I keep going back and forth, and thinking of different cars that would be sweet to have. I've thought about an EVO, but I'm not too sure about the looks, or the insurance. It's still in the back of my head.

Then there's the 98 GSX I've been looking at. 6-Bolt, shep tranny, 20G, all kinds of stuff. Runs probably mid to low 11s. This is the looks and performance for a decnt price option. Pretty damn fast, and still a pretty good looking car for $13,000.

But then I always have the 350Z in the back of my mind also. In my opinion, one of the best looking cars, right up there with Supras and such, as far as looks. Respectable performance stock, but not as fast as the GSX. But, it's new and reliable. And then I would consider a turbo kit down the road. But all this together would be well in the $30k range, if the Z was used.

So obviously the Z would be nicer than the GSX... but the GSX would be pretty freakin fast, and I wouldn't have to put hardly any money into it. I could drive it more than the Z, since being AWD. The Z would end up being a lot more money, so what do you guys think?

Hopefully etx sees this, since he has a quick 2G, and a turbo Z. lol.

gsx. 2g looks, AWD, fast as hell... get it.

Im trying to make the same exact decision. I'll sit back and watch where this goes. Dont forget the Z will be a brand new car with a warranty and NO WORRIES and still very fun to drive as is.

Originally posted by CustomGS
Im trying to make the same exact decision. I'll sit back and watch where this goes. Dont forget the Z will be a brand new car with a warranty and NO WORRIES and still very fun to drive as is.

and then if down the road I put a turbo kit on it, it would be even more amazing.

and then if i built the engine, it would be a fucking monster. But one big plus to the eclipse is that 13,000 would get me 11s. That's faster than like 95% of the cars on the road, the day I buy it. AND it's all wheel drive.

I'm really hoping for some good insight from 2GNTers. This is gonna be a tough choice.

...Z...Hands down. reliability,sex appeal,and good power PLUS turbo setup/engine build down the road. against an awd 11 second monster...if something breaks who know's. This is a toughy though but I still say Z.

I say GSX. Its done. 350z's aren't that fast stock and even with boltons (CAI, cat-back, pulleys) I can pull on them in my rs at 15psi(on the highway with only an sfmu & 42#inj for fuel management). I drove my friends with the mods listed and it is a nice as shit but lacks on power imo. So you either want a nice, fast car now for 1/2 the cost (gsx) or a really nice, quick car that you might make fast later for 2 times the cost(350z) After getting my car back on the road recently I have to go with the GSX. About a month ago I would have said 350z all the way though.

I say get the Z and be worry free for the next few years. Yeah the GSX is fast and nice but remember that a high horsepower daily driver is more likely to break down that a stock daily driver. It's like you said the Z has respectable power straight from the factory. If I were in your shoes I would get the Z and just enjoy the car in it's nice stock form for a few years and then mod it.

I'm another one debating this same thing. I however am leaning towards the Z b/c I will probably be driving a lot so I need something much more reliable preferably with a warranty and I would keep the RS and just build for more boost. But a 2gb gsx is also dead sexy. It's a tough decision.

Originally posted by CarbonFiberRST
I say GSX. Its done. 350z's aren't that fast stock and even with boltons (CAI, cat-back, pulleys) I can pull on them in my rs at 15psi(on the highway with only an sfmu & 42#inj for fuel management).

You should be able to pull on them at 15psi, they run 14.5 stock.

With the money you're thinking of spending, why not buy a 99 vr4? 320 hp stock, mid-high 13's stock. Plus, how many of your buddies can say they have TWO turbos? lol PLus, its AWD, and if you can spend $30,000 for a Z, I'm sure you cuold find a 99 vr4 with less than 30k on the odometer for about $22,000.

My order would go: Evo (I personally love the looks, and 11's can be had with nothing more than exhaust, fuel pump, bc, and cams), GSX (but only if you have another car or can handle some down time), Supra (only reason it is down here is because of how rare they are and how much it would be to get a decent one), the Z (although I really don't like them that much...Evo's can be had for cheaper, and do you really want RWD in the winter? Plus aftermarket parts are NOT cheap!), and finally the VR4, since it was mentioned (But I would only get one if I had another car, and was rich. They are not the most reliable of cars, and they are not cheap to make fast) Hope that helps you...

Originally posted by 97eclipse97
My order would go: Evo (I personally love the looks, and 11's can be had with nothing more than exhaust, fuel pump, bc, and cams), GSX (but only if you have another car or can handle some down time), Supra (only reason it is down here is because of how rare they are and how much it would be to get a decent one), the Z (although I really don't like them that much...Evo's can be had for cheaper, and do you really want RWD in the winter? Plus aftermarket parts are NOT cheap!), and finally the VR4, since it was mentioned (But I would only get one if I had another car, and was rich. They are not the most reliable of cars, and they are not cheap to make fast) Hope that helps you...

I wouldnt drive any new car i get in the winter. The 2gnt will be my beater, or I may sell it and buy a 1G AWD, and keep it stock, just for a cool, quick, AWD winter car. Supras are out of my price range, I think. Any decent low mileage, good condition supras are like $30k, and thats for stock, or nearly stock. That insurance would be crazy too. Seems that EVOs and Zs are about the same price. I think I'd rather have the GSX than the EVO... looks better imo, plus cheaper insurance.

And 300GTs/Stealths never really did it for me. Too big and heavy. Not that the Z or GSX are light, but they are definitely smaller.

Heres a visual summary of the thread, in case somebody can't read :P





OR

i say supra all the way . i love that car . i wish i could find one but its almost impossible . next would be the gsx and then the z .

You need to decide want you want, seriously.

I would say if there is, don't go for a supra at all. They cost $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to mod, and maintain, then of coourse their price tag to begin with. Now 350Z vs GSX, WTF? Of course GSX. :)

Originally posted by destruckeclipse
You need to decide want you want, seriously.

my friends and girlfriend will tell me the same. They are so sick of hearing me go back and forth, lol. But I looove cars, and they are both very good choices, so I want to make sure I pick the best one... Either way, I'm sure I'll be happy.

Thanks for the help guys, keep it comin'!

Without a question, get the Z. How often are you really planning on racing? If you were to try to use that GSX as your DD and race it, you know that shit is going to break down and cause you tons of headaches. Get the Z, have a warranty, be happy.

Have you driven an AWD? I won't own anything else as long as I'm driving. That being said, I am also unlikely to buy ANY used car that costs more than beater cash. How about a Mazdaspeed M6 or a WRX/STI?

You already know what car fits your needs and budget, and it's obviously NOT the one you want to buy. Been there and done that, good luck. ;)

Originally posted by 992gnt
Have you driven an AWD? I won't own anything else as long as I'm driving. That being said, I am also unlikely to buy ANY used car that costs more than beater cash. How about a Mazdaspeed M6 or a WRX/STI? You already know what car fits your needs and budget, and it's obviously NOT the one you want to buy. Been there and done that, good luck. ;)

meh, not big on 4 doors.

its not even so much that the GSX is the one that fits my budget. paymets on an $8,000 loan with high interest over 3 years, and the payments on a $17,000 loan with lower interest over 5 or 6 years, are about the same. So I can afford either one. It would be nice to have one paid off quickly, but it's not really the deciding factor. And I really dont know which one i want to buy. lol.

I'd take the Z. Besides the fact that it will be more reliable, if you ever do anything to it, you can say that you did it, where as with the gsx, all the work was done for you, where's the fun in that?

Originally posted by BlackMagic
where's the fun in that?

Dumping the clutch at 6 grand and absolutely tearing ass off the line. Not to mention raping 99% of cars on the road. But with all that power comes headaches of fixing stuff. I think the Z is just an all around more classy car, but both are drop dead sexy.

Originally posted by CopperEclipse96

meh, not big on 4 doors.


Bye bye Evo... That's narrowing it down. :) Me personally would probably go w/ the Z just for the reliability factor. My RS on 6psi causes enough problems with reliability ;) , can't imagine if I was making any power.

Z of course I'm planning of getting one. I for one am done with the boy racer image my eclipse has though I love the car.

It sounds to me like you want the GSX. You can drive it year round, AWD kicks a$$, and you will be faster than not 95, but more like 99.9% of cars on the road. Your idea of getting a 1g is not a bad idea. Although if you were getting the GSX, you would not even need another AWD. You already said you are not going to drive a new car in the winter, so you already need two cars. To me it makes a lot more sense to get the cheaper, faster, sexier, AWDier GSX. Screw the warantee on a new car, that's what car forums are for :) Now make up your mind and get a new car!

One letter... Z!

http://www.dsmregistry.com/detail.php?carid=1030

I think it's interesting that so many people on here are looking to go to a Z as their next car, aside from the people that posted here, I know customgs is plannin on it, a few people have done it, and it will most likely be my next too. (of course I'll keep the 2g around though)

Originally posted by cs82685
I think it's interesting that so many people on here are looking to go to a Z as their next car, aside from the people that posted here, I know customgs is plannin on it, a few people have done it, and it will most likely be my next too. (of course I'll keep the 2g around though)

Yeah, I have decided on the Z...And the GSX haha. I've decided to get both and i will be happier then a pig in shit. Im going with black for the Z because the GSX i have the opportunity to get is white. I'm going to leave them both extremely clean with just a drop,exhaust and rims. Nothing beats the Z's exhaust!!! I just cant wait to sit in that brand spankin new Z. Is it possible to get blue balls from this thread? cause i think i have.

ON A SIDE NOTE. I also just fell back in love with my GS. you guys might remember i hit a chair in the middle of the road and cracked it all up and then threw a rod and burned my clutch all at the same time. Well, close to 5,000 later, shes back!! Looks for pics soon. Stillen front w/ molded side markers, new black housing lights, New weapon r seats, new black carpets... yeah baby.

Originally posted by 97eclipse97
It sounds to me like you want the GSX. You can drive it year round. Your idea of getting a 1g is not a bad idea. Although if you were getting the GSX, you would not even need another AWD. You already said you are not going to drive a new car in the winter, so you already need two cars.

Well I wouldn't really want to drive the GSX in the winter either. An 11 second car in the snow doesnt sopund fun to me... AWD or not. So no matter what I will have a winter car. If I got a Z, I might keep the 2GNT, so I could still have the 2G looks. I'd just fix it up a bit. I'm still no closer to a decision. You guy have made some very good points though.

Both!

Originally posted by CopperEclipse96 An 11 second car in the snow doesnt sopund fun to me... AWD or not. So no matter what I will have a winter car. If I got a Z,

I've been supporting the Z, but with the GSX you could always lower the boost, plus I'm sure it's got a decent sized turbo being in the 11's and all, so the spool up wouldn't be quick so I still think it would be a very dependable winter car traction wise.

Originally posted by CopperEclipse96
An 11 second car in the snow doesnt sopund fun to me... AWD or not.

You're flip-flopping, Ian. I do believe, elsewhere in this thread, that you said something to the effect of not wanting to drive either car in the snow. This means that, whatever you end up buying, you're going to have to get the 2GNT running as a winter car. Furthermore, if you wanted to sell the 2GNT to buy a 1G AWD beater for winter, you're still going to have to fix up the 2GNT to avoid being low-balled by every prospective buyer.

I've noticed your sig lists the 2GNT as being broken and sitting for a while now, but I've not seen you posting much in the technical forums. What is wrong with your 2GNT? What have you done to fix it? I've got three words for anyone considering the purchase of a pre-modified DSM.

Burn. The. Blobs.

Andy went from being DSM wannabe to DSM veteran in the span of about three months because he purchased a pre-modified 1G AWD. The car looks bad ass and everyone who's familiar with the set up knows it's got huge potential, but everything that could go wrong with the car, has gone wrong with the car, and I doubt Andy's had more than a couple hours of seat time in the thing. Is he learning a lot? Most definitely. Is he having fun? I like to think he is. Is this what he wanted? I highly doubt it.

Not good enough? Think you've got a leg up on Andy when it comes to DSMs? Okay. Here's another name for you.

FlyinESi

After Dan, well, let's not get into what Dan did or did not do, but the point is, he purchased a decently modded 98 GSX recently - Built 7-bolt, Frank3 turbo, FMIC, assorted odds and ends, the works. Ask Dan what he had to do immediately upon getting the car back to Phoenix. The man has been busy like bee trying to get all sorts of things nailed down on his new ride and often thinks about parting it out or getting that new Mustang. Seriously. I've ridden in his car with a tubular manifold, GT35R, all the shit you wish you had for your own DSM. I've heard the WG dump and seen the fabric of time and space rent before me while he's WOT on the choke line and he still has thoughts of parting it out and getting something new and reliable every day.

When you buy a built DSM, you're not buying mere transportation. You're buying a beast that you chain down at night and have to be capable of pulling in the reigns when needed. At the same time, you have to be ready to take care of the finnicky princess you've just bought, as they have special needs. Built DSMs are singular in purpose - go fast. People don't build with a great deal of reliability as a requirement. They want fast and they want it now. Why is this GSX even up for sale if it's such a sweet car? No doubt an experienced DSMer just getting tired of the never-ending project.

If you've let the 2GNT sit broken this long and no one else on this forum, the single best resource for technical information there is, knows or remembers what happened, then you should stay as far away from this modified GSX as possible. If there is anything worse than having your DSM be down for the count, it's having your DSM go down for the count and owe a lot of money on it.

All that said, pick up a Z. I still remember how silky Derek's boosted Z felt that cool August evening in 2004 and how I was glad Aaron "Nang Nangs" Stanley egged me on to take Derek up on the offer to drive it. That car was why we were able to purchse alcohol almost two hours after curfew - my explanation that I was from Arizona where we can buy nearly 24hrs a day and it was still only 10pm aside.

I say get the Z and enjoy a summer where you can go anywhere you want without concerns about reliability and just put a little time here and there into the 2GNT to get it ready for winter. If you have the chance, sell the 2GNT and pick up that old beater 1G. Otherwise, it is unwise to consider purchasing a car based on its mod potential until such time as you have proven to yourself (since that's all that counts) that you have the tenacity to stick to it and keep the car on the road.

Hope this helps, some.

Originally posted by DR1665
yada yada yada

Hope this helps, some.

Yeah, some good points.

To answer some of those questions...
The 2GNT is back on the road, just havent updated the sig. If I decided to keep it, I would fix it up. I just can't really get into doing anything on it now since I need it to be running every single day. I'm worried about tearing into it, and then not getting it back together in time to get to work on monday. If I get something else, it will make things easier since I'll have a backup car.

The guy is selling the GSX because he needs money for his house. He is moving on to an old dodge colt with a 4G63, to go fast for cheap, since his wife is making him sell the GSX. Thats what he says anyways.

As much as I would love to have a gsx if I had a choice between that and a 350z I would take the Z. If you can afford it get it. It will be more reliable and is one sexy bitch. :love

Originally posted by DR1665
I've got three words for anyone considering the purchase of a pre-modified DSM. Burn. The. Blobs.

LOL.

Originally posted by dsmmyth

Originally posted by DR1665 I've got three words for anyone considering the purchase of a pre-modified DSM. Burn. The. Blobs.

LOL.

So true. Pre-modified DSMs are a big mistake. Mine even had a rebuilt engine with 5k on it. Still didnt stop me from having to redo all the front engine seals (that includes a timing belt job and taking off the transfer case and oil pan, mind you), not to mention a lot of other stuff. 6 Boost leaks, a broken bolt, stripped intake manifold threads, and a blown Evo III 16g Turbo later, and I still get a new problem every day. And 91 octane isnt getting any cheaper in case you haven't noticed. Buy a pre-modified dsm as an EXTRA car for fun, not as a main car. Ever. Ever ever.

Now the upside is that now I can replace my timing belt in about 20 minutes and I can tell you the size of every bolt that you need to put a socket on right off the top of my head...but I would have much rather been driving it the whole time. :thumbsup

Originally posted by burntheblobs
Buy a pre-modified dsm as an EXTRA car for fun, not as a main car. Ever. Ever ever.

Well I WOULD have another car as a backup.

I wish etx would see this, since he basically has both.

While my car is not currently running 11's, after I get my FP2 cams in, there is nothing holding me back except my own feet. I daily drive the car every day, and plan to even through the winter until I get my next car, and Evo IX MR (which will come after I am better off financially). Right now I have my Talon as a backup, but as of right now, I only needed it once (after my transfer case locked up...no fluid :( ). But the difference is, I put everything I have in my car myself. I turned every bolt, tightened every clamp, and connected every line in there. I know my engine bay inside and out. I know I did not half a$$ anything. When there is a problem, I know right where to look. I know why this is this way, and why that is that way. You get the idea. Basically, you have no idea what the previous owner did, right or wrong. And I doubt he will be there to help you if it brakes. What I really think you should do (if you really want a GSX) is to buy a stock GSX and mod it yourself. You will know exactly what has been done to it, and believe me, you will get so much more satisfaction out of knowing that you built the car. While this will cost more than buying the modded GSX, it really will be worth it in the end. Hope this helps as well.

Oh, and I drive my car @ 23 PSI everyday, but I can easily drive without getting into boost at all. I know I will have no problem even in the winter. If you were really afraid, you could even keep your wastegate open, although this would be overkill in my opinion :)

Originally posted by 97eclipse97
What I really think you should do (if you really want a GSX) is to buy a stock GSX and mod it yourself.

Problem is, I couldnt buy a 98 or 99, and get it to where this one is for the same price. Thats the big plus to that one. People sell completely stock 98s and 99s for like $10k and over. Then if I swapped a 6-bolt, got a shep tranny, DSMlink, bigger turbo, and all that.... I'd be WELL over $15k.

Maybe if I get a Z, I'll buy like a 95 or 96 gsx, and keep it mild, but make it look like a 99.... I am kinda leaning towards the Z, however.

Originally posted by CopperEclipse96
Maybe if I get a Z, I'll buy like a 95 or 96 gsx, and keep it mild, but make it look like a 99...

That's what I am doing with mine (minus buying the Z). You should be able to eaily find 2ga AWD's for under $5k. Now you're up $8k compared to if you got the modded GSX. And if you do get one, go with an earlier build '95 (built in '94). This way, you are almost guaranteed an EPROM ECU and the vented rear rotors. Furthermore, 2ga's came with a rust protectorent, and the 2gb's did not.

Originally posted by DR1665
When you buy a built DSM, you're not buying mere transportation. You're buying a beast that you chain down at night and have to be capable of pulling in the reigns when needed.

Priceless. Keep em' coming, Driggs.

Originally posted by Nine5eclipse03
With the money you're thinking of spending, why not buy a 99 vr4? 320 hp stock, mid-high 13's stock. Plus, how many of your buddies can say they have TWO turbos?

Cause it's a BOAT! :P :P

EDIT: I'd probably end up with the Z. I drove one last summer and was thinking about buying it but ended up deciding not too. It is a real nice, smooth motor and the car overall, well, looks effin hot right.

I def. would want the 11 sec GSX too though. Obviousley cause it sounds like a good deal with the mods and all but Brian is totally right.

Right now I'm at the point where I start the car and I'm listening for something to be all fucked up. Just did my clutch. Good to go, 3 days later, pass. side wheel bearing is making noises. Get that fixed and buy some sweet tsi sideskirts. Thats cool but then my valve seals are going and now I have to tear off the head.

It's never ending battle. Fuck.

So I was leaning towards a Z last night, and then today the saleslady that I talked to a while ago said that they have an 06 base model in. I went and checked it out... driving it made me realize I don't want another eclipse. The lady's boyfriend works for the electric company that I do, and he's a big guy in the union, so she said she would give me basically the employee discount... just a little more. She also said she would get me whatever color I wanted.

I just may have made up my mind.

Originally posted by Blizare
sweet tsi sideskirts

Next up? Sweet TSi front and rear clips! ;)

To the guy with the oh-so-Smurfy 2G in his sig pic, here's another one:

Derek hasn't seen this thread yet because, everytime he drives past a KFC in his Z, the bitches come running out with bucket of original recipe and extra crispy and he jes can't say no!

*Actually, Derek is a hard-working man who puts in a shitton of hours at work. A shame, really, since he only recently sprang for an actual bed to sleep on instead of the old cot he kept in the garage in front of the RS. :P

Originally posted by DR1665
To the guy with the oh-so-Smurfy 2G in his sig pic, here's another one: Derek hasn't seen this thread yet because, everytime he drives past a KFC in his Z, the bitches come running out with bucket of original recipe and extra crispy and he jes can't say no! *Actually, Derek is a hard-working man who puts in a shitton of hours at work. A shame, really, since he only recently sprang for an actual bed to sleep on instead of the old cot he kept in the garage in front of the RS. :P

Lol ;) Seriously though, Im proud of Derek for standing up and doing what it takes. Good stuff.

To the OP, it looks like you made up your mind ;)

This is a no-brainer. The Z is an incredible car. Perfect balance, excellent platform, and every inch of it was designed to perfection. I LOVE those cars. I'll definitely be looking into getting one once I'm out of school and have a good start in my career.

As far as the GSX, meh sure it's fast but do you really want an 8 year old car that's more than likely going to break?

The Evo...well you can't go wrong here. Awesome car, great motor, and even better potential. I just don't think it's looks can even touch the Z.

If you like the driving feel in the Z, have you drove an S2000? I've put many many miles on a Z, and don't get me wrong I like it, but after driving an S2k, I forgot about the z. I love the S2K. I went looking for a new ride and its S2K for me. Insurance went like this for me cheapest to highest: evo, S2K, gsx, 350Z.

Originally posted by KBallistiks
If you like the driving feel in the Z, have you drove an S2000? I've put many many miles on a Z, and don't get me wrong I like it, but after driving an S2k, I forgot about the z. I love the S2K. I went looking for a new ride and its S2K for me. Insurance went like this for me cheapest to highest: evo, S2K, gsx, 350Z.

that insurance is shocking to me, because everywhere I've heard, the EVO is the most expensive. There's no way the EVO insurance is cheaper than a GSX.

I'm not really a honda fan, nor do I want a convertible. :shrug