Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
#397051
March 10, 2013 04:22 pm UTC
March 10, 2013 04:22 pm UTC
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500 Oshawa
Steve Rode
OP
Serious Member
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OP
Serious Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500
Oshawa
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Hey Fellow DSM'ers...
Been on this site a long time. I'm glad that it's back online. I really value the varied experience of the members, and the stories revolving around this aging vehicle line.
My question is something that has been turning my mind these past few months.
My Talon hasn't been driven in a few years. Been turning it on, driving it up and down the driveway.
It needs work to restore it. Mainly the body. Some rust is eating the panels on the body. Underneath it's good. Some minor mechanical problems. Some transmission issues (I have to "feel" for the gears in my AT because they don't line up to the shift markers).
What can you guys suggest. I don't have time to do work myself. I have three kids and a wife that works when I don't. New engine (the old one was a timing belt victim). It's in miles (American Car imported up), with 110k miles. Modded.
With my family, the money is tight, but I do usually have about 2k of funds saved for my Talon (repairs and such).
In addition, it's now 20 years old...so I'm not sure how my insurance company will react to it this year. I understand that they may not insure her properly if she's not in "proper" condition.
This is the Talon, by the way, that carried my wallet a few kilometers to the supermarket after I had left it on the roof. I sometimes think I owe her. Some may remember this story.
So...thoughts and opinions of how to proceed?
'93 Tsi AWD AT, 16G Turbo,3" front to back '11 Evolution X, stock
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397055
March 10, 2013 06:24 pm UTC
March 10, 2013 06:24 pm UTC
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,968 Caledon, Ontario, Canada
Bryan Lawrence
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,968
Caledon, Ontario, Canada
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Grab some scrap steel and practice welding. I have some holes that I will be patching up shortly, this will be the first time I will be welding on a car, just spent the last month practicing and am ready to go.
There are different ways to weld depending on how confident you are, so decided based on that.
"Old Blue" 91 Talon TSi AWD "Super Enthusiast" 91 Talon TSi AWD Checkout DSMFAQ.com!
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Mike Eng]
#397061
March 10, 2013 08:36 pm UTC
March 10, 2013 08:36 pm UTC
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500 Oshawa
Steve Rode
OP
Serious Member
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OP
Serious Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500
Oshawa
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I'll try and get some pictures.
The hood has surface rust. The passenger side panel above the front wheel is deep.
The front skirt also has a crack where I ran over a raccoon near Prescott on the 401 when I lived in Ottawa.
And my driver seat has a hole in the leather, although my buddy told me that I could probably just get a new seat from the wrecker.
I have about $2k saved, but have put in a budget for $1.5k of year to operate this car.
'93 Tsi AWD AT, 16G Turbo,3" front to back '11 Evolution X, stock
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Bryan Lawrence]
#397062
March 10, 2013 08:40 pm UTC
March 10, 2013 08:40 pm UTC
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500 Oshawa
Steve Rode
OP
Serious Member
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OP
Serious Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500
Oshawa
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Car's in my name...been mine since Sept 2000. Has a cool sunroof that's manual. Best car I've had, although the insurance is the reason I don't drive it.
Six stars and still almost $200 a month.
'93 Tsi AWD AT, 16G Turbo,3" front to back '11 Evolution X, stock
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397089
March 10, 2013 11:35 pm UTC
March 10, 2013 11:35 pm UTC
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,808 Ontario, Canada
Salomon Ponte
Insane Member
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Insane Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,808
Ontario, Canada
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I'll try and get some pictures.
The hood has surface rust. The passenger side panel above the front wheel is deep.
The front skirt also has a crack where I ran over a raccoon near Prescott on the 401 when I lived in Ottawa.
And my driver seat has a hole in the leather, although my buddy told me that I could probably just get a new seat from the wrecker.
I have about $2k saved, but have put in a budget for $1.5k of year to operate this car. Just replace the Front Passenger Fender. There's gotta be someone one here with a good condition one for CHEAP. All you'd need to do is paint it, assuming the colours didn't match. The hood would also just need a clean and paint. The two together really wouldn't be all that bad. The insurance rate is definitely ridiculous though. I'm 23 and I pay $100/month for mine, no collision on it, though.
'92 Talon TSi AWD - 5 Speed/E16G/12.385s @ 115.13mph
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397144
March 12, 2013 12:14 am UTC
March 12, 2013 12:14 am UTC
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500 Oshawa
Steve Rode
OP
Serious Member
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OP
Serious Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500
Oshawa
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Thanks Alex!
What did I do wrong?
'93 Tsi AWD AT, 16G Turbo,3" front to back '11 Evolution X, stock
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397153
March 12, 2013 02:24 am UTC
March 12, 2013 02:24 am UTC
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,940 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Michael Lee
Insane Member
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Insane Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,940
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Everytime I think about ditching my 2G, she changes my mind by taking me on a thrill ride.
If you have doubts, take her for a spin and decide after that.
1997 Eclipse GST/X Eat in small amounts. Otherwise be prepared to paint toilet bowls~ Mike Eng
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397157
March 12, 2013 02:43 am UTC
March 12, 2013 02:43 am UTC
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,968 Caledon, Ontario, Canada
Bryan Lawrence
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,968
Caledon, Ontario, Canada
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Thanks Alex!
What did I do wrong?
Just copy the address of the page the picture is on and remove the .html, your links had some tags in them.
"Old Blue" 91 Talon TSi AWD "Super Enthusiast" 91 Talon TSi AWD Checkout DSMFAQ.com!
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Michael Lee]
#397159
March 12, 2013 02:49 am UTC
March 12, 2013 02:49 am UTC
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809 Ottawa, ON
Mike Eng
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809
Ottawa, ON
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Everytime I think about ditching my 2G WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU??? Your car is mint!!! plus you have all the help you need right here to make it last you And Steve, glad you were able to show us pics. I think you would be crazy to let it go, unless you're after a 2g AWD But in all seriousness, that little work to restore it shouldn't be too costly or time consuming if you have the know how. What are your plans so far? Do you feel it worth your time and money because I think a lot of us agree you should keep it on the road
'99 GSX GT35R '03 CBR 600RR
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Mike Eng]
#397160
March 12, 2013 02:59 am UTC
March 12, 2013 02:59 am UTC
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,968 Caledon, Ontario, Canada
Bryan Lawrence
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,968
Caledon, Ontario, Canada
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I think you would be crazy to let it go, unless you're after a 2g AWD The only part that's crazy is the second part of this sentence
"Old Blue" 91 Talon TSi AWD "Super Enthusiast" 91 Talon TSi AWD Checkout DSMFAQ.com!
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397163
March 12, 2013 03:06 am UTC
March 12, 2013 03:06 am UTC
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,607 Brampton, Ontario
Guillaume Berton
Insane Member
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Insane Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,607
Brampton, Ontario
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Just get it fixed up. One thing that helps me decide on whether to go ahead is this: If you don't you'll either send it to the junkers (and hate yourself for it) or sell it to some kid that will try to get it working again, fail and again it ends up in a junkyard. Enthusiast do the work because they love the car, if you still like it and it still brings joyous memories, get the minimum to get it working again and fully bring it back to life as you go later on.
"Looked at it, declared war and went to find my throwing wrenches."
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Guillaume Berton]
#397174
March 12, 2013 04:25 am UTC
March 12, 2013 04:25 am UTC
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809 Ottawa, ON
Mike Eng
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809
Ottawa, ON
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Just get it fixed up. One thing that helps me decide on whether to go ahead is this: If you don't you'll either send it to the junkers (and hate yourself for it) or sell it to some kid that will try to get it working again, fail and again it ends up in a junkyard. Enthusiast do the work because they love the car, if you still like it and it still brings joyous memories, get the minimum to get it working again and fully bring it back to life as you go later on. Nail on the head right there And Bryan, I have a love for 1g's too..Just that the 2g's are faster lookingEdit: I really must start re-reading my post's before clicking 'submit'
Last edited by Mike Eng; March 12, 2013 04:33 am UTC.
'99 GSX GT35R '03 CBR 600RR
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Mike Eng]
#397175
March 12, 2013 04:28 am UTC
March 12, 2013 04:28 am UTC
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,940 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Michael Lee
Insane Member
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Insane Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,940
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Just get it fixed up. One thing that helps me decide on whether to go ahead is this: If you don't you'll either send it to the junkers (and hate yourself for it) or sell it to some kid that will try to get it working again, fail and again it ends up in a junkyard. Enthusiast do the work because they love the car, if you still like it and it still brings joyous memories, get the minimum to get it working again and fully bring it back to life as you go later on. Nail on the head right there And Bryan, I have a love for 1g's too..Just that the 2g's are faster Huh? I thought 1Gs were faster...
1997 Eclipse GST/X Eat in small amounts. Otherwise be prepared to paint toilet bowls~ Mike Eng
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Mike Eng]
#397195
March 12, 2013 11:59 am UTC
March 12, 2013 11:59 am UTC
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,968 Caledon, Ontario, Canada
Bryan Lawrence
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,968
Caledon, Ontario, Canada
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And Bryan, I have a love for 1g's too..Just that the 2g's are faster looking LOL faster looking, I like that!
"Old Blue" 91 Talon TSi AWD "Super Enthusiast" 91 Talon TSi AWD Checkout DSMFAQ.com!
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397198
March 12, 2013 12:13 pm UTC
March 12, 2013 12:13 pm UTC
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500 Oshawa
Steve Rode
OP
Serious Member
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OP
Serious Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500
Oshawa
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The old Girl still starts well.
The entire question happened when I saw this 97 Talon on Kijiji. Went to see it. Really liked the car. Buddy wouldn't send it to be mechanically checked, so I got a little concerned.
Then I started feeling guilty that the Talon I always wanted was in the driveway and needed a "few bucks" to get her into pristine shape again. I started thinking how I could keep the old one and get a new one.
Then I saw this site back up, and viewed some of the pictures you all had. Made me wonder what to do.
I think that I have my answer now...it was there all along...just needed to bounce the query among others who love the cars.
My wife keeps on wanting me to scrap the car. It's a rare breed, mine is, in Canada. I have the American speedometer and the electric shoulder belts. Or so I think!
'93 Tsi AWD AT, 16G Turbo,3" front to back '11 Evolution X, stock
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397229
March 12, 2013 03:44 pm UTC
March 12, 2013 03:44 pm UTC
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,607 Brampton, Ontario
Guillaume Berton
Insane Member
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Insane Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,607
Brampton, Ontario
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There also is an advantage in not looking fast when not moving (talking about the 2g). When I drove the 2g, almost every young gun revs at you at the lights, police officers (specially in Brampton) would always look for anything they could tag me on coming to and from a meet and wherever you go you can never really go incognito without being noticed. In my 1g, I just look like most people with a powerhouse under the hood. I can park without everyone noticing and it's comfier (personal preference) seat wise than the 2g. Each have their perks but I love 'em both the same Not to mention when you buy something from someone, think that at least 1000$ will automatically go into maintenance and repairing things they did wrong anyway.
"Looked at it, declared war and went to find my throwing wrenches."
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397230
March 12, 2013 03:48 pm UTC
March 12, 2013 03:48 pm UTC
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,968 Caledon, Ontario, Canada
Bryan Lawrence
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,968
Caledon, Ontario, Canada
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or $6000 if the guy was useless and you don't have a garage.
"Old Blue" 91 Talon TSi AWD "Super Enthusiast" 91 Talon TSi AWD Checkout DSMFAQ.com!
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Bryan Lawrence]
#397243
March 12, 2013 04:55 pm UTC
March 12, 2013 04:55 pm UTC
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500 Oshawa
Steve Rode
OP
Serious Member
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OP
Serious Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 500
Oshawa
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or $6000 if the guy was useless and you don't have a garage. That was my concern with the '97. It had no rust on the body. But the electrical was messed up. Some of the indicators on the dash didn't work (fuel, oil, OD, etc) and the stock alarm was wired, but not working. Plus I saw some stuff that my gut told me didn't look right. Looked like someone had put in a showcase speaker system, and then just cut wires when they got rid of the car. When a seller says they're too busy to send it to a shop for an hour, I get a little suspicious.
'93 Tsi AWD AT, 16G Turbo,3" front to back '11 Evolution X, stock
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397244
March 12, 2013 05:20 pm UTC
March 12, 2013 05:20 pm UTC
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809 Ottawa, ON
Mike Eng
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809
Ottawa, ON
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I would definitely avoid a car that is as hacked up as you make it sound to be. But in all honesty, when I bought my '99gsx back in '07, I knew it had a blown 7 bolt, wiring was a disaster sight, two alarm systems and neither worked, the stereo was out, brakes were seized, the list goes on.. I knew I was buying a project, so it didn't scare me away. I only paid $3,500 for the shell, near mint black leather interior (factory) and more or less all the electrical stuff worked (windows, roof, cruise)..And at this point (I kid you not, in and around the $15-$20k of maintenance and upgrades), everything is more or less new, and working. It took almost 3 years to get it road worthy but damn am I ever glad I saved this car. It's completely rust free and I store it through the winters to keep it that way. The mods and maintenance keep coming. I think it will end when I hit 10's and a new crystal black pearl paint job. Then I just have to worry about maintenance, tires, brakes sh!t like that.
'99 GSX GT35R '03 CBR 600RR
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397248
March 12, 2013 05:32 pm UTC
March 12, 2013 05:32 pm UTC
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,940 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Michael Lee
Insane Member
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Insane Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,940
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Holy sh!t Mike! I had no idea you put that much into it. I should shut my mouth about this puppy sucking my soul and $$$, since I only picked her up for $2K all in, plus $2K so far in being ripped off here and there for maintenance and things, and finally another $1K or so in parts and correct maintenance more recently. Haven't touched wiring or the body. She needs work. I wonder if OP can do the work himself or has to go to a shop? Mike did you do all the work yourself?
1997 Eclipse GST/X Eat in small amounts. Otherwise be prepared to paint toilet bowls~ Mike Eng
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Re: Opinions and Info Welcome: Rebuild or ?
[Re: Steve Rode]
#397251
March 12, 2013 05:58 pm UTC
March 12, 2013 05:58 pm UTC
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809 Ottawa, ON
Mike Eng
Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
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Senior Member, with Far TOO Much Time on Their Hands
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,809
Ottawa, ON
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Not at first, I bought the car and had it towed to Dan @ HP Autosport who put in a '91 tsi 6bolt I picked up for $500. Got it running well, drove it for about 5-6 months before storing, then I started getting dirty.
Relative to that, at the time, I didn't know how easy it is to swap an engine in these cars especially going from a 2g to a 1g. Since then, I've NEVER paid for another mechanic to do any work on the car.
'99 GSX GT35R '03 CBR 600RR
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