So I sold my Evo 8 a month ago or so to buy an 03 Cobra (460rwhp). It's something I've always wanted but spent most of my money to get it. I still miss that awd turbo though and would like to buy something that I can afford along with the terminator. (~6-7 grand)
The Evo was the only import car I've had, so I've never been into dsm's. I was thinking of looking for a AWD GSX or Tsi. What years should I look for and what are somethings to watch out for in my search?? I would consider finding one that I could drive in the winter. This site has always helped me out and I figured you guys would have some good advice!
Thanks!

 

I say don't get a dsm unless your up to the challenge. They are maintenance ****** but some people like that. The first generations (90-94) talon, eclipse, and laser had 6 bolt motors. 6 bolt refers to the amount of bolts used to hold on the flywheel. They are much stronger and overall a better 4g than the second generation (95-99) 7 bolt motors. If you don't care about looks and just want it for fun, I'd say a first generation talon tsi awd. Talons have always been cheaper albeit they are/were a Canadian company but have identical parts except for a few exterior differences and of course badging. Check for rust, check compression numbers, carfax, receipts, etc. Your dealing with a 20 year old car whose manufacturer has been no longer in existence since 99. Good luck on your search and make sure this wont just be an impulse buy. And your doing right by asking questions. Keep asking them and keep reading up on them. They're very similar to an evo just not as reliable.

 

Id say keep saving for that terminator dont rush it, thats my dream car right there over 800hp with just a Kenne Bell all stock!

 

Good advice here

 

Just wait tell the evo is 15 years old and see how much work you will have to do to them. Of all the years I have been into dsm's the people that have the most trouble are the ones that go out and by a car that's 15 years old and start moding it with out doing any maintenance. Evo is just a new version of a dsm.

 

I already bought the terminator 2 weeks ago, would love to buy another Evo again but cant afford them both at the same time. So I thought of buying an Awd Dsm with some of the money I have in order to fulfill my Evo void Lol.

This is how she looks right now, I will be changing a few things.

 

Thanks for the advice man, Yea I hear a lot of people say they require a lot of work to maintain. I do like the looks of the 2g a little better, I see some with the 6 bolt swap already. So that's a big plus then?

 

Dsm's are fun cars, But as said before they are maintenance ******. I love mine and hate it at the same time.

 

Evo's do not have the push style clutch (from factory) or inferior rod bearing materials so as you notice countless people have driven their evo's well over 100k miles and even a select few over 200k without any problems. Regular preventive maintenance does not fix TSB's or factory screw ups. I'm not knocking on DSM's as I have had my fair share of them and yes I would still like to get another one some day but they are not for someone who just wants to gas 'n go.

It is a very common thing to see swapping out the 7 bolts for a 6 bolt. It is a very good setup and relatively easy. Only thing you need to modify is the motor mount on the timing side with a die grinder. I chose to use a 7 bolt head on a 6 bolt bottom end and had to do a few other things but still pretty simple.

 

I would suggest a dsm, but only if you can find one that isn't completely distroyed. Depending on what model you want being 1g or 2g, you will have a hard time finding something that will be in good shape, not hacked up, and pretty much left alone. I was fortunate to fine one with 38k origional miles guy had for a race car and was pretty gutted but never finished. They are around but harder and harder to find.

 

Yeah I've been looking around and for the most part the majority of the ones I find for sale are pretty sketchy and hacked up..
I've found a couple that I would consider taking a look at, just wanted to know a few things to keep an eye out for

 

Think a bugeye WRX would be a better candidate ? I'm not a huge fan of Subaru and most people are asking a little much for theirs but sounds like it might be a little more reliable then a dsm.

 

Push,pull clutch Does not matter. Both DSM and evo have issues with High rpm lock out. Both work. One is not better then the other. Inferior rod bearing materiales? Please explain that to me. Countless people have driven there DSM's over 100k and even a select few over 200k with out any problems. As for TSB's 90-94 dsm had a averge of 8 TSB'S per year. 2G's a **** done. Evo's averge 15 per year starting in 2003and ending in 2010.

Any way to to OP. If looking for a DSM find a stock 1g.

 

3000GT VR-4 or Galant VR-4. Both are turbo AWD & fairly rare. If you can find one that's clean & unmolested = pure awesomeness.

Or a Toyota Celica All trac. Turbo AWD & crazy rare (only 2,500 to hit the states).

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=toyot...:5&tx=85&ty=57

 

Yeah man I was looking for a VR-4 I really thought that'd be cool but most of the ones I found were project cars or the ones that were unmolested for the most part were going for a pretty penny. I wasn't sure how reliable a VR-4 would be either, but def would like one.