I'm going to the University of Texas for summer school on June 10th and unfortunately I have to sell my 300zx twin turbo for a more reliable/less maint./cheaper parts/better gas mileage/cheaper insurance car. Basically everything the z isn't. I had extremely good luck with my 96 hatch before a flying, yes flying, benz slk landed on my hood on the highway and totaled it. I drove the #$%^ out of that car and it held up far past my expectations up to 96k miles when she died. I've got about 9k/9.5k cash to spend and a lot of friends have ls's and for 140hp they are really fun to drive, but i'm leaning towards a gsr heavily.
I have 'mastered' the z, but what things can i look for to tell if a gsr has been abused/beaten on, though i'm looking for one with 75k miles or less, 98+, practically a baby. I'm guessing like my hatch there is a 100k service with tbelt etc., how long do gsr clutches last, and any common problems/things to look for?

 

Just give it a compression and leakdown test and if the results are good, then you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Regarding the clutch, they have been known to hold well over 100k if not beaten on. But if you know what you're doing, replacing a clutch is easy anyway and it really isn't all that expensive.

 

You will spend much more on the 90k mile service than the clutch. My clutch started slipping in my 94 GSR at 120K miles. My advice, be patient, finding a quality used GSR is difficult, they are "the" hot car right now and you will have to pay extra for one that is unmolested.

 

ya look around for a while i got lucky found some 60 year old school teacher who had my 95 gsr before me got it for 4000 with 94k on it got lucky on that find

 

Aren't Integra's stolen quite frequently down in Houston? If I lived in CA or TX, I think my last choice for an automobile would be a Honda of the '90's era.

 

its a shame that ppl have to worry about their honda/acuras even when running into a McDonalds

 

Flying SLk, that was probably interesting to see.

 

Yea, interesting, you could say that. I'll get the security stuff, but other than that, i'm just not going to worry about it nothing i can do. I don't let theives alter what car i want to buy. Plus if you think integras are bad try owning a mint black 300zx with 18" volks, I've caught 2 guys trying to steal that car, and it's ALWAYS garaged at work and my home. I was planning on doing the compression test ofcourse, probably drain a little coolant and see what it looks like, and give it a solid 30 min test drive. Thanks guys and keep any thoughts coming. I'll tell you the story of the crash eventually. I'm sure it's in search, but while were on topic, what does the 90k include besides belts? Any valve adjustments? The 60k on the z is a real PITA.

 

i got my 94 with one previous owner - a girl it had 70k but was damn near new -i think i had to break in the motor, now theres a lot more interest so its probably harder to find one that hasnt been treated like i treat mine every day although i have put 50k hard miles on mine and ive had amazingly little problems so id say getting a gsr is definitely a good choice - my only advice is buy from a private party - as far as the 90k maint. is concerned the helms(which every honda owner should have)- says replace belts(incl. the timing), check all hoses brake and gas lines, have abs function,and alignment checked, check bolt tightness on suspension and exhaust, plugs, and as you suspected a valve job is recommended hope that helps and remember gsrs like to be driven hard - it makes them last longer

 

Off topic, but ut in austin?

-Staci

 

Yes, UT in austin. I'm converting my ac system and doing a bunch of extremely labor intensive junk to the z so i'm not sure if i'll have it sold in time for summer school. Otherwise I'll be driven it around in Austin for a little while. With my mods, I'm lucky to get over 15/16 mpg in the city and 21/22 on the highway, sheesh it's killer. It was just a weekend car til my hatch got wrecked so it wasn't nearly as stressful doing work on it.

 

anything around 90k or over you should get the timing belt AND tensioner replaced, valve adjustment would be a good idea, give the front wheels a tug and make sure the bearings are ok, and all the other normal routine **** good luck, mine is still ripping with 107,xxx

 

I will be in austin too. I love it there.

-Staci