod, your car will be an ongoing project. When I got my first DSM I just started modding and I ran into all kinds of problems. Then I would suggest following the Tech guide --> Upgrade Paths that are appropriate for you.

Please if you are going to following Luckybob's recommendation make sure to get a Boost Gauge before turning up the boost, the stock boost gauge is a POS and VERY inaccurate.

 

[BigSorn]

a good set of tires.

 

[ARicci6792]

Well as of now I have 2 cars lined up to check out this week/weekend.
The 97 Talon TSi, which has about 130,000 miles on it, to answer 6bolt2gdsm's question.
And a 97 GST, which i THINK has about 120,000? But it has an upgraded turbo, exhaust, headers and an intake. Both automatic, both people asking $4000, I definitely wanna check out the GST but with the mods done im not too sure yet. And of course maintenance is the first thing id worry about before doing any mods to either car.

 

[puma7]

Always remember you are buying someone else's headache. Try to get as much info and the owners driving habits and routine maintence.

 

[ARicci6792]

Hmm..that is true.
Alright, so its down to 3 cars. Which one would yous buy as a starter dsm? Well I have a GS but im not experiencing true power with that

Ok, theres the 1997 Talon TSi which is listed above. $4000OBO

Then theres a 1999 GST, 143,000 miles =/ but its bone stock and apparently been well maintained. New tires/brakes. $3500OBO

Finally is a 1997 GST, 120xxx miles, but has mods done already, should i stay away from this? $4000OBO

All 3 are automatic btw (just a personal preference)

Thanks alot

 

[brainlessher0]

Find out the mod list on the gs-t first...

Ask simple questions like does the car have a wideband? YES

Have you upgraded the fuel pump? YES

have you stayed current on maintenance? YES

What psi is the car tuned for and currently boosting? UNDER 25 - YES

If the answers correspond with the questions.. i would say take advantage of some else paying for the mods. Critique the setup and go from there.

 

[ARicci6792]

Okay..hopefully i get some answers from the seller by tonight, im about to go to work now so ill keep yas updated later. thanks for the replys people..

 

[Jimmer307]

Hmm..that is true.
Alright, so its down to 3 cars. Which one would yous buy as a starter dsm? Well I have a GS but im not experiencing true power with that

Ok, theres the 1997 Talon TSi which is listed above. $4000OBO

Then theres a 1999 GST, 143,000 miles =/ but its bone stock and apparently been well maintained. New tires/brakes. $3500OBO

Finally is a 1997 GST, 120xxx miles, but has mods done already, should i stay away from this? $4000OBO

All 3 are automatic btw (just a personal preference)

Thanks alot

It is my personal preference to start from scratch. My last GSX I bought with mods was all Rigged up. I don't have the slightest idea what some of the wiring he did was. I would go for option 2 the 99 GST. Plus it possibly has a black leather interior, which is pure sex.

What I am very curious about is why you are not looking for a GSX or TSI AWD? For 4k you can get a pretty decent AWD DSM now a days.

 

[420a_turbo]

If it were me making the purchase I would be leaning towards the bone stock OEM well maintained car for $3500. Thats your best bet to avoid buying someones headache.

 

[ARicci6792]

I WOULD be going to check out a GSX/TSI AWD, but there is none in my price range in my area. Believe me ive searched. Im more of an automatic guy and its hard to find auto GSXs =/

Oh and the 3rd GST, has a stainless steel exhaust, K&N Intake, and a bigger turbo. So its not like they could have messed with any wires or any crazy stuff that could screw me over right? I mean, ill be doing the same stuff eventually if i go with the other GST but at least i know what I did.

 

[Jimmer307]

I WOULD be going to check out a GSX/TSI AWD, but there is none in my price range in my area. Believe me ive searched. Im more of an automatic guy and its hard to find auto GSXs =/

Oh and the 3rd GST, has a stainless steel exhaust, K&N Intake, and a bigger turbo. So its not like they could have messed with any wires or any crazy stuff that could screw me over right? I mean, ill be doing the same stuff eventually if i go with the other GST but at least i know what I did.

Bummer, yeah I'm in St. Louis and I'm about to drive 400 miles to Cincinati to pick another 95 TSI AWD.

 

[nyTalonTsi]

Your gonna be spending that $1-1500 on maintainence believe me, to keep it running.

 

[ARicci6792]

Well im going to check out the 1997 GST most likely this saturday.
What should I be looking for? Any specific things to check for on a turbo car?

Oh heres some pics:

<a href="http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/theguy6661/?action=view&current=Eclipse001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/theguy6661/Eclipse001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/theguy6661/?action=view&current=Eclipse002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/theguy6661/Eclipse002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

S-T...dont ask

<a href="http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/theguy6661/?action=view&current=Eclipse004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/theguy6661/Eclipse004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/theguy6661/?action=view&current=Eclipse005.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd329/theguy6661/Eclipse005.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Ill be getting some engine bay pics and more info later tonight.

 

[ARicci6792]

Hmmm..one thing i JUST noticed...my GS's rpms only go up to 8k and its automatic..redline is 6500....this gst looks like it goes up to 9k, i thought that was only for manuals? WTF

 

[420a_turbo]

Hmmm..one thing i JUST noticed...my GS's rpms only go up to 8k and its automatic..redline is 6500....this gst looks like it goes up to 9k, i thought that was only for manuals? WTF

Turbo cars have a higher redline OEM

 

[Jimmer307]

If that car is as clean as it looks and you do not buy it, you should probably kick your own ass. I have been hunting for a Black DSM FOREVER. I want a GSX and since I have a beater right now so I am in no hurry to find the perfect DSM.

Things to look for:
Any kind of leaks
Any kind of humming from a wheel well while driving (wheel bearings)
Tires tread and tread wear (Can tell you alot about the suspension & alignment)
SUN FADE
RUST, make sure there is very little or NO rust on the strut towers
Try to do a compression test to check the strenght of the motor
Always get the car inspected before buying

IMO If all goes well and he can provide proof that the water pump, timing belt, and other preventative maintnence has been done I would jump on it.