Sort of like a reverse AWD conversion:







I finally accepted that I will never find a way to convert my 420A to AWD. So, I picked up a 1997 GSX last weekend and will convert that into my 1995 ESi. The body has a lot of dings and scratches, but the unibody portion is sound with no collision repair or rust. Everything damaged can be unbolted. On that note, I will bolt on my 1995 ESi rear bumper, tail lights, hatch, hood, doors, front fenders, headlights, and front bumper. That will give it good sheet metal and the Talon look I want. Suspension and brakes will also be swapped over. The engine and trans are bone stock on the GSX. Everything works and I passed emissions today, but I don't think any maintenance has been done, ever. I intend to build an engine, get a stronger trans, and swap over my turbo and FMIC. Of course, that means building a new manifold, exhaust, IC piping, fuel system, etc. I'll try to take it one step at a time, but that will be tough. I'll have to keep a close eye on the budget to ensure that I have money left over for paint (otherwise, I'll be rocking a black, green, red combo).


Corbin
'95 ESI-T

Now with more power and fewer leaks



Humble servant of the Wiki

Not gonna lie, I first read this and saw it was Corbin and was like, holy shit, another game changer. Then I was disappointed, but alas I know you will never cease to amaze us!

She's a little rough, but I have no doubt she's in good hands. I still can't find a decent AWD shell down here that the owner isn't asking the sky for.

1998 Eclipse RS-T - Totaled 4/23/09 -
1998 Eclipse GST - Stroked 2.3l, HX40 fed: Build in progress
2010 Subaru Outback Limited

I hate hipsters.

What is it with people and no maintenance on cars? It's in better hands now. Good luck and keep us posted!

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3130861

That fuse panel frightens me.

Any electrical demons pop up, yet? I think I've finally gotten all mine tracked down.

1998 Eclipse RS-T - Totaled 4/23/09 -
1998 Eclipse GST - Stroked 2.3l, HX40 fed: Build in progress
2010 Subaru Outback Limited

I hate hipsters.

Oh I got my first electrical issue within 1 mile of the point of sale. The bolt that holds the alternator output to fusible link in the fuse box was cross threaded and only making intermittent connection. I had to go back to their house and borrow a screwdriver to loosen it and jam a nut in there to make the connection. Then I drove 50 miles back home. At some point, the car took a hit in the fender and cracked up the fuse box (fuse box bracket bolts to structure under fender). The previous owner pulled the body back into line, but let the fuse box dangle. A used fuse box showed up today. I'll transfer all of the pins to the replacement fuse box soon. The wiring in the engine bay and interior is surprisingly untouched. No custom installs or half-ass repairs. They just left it stock and didn't repair what broke. Not ideal, but I can work with that.

Corbin
'95 ESI-T

Now with more power and fewer leaks



Humble servant of the Wiki

Yeah, I'd take basic maintenance over sorting out someone else's fuck ups any day of the week. Unfortunately my car's previous owner half-assed a good number of repairs and installs.

1998 Eclipse RS-T - Totaled 4/23/09 -
1998 Eclipse GST - Stroked 2.3l, HX40 fed: Build in progress
2010 Subaru Outback Limited

I hate hipsters.

Nice pickup, Corbin. Look forward to following the progress as it comes slowly, one step at a time.

I contributed to the Wiki.

Now your hood intake can cool the timing belt.

I kind of did the same thing with Jamesman's GS. The chassis and panels on my RS were in better condition, but the GS had all the goodies, so I fused the two cars into one. I think the only thing original on my car now is the steering wheel and dash.

2gnt: '99 RS-T, killed by a toyota, pending rebuild...
Daily: Volt
Daily #2: '99 EVG ebike- STOLEN by PEDRO

I thought, "If anyone can pull of an AWD 2GNT conversion, it would be Corbin." I got excited. Then I realized this is Corbin's version of sell-it-and-buy-a-turbo. Then I noticed he's converting it to Talon.

This pleases me. Continue. Subscribed.

If no one objects, I'll turn this into a build thread. Last weekend, I pulled the rear suspension out of the ESi and the GSX. Here is a picture of 2 DSM's in their natural habitat:



Both on jack stands, with no hope of being driveable for a long time. My tiny garage is a war zone of parts and tools now. I pulled the complete rear suspension and rear subframe out of the GSX so that I could rust proof, paint, and undercoat everything. Here is the painted subframe ready to go back in:



Oh wait, lets pull the side skirts off and poke that rusty spot with a screwdriver. I'm sure it's just on the surface.



Or not. After I excavated the seam sealer and rust, both rear rockers have got quarter size holes in that horizontal area in front of the wheel. I intend on grinding/cutting back to good metal this weekend. If I'm lucky, I'll cut some sheetmetal patches and tack them in. Fortunately, I bought a TIG welder last fall. I plan on removing the side skirts permanently. If I make an absolute mess of it, I guess I can put 2GA skirts on.

Corbin
'95 ESI-T

Now with more power and fewer leaks



Humble servant of the Wiki