Looking at getting a GSR, some advice?

[licky]

Hi everyone.

I am currently looking at getting a 93 model CC shape GSR. Looks like there is heaps of info on this site, and I just want to make sure that i'm not buying a bucket of Sh17!

Basically, my first car was a little cc lancer executive with the 4g93 SOHC motor. Was a great little car until, well i sort of killed it. After that I had a little neat Pulsar SSS with a sr in it. I bought a SR16VE motor to transplant into it for some more grunt, I stroked it to a 2L, gave it some nice high compression, however lost interest in the project, sold the motor, and the car. I then bought a Corolla Sportivo, I basically needed a reliable car for work, something comfortable, and something I could try and have a little fun in. Anyway, i ended up getting a work car, which renders the corolla not very useful, and because of that First car love, I am now looking at getting a GSR, I'm just not too sure on the reliability of them.

The one I'm looking at seems relatively stock. It has a boost controller and a turbo timer, blow off valve, 3 inch exhaust, and has been lowered. It has the stock turbo and stock intercooler on it. Roughly 200000KM's, and it seems pretty clean.

I just want to know is there anything in particular I should be looking out for?, i've checked the roof for rust, and that seems fine. The TPS sensor also seems to be good (that went on my old lancer, it was quite an annoying issue...) The engine sounded quite healthy, and he has it up for a reasonable price.

Any advice on this would be great!, as i am quite keen on purchasing one (i've been looking for a S Chassis for ages, though can't justify the price people are asking for them.)

Thanks

 

[4piknup]

Give it a compression test to check the engine condition. Dry and wet.
Does it change gears nicely (and fast when pushing harder without baulking or blocking) from 1-2. And all other gears. This checks synchroes.
Do that test thing for exhaust in the radiator to check head gasket. It's some test strip or something.
Cv's check at full lock driving fwd and reverse. Listen for clack clack clack from cv's
Um, that's most of it. Check fan works all speeds, all power windows work from all switches.
Pull interior light out to check for rust (the guys say it gets in the light lens)

Turbo- I dunno how to test this other than pull the intake pipe and wiggle the shaft with your finger..

Good luck

 

[desertfox]

Also check for noisy ticking lifters.

 

[trippy]

Buy my old car onpsi ride you wont find a better built car as i replaced nilly everything on the car and its quick.

 

[OFFON-4]

all gsr have lifter noise, not a major issue.

comp test, rust on roof and any noticable oil leaks would be the main concern

 

[desertfox]

Noisy lifters after warmup.

My gsr didn't have noisy lifters

 

[licky]

Thanks for the replies!

Had another look, could not see a Oil Leek in sight, no lifter noises, and no roof rust. Put a deposit on it yesterday, and should be picking it up later this week! can't wait.

Runs well to, and already has a two stage boost controller, running standard (10psi) and 16psi, Plumb back BOV, lowered on kings springs + Lovell shocks, front strut brace, rear strut brace. Apart from that, it is very clean, and looks like it hasn't been molested too much.

 

[evo-gsr]

Any pics?

 

[GSR]

check for cracks in firewall on drivers side underneath the rubber 'seal'? and around the clutch master cylinder.

 

[licky]

That has all been fixed up welded up and rubbed back, looks brand new. He said that was a common issue .

Photobucket seems to be playing up :S. Will post photos up as soon as I can

 

[licky]

 

[Mopar]

Nice and clean!
16 psi is alot for a standard setup,i wouldnt push it too much on that psi setting but hey thats me

 

[evo-gsr]

Looks neat and tidy in the pics.....

 

[licky]

Looks neat and tidy in the pics.....

Is there something i'm missing? lol

 

[licky]

Picked the car up today, seems great so far.

Has a two stage boost controller, had a quick run up the street, 10psi standard, and yea 16psi on high. It sounded fine, no pinging or anything like that, 3rd seems a bit fidigyty, but all other gears are fine.

Should I be worried at 16psi?, or should I perhaps bump it down to 14-15.

Thanks.

 

[BMGTZ]

answering a question withh a question....what size is the turbo?

stock...then.

"IF" the tune is good and there isnt any det....then leave it.

If you are even a bit suspicious that there is detonation.....pull the boost back.

what colour are the injectors....beige is stock. If stock injectors you are most likely at of near the limit for them at that boost level.

Suggestion....get an ECMLINK{can be found on this forum as a sponsor} do a tune and stay around the 14/15. Unless you know the engine has been forged as it is the rods first and then the piston ringlands that fail on these engines. HOWEVER...if there is zero knock they are fairly safe.

down side of an engine that doesnt have a slight det here and there is a very doughy response

 

[GSR]

If you're familiar with soldering you can make yourself a cable for under $10 using jaycar components. Then with TMO datalogger you can monitor knock count as well as timing, injector pulse width, coolant temp etc..

 

[licky]

I might wind it down to 14psi just for the time being to be safe, then look into it a bit more. That looks tempting to do, thanks GSR.

I didn't think the standard ECU's were even tunable on the GSR's. This is my first boosted car though as well

 

[CLuTZ]

Congrats on the pick up! A Libero grille and some 17's would look good on it!! How much did you pay for it??

 

[licky]

Thanks. 3800 as is. Noticed today a farely loud "ticking noise" injectors?