1997 gsi coupe in need of parts

**boody** · 15-10-2009 05:10 PM

Hey, I recently boiught a 1997 honda integra gsi coupe. To get a roadworthy certificate i had to spend a fortune on all new front and rear brakes plus new rear brush bars. the gearbox is a bit rough in 1st 2nd and third and the mechanic said it is because of bearings and said that i would need to get a new or reconditioned gearbox. he also said that it would need new shockies in the next 6 months and the front suspension squeeks alot. It is also using a ridiculous amount of fuel.. only getting about 300kms to a tank.
Its a shame that my car is in such bad shape but i do want to get it running well. as u can probably tell im far from an expert however am very interested in how i can get it running well without having to pay a fortune to mechanics who rip u off anyway. i am willing to put money into the car but was just wondering if anyone had any advice on what path i should take to get the best performance for the lowest price. thanks very much hopefully hear back soon.

**duckey** · 15-10-2009 08:14 PM

im sure you'd know someone that could get a roadworthy cert by other means *wink wink*

as for parts..you should try posting in the WTB section. better chances there.

**blakee** · 15-10-2009 08:23 PM

lol yea my car had 1000000 defects on it when it went to get rwc...if ur in brissy ill tell u who i went too??

**boody** · 15-10-2009 09:11 PM

I already got the roadworthy after $1800. Does anyone have any suggestions as to why it would be using so much fuel? possibly just needs a tune up which i couldnt afford to get at the same time as i got the roadworthy. the car has only done 100000ks it seems strange that the mechanic would say it needs a reconed gearbox and new shocks?

**Giraffe** · 15-10-2009 09:15 PM

maybe you should of got aftermarket parts for your car imo.

**boody** · 15-10-2009 09:39 PM

if i were to get a new gearbox what type would suit or would i have to get a factory honda one? might take it to the mechanic this weekend and have a talk. can anyone suggest a good mechanic in brissy?

**Mikecivic78** · 15-10-2009 10:08 PM

The reason the gearbox needs to be done at 100K is really simple. The car has been ridden like a cheap whore. Its been thrashed.

Thats probably why u are only getting 300 per tank. Maybe it hasnt been serviced for ages or been generally neglected. What is the history of this car? Has the timing belt been done?

or maybe ur mechanic is full of shit. I know a good guy in bris. PM sent.

**duckey** · 16-10-2009 12:57 AM

GSI eats fuel. Theres quite an informative thread with everyone sandbagging the GSI's fuel consumption. Dont think anyone got more than 300kms...

What fuel are you using? Keep away from that ethanol crap.

Change oil, oil filter, o2 sensor etc etc.

**GSi_PSi** · 16-10-2009 02:43 AM

lol at gsi eating fuel. maybe you should drive the car slower not revving more than 4k see if it will stop eating ridiculous amount of fuel.
and best performance and lowest price dont go together lol.

**Lukey** · 16-10-2009 08:12 AM

use 98ron premium

i can get 600kms from 3/4 of a tank

**dinorider** · 16-10-2009 12:01 PM

You didn't do a pre-purchase mech inspection of the car right?

Sorry mate but it's going to be expensive to get it running well. The reason it's fallen into this state is because, yes it appears it's been flogged to death and neglected for much of its life.

Here's my estimate:
reconditioned gearbox maybe $700-800 before installation. Don't bother replacing bearings, the box is a very labour intensive component, and it'll end up costing as much, or even more, as another box just bolted in.

shock absorbers maybe $100-200 each for basic new ones before installation.

Squeeky suspension is caused by worn bushings. Get SuperPro Poly ones, probably not much more than $100 for the major front end bits. Fitting them is another thing.

Also, is the engine consuming lots of oil? It's a computer controlled fuel injected engine, and doesn't need a 'tune-up' in the old fashioned way. This isn't your grandad's Holden with the carby. Maybe the Intake and exhaust sensors are fouled, causing the car's ECU to pump in more fuel than is really required. These cars automatically and instantaneously compute the air-fuel ratio required at all times based on what the sensors throughout the engine are telling the ECU. They automatically compensate for any variances. They screw up when the sensors get fouled up and send incorrect readings.

Maybe, just maybe, you should sell it and try again with another car. it might give you less headaches. And might even be cheaper after you add up the cost of all the components requiring replacement.

**Mikecivic78** · 16-10-2009 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by dinorider

You didn't do a pre-purchase mech inspection of the car right?

Maybe, just maybe, you should sell it and try again with another car. it might give you less headaches. And might even be cheaper after you add up the cost of all the components requiring replacement.

Good call. palm it of to another helpless sucker.

BTW: Did u call my mate Michael for a quote?