pulsar GTIR project
Discussion
Just aquired a 1993 Pulsar GTIR.
It has sat for about one year with a engine problem. (non running)
I am told it should not be too bad but i am not holding my breath.
The car doesn't owe my much so i dont know if i should break it and get shot of it or throw a bit of cash at it and get it running and flog it or turn it in to a track car which will be even more cash.
Anyone got any experience with Pulsars?
It has sat for about one year with a engine problem. (non running)
I am told it should not be too bad but i am not holding my breath.
The car doesn't owe my much so i dont know if i should break it and get shot of it or throw a bit of cash at it and get it running and flog it or turn it in to a track car which will be even more cash.
Anyone got any experience with Pulsars?
No direct experience but from what I've heard/read:
-Engines are pretty strong, tuneable and reliable (SR20DET slightly higher spec than S14/15 200SX)
-Gearboxes are the main weak point, tend to go pop pretty easily.
-Handling - chronic understeer as standard, but not too hard to sort out with decent suspension.
-Engines are pretty strong, tuneable and reliable (SR20DET slightly higher spec than S14/15 200SX)
-Gearboxes are the main weak point, tend to go pop pretty easily.
-Handling - chronic understeer as standard, but not too hard to sort out with decent suspension.
I own one done turbo, then fuel pump went so new 255ltr one went in, then head gasket went while being sat up so now fitted ARP head bolts 1.2mm metal head gasket, Nismo thermostate and may plum an Evo 8 frt mount in... and its been unenjoable to work on!! so much shat in the way and just didn't enjoy working on it!! hense its going up fpr sell once i put a new ticket on it!
But on the plus side the lump IS strong and if you got money to spend then there's plenty you can do... from a set of cam's frt mount and boost controller with re-map to a 2.2ltr stroker kit!! Just so much kit avalibe for that SR20DET lump its unreal!!!
Carefull of the Gearbox though been told about 350bhp they can start causing a few problems.
But on the plus side the lump IS strong and if you got money to spend then there's plenty you can do... from a set of cam's frt mount and boost controller with re-map to a 2.2ltr stroker kit!! Just so much kit avalibe for that SR20DET lump its unreal!!!
Carefull of the Gearbox though been told about 350bhp they can start causing a few problems.
Reidy10_0 said:
Just aquired a 1993 Pulsar GTIR.
It has sat for about one year with a engine problem. (non running)
I am told it should not be too bad but i am not holding my breath.
The car doesn't owe my much so i dont know if i should break it and get shot of it or throw a bit of cash at it and get it running and flog it or turn it in to a track car which will be even more cash.
Anyone got any experience with Pulsars?
If you haven't spent much on it then I'd break it and use the money to buy a good one/something else.It has sat for about one year with a engine problem. (non running)
I am told it should not be too bad but i am not holding my breath.
The car doesn't owe my much so i dont know if i should break it and get shot of it or throw a bit of cash at it and get it running and flog it or turn it in to a track car which will be even more cash.
Anyone got any experience with Pulsars?
GravelBen said:
No direct experience but from what I've heard/read:
-Engines are pretty strong, tuneable and reliable (SR20DET slightly higher spec than S14/15 200SX)
-Gearboxes are the main weak point, tend to go pop pretty easily.
-Handling - chronic understeer as standard, but not too hard to sort out with decent suspension.
Engine is a fantastic unit, but it does need regular oil changes - ideally every 3k, and certainly no more than 6k. Extremely easy to tune, although even a standard (good) one should be capable of sub-5 dashes to 60.-Engines are pretty strong, tuneable and reliable (SR20DET slightly higher spec than S14/15 200SX)
-Gearboxes are the main weak point, tend to go pop pretty easily.
-Handling - chronic understeer as standard, but not too hard to sort out with decent suspension.
Gearboxes being weak is open to debate - they're certainly fit-for-purpose, but if you're looking to run big power then you should consider fitting Quaife internals. Most criticism of the gearbox comes from owners who put 400bhp through the standard box, and then wonder why it goes bang - far easier to blame the car, than your own lack of foresight.
Handling is actually pretty reasonable, especially if it's been lowered slightly - as standard they're setup for gravel ride-height, not ideal for tarmac work. However, there's no escaping the fact that there's 800kg+ over the front axle.
Brakes as standard are largely inadequate and very prone to fading, being essentially the same as those fitted to the non-turbo GTI. Either fit decent pads (ie: Mintex 1144/55) or a big-disk conversion.
Edited by RNN14 on Monday 8th October 21:01
Check out www.gtiroc.com for all you GTiR needs
I have had my R for roughly two and a half years and have enjoyed my ownership. Admitidly I have needed a new clutch and gearbox although I think this may have had something to do with how the previous owner used to drive...
Aside from that I have concentrated on performance enhancing modifications. Uprated suspension and brakes are a must IMO. Standard suspension is too soft and willing to understeer and the brakes are scary! On standard boost the brakes aren't much use so if you plan on a bigger turbo consider fitting uprated brakes (4 pot callipers and bigger disks) You'd do well to change the oil regularly and fit an uprated fuel pump. I know this has been mentioned above but it can't be said enough. Pulsar's are old cars now, many the subject of serious abuse no doubt so maintenence is key to longitivity.
Bang for buck I really don't know of many cars that can compare to a Pulsar. You only need to look at the prices of Escort Cosworth's (A similar car as said by Evo) to appreciate their value. My car has surprised many owners of more exotic machinery including the occasional bike
And my car is in a mild state of tune...
Good luck and have fun
I have had my R for roughly two and a half years and have enjoyed my ownership. Admitidly I have needed a new clutch and gearbox although I think this may have had something to do with how the previous owner used to drive...
Aside from that I have concentrated on performance enhancing modifications. Uprated suspension and brakes are a must IMO. Standard suspension is too soft and willing to understeer and the brakes are scary! On standard boost the brakes aren't much use so if you plan on a bigger turbo consider fitting uprated brakes (4 pot callipers and bigger disks) You'd do well to change the oil regularly and fit an uprated fuel pump. I know this has been mentioned above but it can't be said enough. Pulsar's are old cars now, many the subject of serious abuse no doubt so maintenence is key to longitivity.
Bang for buck I really don't know of many cars that can compare to a Pulsar. You only need to look at the prices of Escort Cosworth's (A similar car as said by Evo) to appreciate their value. My car has surprised many owners of more exotic machinery including the occasional bike
And my car is in a mild state of tune...Good luck and have fun
I do to much work on these things. They have great engines massive potential. Stock ECU is re-mappable (with the right kit) and makes a very powerful unit with no need to use anything else (power fc for example is less capable).
Gearbox is weak, usually you'll strip the teeth on third or fifth, however quaife internals or a dogset will solve this, but the then you usually end up with a broken gearbox housing if you really wind up the power.
Stock handling is average at best, but then so are most jap cars from that era, but there is lots of room for improvement. Stock brakes are appalling, even on standard power. Most have a long history and are well played with, but some do still get stupid prices. Top end is frequently rattly due to solid lifters.
Very easy to get 300bhp from, 340 with a few more mods, anything above this and you need to change a lot of parts. They are pretty wild track prepped and running 500bhp....
Gearbox is weak, usually you'll strip the teeth on third or fifth, however quaife internals or a dogset will solve this, but the then you usually end up with a broken gearbox housing if you really wind up the power.
Stock handling is average at best, but then so are most jap cars from that era, but there is lots of room for improvement. Stock brakes are appalling, even on standard power. Most have a long history and are well played with, but some do still get stupid prices. Top end is frequently rattly due to solid lifters.
Very easy to get 300bhp from, 340 with a few more mods, anything above this and you need to change a lot of parts. They are pretty wild track prepped and running 500bhp....
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