Opinions on Civic gsr swapped I would like to purchase

[Pat445]

Hey everyone, new to the site here. I've been looking to purchase a swapped eg/ek coupe and discovered this one. I'm not too familiar with Honda, but am a general service tech at a local dealership so I know a thing or two about cars. I'm just looking for your opinions on what you think of this civic. I really appreciate all input given, thanks


http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/3678649623.html

 

[xxBLOOD88SHOTxx]

Doesn't seem bad. Best way to know if go drive it.

 

[Pat445]

I know it's just about a hour and a half drive so I would like to see if it would even be worth it for me to check it out. It seems like a good deal to me

 

[Pat445]

Anyone else? I'd really appreciate anything you say.

 

[mikekh10a]

The only concern of mine for that car is the suspension bc of the "unknown springs"

 

[OGstackadolla]

A couple of things to change, like the suspension, but a pretty good price is everything is in good condition

 

[TokyoSkies]

A few recommendations:
If you are are mechanically inclined, this could be a pretty fun little project. I would ask if he got the swap installed somewhere, and if he did, if he has receipts for it. If he has not, ask him when the last time a compression test was done. If he has no idea what you're talking about, or says "it was put in by the previous owner", be ready for mechanical surprises.
The filter just chillin on the intake manifold is a bit troubling, but nothing that can't be fixed for under $50.
Test drive it, get it above 75mph or so (on the interstate/fwy), and see if it wobbles. If it does, you're gonna dump money into suspension. if it rides fine, you're good for a bit, but those springs need to go.
Overall, this could be a good deal if you can get it from him for $3k or so. If I had it around here, I'd buy it.

 

[Pat445]

He bought the car a few months ago from a friend of his who owns a small shop, so he does not have the receipts but will check with his friend. He's not sure about the compression test. I noticed the filter right away, I've never seen anyone mount the filter right up to the intake manifold. As far as the springs go I would for sure change them out with different ones. I think I would be comfortable doing $3,000 if everything checks out well.

 

[Pat445]

Anyone else?

 

[RonJ]

I will add a different perspective to this thread. In general, it's a very risky proposition to purchase somebody's project car, especially if you don't have any expertise about a properly done GSR swap into a Civic. The main concern is that you may need to spend a huge amount of money fixing problems associated with a sloppy engine swap or other mods.

In summary, if you do a lot of reading on Civic modifications, experienced enthusiasts generally recommend that you buy a bone stock Civic and then properly modify it yourself.

 

[Pat445]

I feel it's worth a shot for me. I've always wanted a swapped ek, plus doesn't the engine and trans cost close to $3000?

 

[RonJ]

I feel it's worth a shot for me.

This^ is all that really matters. Then buy it. /thread

 

[Pat445]

What could be some problems from a poorly done swap?

 

[RonJ]

What could be some problems from a poorly done swap?

Anything and everything you could imagine - illegally done swap for your state, blown engine or transmission, wrong ECU, axles, motor mounts, sensors, and wire harnesses, nightmare cut-and-splice wiring, numerous CEL codes, etc.

 

[TokyoSkies]

Anything and everything you could imagine - illegally done swap for your state, blown engine or transmission, wrong ECU, axles, motor mounts, sensors, and wire harnesses, nightmare cut-and-splice wiring, numerous CEL codes, etc.

Not to mention, cutting corners with sensors, vacuum lines run completely wrong/not even run at all (that awesome idle surge you see with people who do chop swaps) etc.

 

[Pat445]

If I go check it out, what should I look for in detail, anything I can go off of to see if the swap has been poorly done?

 

[Pat445]

Anything that will stick out like a sore thumb?

 

[young_]

Poorly spliced wires. Look for duct tape. Pretty much keep an eye open for anything that just looks half-assed, or shoddy.


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[RonJ]

Your best options are:

1) bring somebody who has done or regularly does Civic/GSR swaps to inspect the car for you

2) do a lot of reading about Civic/GSR swaps so that you arrive fully prepared to do an intelligent, detailed inspection of the car

Be smart to avoid a purchase disaster.

 

[young_]

^^ this.

3 thousand dollars is a nice little chunk of change. Use your head.

Good luck!


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