I Bought An ABANDONED JDM Supercar Dirt CHEAP!

[@InsaneBimmer]

As a trucker I love when I get a cool customer. This guy was a good sport!

[@scraplifegarage]

He was great, we deal with a ton of drivers, some are awesome, some less so, but he was top notch.

[@danbywaters6123]

That noise is the 'hydraulic lash adjusters' for the valves. Pretty normal for Mitsubishi V6's and it is not a problem that you need to be concerned about it. By all reports they are easy to replace and there is a procedure detailing how to run the engine upon first start after lash adjuster replacement, to prime the adjusters and get oil into them.

[@scraplifegarage]

Glad to know it’s not abnormal, maybe I’ll throw lifters in it while the engine is out!

[@01ttstang]

What people do is upgrade the lash adjusters to the 3rd Gens (97-99) which have larger ports for better oiling, which alleviates the ‘tick’ which is common amongst all TT cars 91-99.. Also the 99 is extremely rare with 871 produced from what I recall, nice find and you def want to keep this one alive!

[@01ttstang]

Also forgot to add, if you change the trans fluid make SURE it’s syncromesh.. Mitsubishi specified the wrong trans fluid which ruined a lot of synchros in these cars, especially 1st-2nd.. A trans rebuild is around 5 grand from what I recall..

[@timainsley994]

@@scraplifegarage The show Wheeler Dealers did one of these and resolved the lifter tick that way

[@andrewmcintosh9832]

@@01ttstang No syncromesh is too thin! Redline MT-85 is what he needs.

[@bean99a]

This channel is amazing! No wasting time just getting projects done!!

[@scraplifegarage]

*laughs nervously as I view the 5 unfinished projects in the shop*

[@ThatstaticEKHatch]

​@@scraplifegarage🤣

[@fishermensfriend100]

Hey mate, I wouldn't be surprised if the reason the subframe is hitting the gearbox is probably something to do with that side impact. It's probably twisted the chassis a bit and maybe done something to the engine mounts as well.

[@shept.7736]

That car has a very rare color! It also looks incredible!

[@scraplifegarage]

That’s the reason I own it! If it was black, red, white etc I wouldn’t have really through twice about it

[@Mitsu3kGT]

@@scraplifegarage meh, it’s a fake 99 it’s really not that rare. If it was a 1 of 287 99 then you can talk it up all you want

[@Mitsu3kGT]

@@scraplifegarage it’s kind of like the fiji blue cars. Rare color, but no different from any other year

[@scraplifegarage]

@@Mitsu3kGT by my calculation 1 of 19 is slightly more rare than 1 of 287 😉

[@Mitsu3kGT]

@@scraplifegarage it literally doesn’t matter, you are talking about a single color on a car that’s not original lol. It’s a 1996 that never came from the desert and is a fake 99. The real value would be if it was a 1 of 287 99 vr4, the last year of them made. Doesn’t really matter if it’s a rare color. Pro tip, yellow is even more rare on some of them, and literally no one cares because it’s “Martinique yellow pearl”

[@AdrianBawn]

Lifter tick on the GTO is pretty common (all 3 of mine did it). You can fix it by getting different valve lifters, but its not something to be worried about. Its just something they do, and as you noted it calms down once the engine warms up. The oil pressure sensors on the GTOs are "flakey" at best, so an after market one also isn't unexpected. And the "after market control arm" is likely a "Rear steering delete". In case you weren't aware, the GTO/3000GT is a 4 wheel steering car, but the rear steer is often removed if it breaks, as repairing it is problematic, and it also saves weight.

[@punchsresales1294]

Dude you are now officially my favorite car channel if that wasn't already the case I had a 95 3000gt I bought for 800 bucks and loved that car till had to sell bc had a child but so miss that car and always wanted a 96 vr-4

[@lucashurley7612]

hey man now that your older If ytou cna get your hands on one cheap their are conversion kits to make VR4s (well not a kit but they knoe you can get trubo stealth parts and slap them on the fwd GTs) whole thing might run you 4k but its a small price to pay for the enjoyment and memeories. plus you can give it to your kid one day and it will be worth more than you bought it for.

[@RexerYTRexer]

I just rebuilt a DOHC stealth and this car is actually amazing and easy to work on. Mine had 101k when I got it seller never changed the oil and it spun a bearing he just parked it back in 06 in his field. I bought it for 900 couple months ago and the engine got all new bearings and the first rod and whole crank. You can see the process on my short. This car is AMAZING!!!

[@fantomphoenix6170]

Finally! There’s not many videos on n these cars, especially the VR4s!

[@BWTECH0521]

I'm glad I found this channel. No BS, straight to the point, fun, and JDM! Looking forward to the series! Subbed :)

[@RexerYTRexer]

The lifter is super easy to put in. ITS A signature 6g72 sticky hydraulic lifter tick. Just put the lobe in the upright position use a flathead to lift the rocker and pull out the lifter and put new one in the hole. JUST PRIME THE LIFTER WITH OIL FIRST and make sure it compresses and decompresses if it didn't come ready from factory. there is 24 of them on it so do same thing for each. Put rocker back on and VUALLA no more noise.

[@nv8176]

Known for spun bearings because folks crush the oil pan where the pickup is and starve the engine of oil yours looks a little pushed up remove andnock it out. Also always use factory mitsubishi oil filters give more oil pressure.

[@kristjanveski]

I'm so jealous! A VR4 in that color is a unicorn find, and while not original, the 99 parts are also very rare at this point. 6G72's are notorious for lifter tick, especially cold. Just warm it up properly and keep an eye on oil pressure. The oil pick-up is vulnerable to a dented oil pan, and spinning a bearing is very common. If you can do some bulletproofing these are awesome cars. Had a '92 as my first car and am getting nostalgic enough to buy another. If you have any questions let me know!

[@din4mikz818]

God bless you for the advice, I just bought one myself! The mechanic that sold me it says he changed the lifters but I notice the sound when the car is cold. I noticed my car runs rich and when I turn it on it turns off immediately. It does not always do it but I am wondering why? I think this means the car is running rich and I might need a tune and/or aftermarket ecu? (My car has upgraded 15G turbos with a stock ECU)

[@kristjanveski]

@@din4mikz818 Do you have an AF Ratio gauge and a boost controller? Most people ran those and made their own adjustments. You might be best off taking it to a tuning shop and to take a look at all the metrics

[@din4mikz818]

@@kristjanveski I cannot thank you enough, I sure do have an AF Ratio guage and the boost controller is connected but not installed. If I take it to a tuning shop will I need to upgrade from the stock ECU? Thanks in advance!

[@kristjanveski]

@@din4mikz818 I'm not 100% on this, but I think you only have to worry about the ECU when performing major upgrades: turbos, injectors, or significant remapping. Check out the 3Si forums, there's a wealth of info there.

[@mikefecht596]

That was a steal for what they are going for now. Your going to love all that engine bay room to work with lol.

[@ThatOneVr4]

You got a 4 bolt engine which is good. The lifter tick is normal, you can upgrade to the 99 style lifters which are a bigger bore to quiet them down. Looks like the Purple VR4 has a SAFC ll for tuning. When you do get the engine from the White VR4 pulled out I'd do the 60K maintenance, go OEM parts, the timing belt can be Gates brand. I'm not sure your horsepower goals but I'd looking into a Chrome ECU for tuning. If you have any question let me know, I'll answer them the best I can.

[@kiweeltyler3586]

Chrome ECU is a standalone?

[@ThatOneVr4]

@@kiweeltyler3586 It's a ECU from a 98/99 3000gt that is flashable you can load up a tune or change any parameter.

[@kiweeltyler3586]

@@ThatOneVr4 somebody with a ’92 stealth TT wouldn’t be able to use it?

[@ThatOneVr4]

@@kiweeltyler3586 You can use it in a stealth just pick the ECU year you needs.

[@shummotors9464]

Oh, great content! I watched this video with pleasure! I already have the second such car, so I will say for sure that it is necessary to put reinforced engine mounts in front and behind, because the stock ones are very soft, and because of this, the engine hangs out a lot under the hood during starts and accelerations.

[@scraplifegarage]

I found that the donor car has 3sx mounts so check that off the box!

[@iandalton3839]

Bodies are always rust-free, they're galvanized. 6G72 comes in either 3-bolt (early) or 5-bolt (post 93) Personally I'd do something radical with it like keeping it 4WD but not using a 6G72 and making it in-line. Lifter tick when cold isn't uncommon, it should go when it warms up.

[@johnnytacosauce]

i hope these guys reach 1m subs these guys are entertaining and the sweet rides!

[@RAMSRT500]

Aah! The 3000gt VR4 my first car buying experience. When ebay motors first started I bid on a 91 VR4, I had my 5k in hand and the high bid of $3700. It was mine until the last 5min then the price jumped to 5k then 10k and sold at near 12k. I was crushed lol

[@scraplifegarage]

Age old story!

[@schafer240]

That's a Hks SSQV V1, you can tell by the back. Have to look at it closer to see if it's real. Also the noise is lifter, I haven't played with these motors but I'm sure there is shims or adjustments to quiet it down. I'd recommend doing an insane amount of maintenance before installing, just like the 300zx these are a pain to work on.

[@ianmathews8643]

Marylander here I have a pretty rare 95 VR4 and I'm still learning the platform myself. One thing I can say when it comes to ordering parts is use 3SX as a last resort cause them prices makes me sad.

[@scraplifegarage]

I’ve heard from what seems like half the Maryland vr4 crew! In regards to your other comment, the 99 spec stuff definitely make the car 🤣

[@TheWheelDeal95]

Ground zero performance in Easton Pa! Those guys are great.

[@TheAudio1]

You're right about a desert car being in good condition. My 1991 Dodge Stealth is frozen in time 6 months every year and still looks good today.🇨🇦

[@garnetheron4885]

I am just happy you are saving a 90s car. It’s very special car at that

[@MBZS500]

That color is super rare and nice. Once lowered with a CF lip kit that things gonna look sick. Can't wait to see more of it.

[@rastraman]

That's the typical lifter tick of those cars. Check and see if it has the updated lifers on it and if not replace them along with the timing belt kit and hydraulic tensioner and you're good to go

[@justintimedetailers]

The ticking is normal it gets warm then it stops ticking if you want to get rid of the ticking replace your lifters I've had six of these cars in my life I love them

[@DuffusMonkey]

Check the output shaft on the transmission. The splines tend to wear and strip out, bad failure on an all time AWD car. I have owned a 91 VR4, 92 Stealth TT with a 3.5L Swap and a 93 3000GT SL. Every so often I get the urge to buy another one and videos like this remind me why I don't :)

[@maritimeracingeastcoastert1464]

Love the video guys great content as always

[@scraplifedalt]

Cool Pink Car Bro!

[@trevoroconnell9106]

Actually 1 out of 19. 1,000% getting in over your head. This car is so beat up and modified and the true definition of a project. Fully painted and finished, you're going to be in this for at least $30k and 1,000's of hours of labor. With that being said, as an owner of a super clean vr4, I'm looking forward to watching the build.

[@scraplifegarage]

That’s wayyyyyyy further than I’m taking this project, I’m perfectly fine with the cosmetic shape!

[@Mitsu3kGT]

@@DavidLedbetter12 this car has plenty of weak points. I know the original owner. Blew a turbo and starved the engine of oil. Basically anything that oil has touched needs replaced. And it’s a fake 1999. It’s really a 1996. It’s rough

[@InsaneBimmer]

normal lifter tap. Just how they are especially when they've been sitting with crap oil in them. Also not hard to replace.

[@scraplifegarage]

Music to my ears!

[@ben6119]

I am not a JDM guy but I had a friend who had one of these and they are cool cars. I love the color. It reminds me of the medium purple pearl on the 98' C5.

[@SonNguyen-mk2wq]

VR-4 too?! I thought my MR2 Spyder was a steal at $3200. I gotta hang out with you guys and get some cheap cool ass cars. Oh...you're in MD too? How'd I miss that.

[@cruisemaster444]

feelsbadman

[@scraplifegarage]

Where’s that Maryland flag emoji…

[@Hose1.3]

They come with forged crankshaft and rods. Change lifters, oil pan and pick up line and do 120k service on engine (oem).

[@KinslerBoxer]

My dad has thankfully been owning his Mitsubishi 3000gt 1998 since 1998 fixing the car everytime it has a slight problem and to this day its in good condition engine bay is dirty but no problems

[@andrewbeetz2196]

Ok, I haven't even watched this, but gol dern it am I proud! This is what I'm talkin about! Enough of this 100K to get in the door elitist BS, this is the move! Excited to watch this tonight before I go to bed, but don't need to see it to know this is the way my guy! I'm telling you right now, this will get you street cred, that stupid Eurotrash dentist crap just gets you into a country club you dont want to be in anyways.

[@maiva_yt]

I liked the white car's front better than the purple one

[@Proto1215]

Same. Not a fan of the 99 headlights but everyone seems to go crazy for them. IMO, the 99 is the "worst" looking 3000GT.

[@packofspools3836]

I bought a Lamp black 95 Vr4 with 99k miles this April. She sat since 2008, and after rebuilding and touching up every little detail my wallet can afford, I'm now at 900 miles and going strong!

[@packofspools3836]

I would kill for an amethyst pearl original paint Vr4 😂

[@keithrodgers1030]

Great cars the VR4 has real wheel steer but the previous owner put coil overs on so it may be disconnected. Great powerful cars. Oil is dark but no sludge.

[@jsbmwtech]

Disconnect a coil at a time and see if that tapping noise changes. If it does you’ve got bottom end problems. Alternatively once you have that engine out/pan off check each rod for any excessive play

[@cooldudemcswagcooldudemcsw4697]

I’m rebuilding a 92 3000gt vr4 and it always makes me feel better seeing someone more knowledgeable than me work with the car

[@scraplifegarage]

Let me know when you find that person because I’d like to meet them also 🤣

[@tyssed]

that tapping noise is normal, its called lifter tick its one of the most common things with the 3000GT its nothing to worry about. one of the solutions is putting in the bigger lifters from the 3rd gen 3000gts

[@daniloduldulao8286]

That lifter tick is normal. Upgrade the lifters to one’s with bigger holes for oil and you’ll get rid of that tick. Didn’t know you started a channel. Bought parts back when you were here in joppa

[@stevenstanford9475]

Is that a app state sticker in back glass if so it came from close to where I live luv the vids keep it up guys happy late new year

[@EmisDJ01]

i have a 6g72 and it sounds very similar, it comes and goes with the temps as well. think its a pretty normal 6g7x sound

[@LanceLoverPartDeux]

I picked up a 91 vr4 a but ago with a slipped timing belt and honestly theyre not that bad to work on. The only pain is that pulling the timing cover off is a nightmare for no reason

[@BargainBandit]

I’m excited to watch this build.

[@Toyota--Camry]

Amethyst Purple is my favorite 3000GT color by a long shot. I’ve got a 97 base model in white but I would love to own any trim level in purple someday

[@simonsekyra49]

Omg i love 3000 gt so much. its my dream car and i hope i will have it one day. Great video btw. I love your chanell

[@bigmanbuilds]

That lifter tick is totally normal dsm stuff. They all do it, toss some revised lifters in it and you'll be good to go

[@chrismoore1751]

Oval straight through reactive mufflers. Sound the best

[@sirthisisawendys4203]

Transfer cases and getrag trans are trash. Good luck with it. 6G72 prone to spun bearings. my RT/TT was fun as fuq tho! Take out those 9B turbo peashooters and put in some DR650s!

[@sirthisisawendys4203]

they are also notorious for lifter tick. Updated lifters have an extra oil hole to help quiet them down

[@iskydivetoooo]

I like your channel. I have a 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe that I would like to swap the 2.0L to a LS3. Dont know who could do that.

[@scraplifegarage]

Check out Adam Lz, he got an LS3 from us for his mom’s solstice, it’s an easy swap!

[@biggiefitz6275]

Way ahead of it's time. John Hennessey even built one for Pikes Peak and it was wicked! Miss my 2 owner '91vr4 that only had 39k miles on it when l sold it. Wish l had kept that one.👍👍

[@Mitsu3kGT]

No one cares about Hennessey in the 3000gt community except like 2-3 people who got a car that he worked on. His reputation suffers

[@mrslavicblyat8304]

love the gto 3000s its one of my dream cars to have

[@joebersani8068]

Good thing you did a leak down test, major headache avoided there

[@gd1996]

I had a 92 stealth rt twin turbo with 50k. A bearing in the transmission went out and ruined the case. I was over owning them at that point. Loved them in the 90s/2000s but not so much now lol

[@FondelMikeRotch]

Had a Stealth r/t , last model year. Bought new, had to sell, baby seat was not a good fit in rear, was time to grow up.Was alot of fun , girls loved it lol.

[@THEREALSLINGBLADEDIDMEGANFOX]

My dream car man. Ive owned 3 na models and just picked another one up to resurrect

[@MrGhostOg]

You can make them fast by swapping in an evo drivetrain but wondering if there is more options for weird swaps

[@jaimemartinez8121]

I had one V6 twin turbo all-wheel drive with rear wheel steer might want to check to see if you have the that option

[@lucashurley7612]

its a VR4 so ist that exact one.

[@billyhaddock5540]

I always wanted a 96/99 Mit 3000 vr-4 car. looks cool.. watch for update on it..

[@Triiplesiix]

I like that front end on the white one so much more

[@ts6141]

Nice, I have a 90 GSX with 90K miles on it in the garage I'm just about to get road worthy as soon as a caliper that isn't borked comes in.

[@chesspiece81]

Since Mary Kay does Pink Cadillac's for their top sellers, is this Mauve 3000GT for Avon's top sellers?

[@scraplifegarage]

IT’S AMETHYST 😤

[@BlueberryWrap]

The 200sx s14 from uk is mauve purple not sure you guys got that colour on 240s tho

[@thegearhead6053]

Totally normal, my best friend had a vr4 for close to 10 years, sold it to our other buddy who had it for another few years and it ticked like that the entire time. Really fun cars, does this one have active 4 wheel steering too?

[@gazman5980]

Nice content 👌

[@MB1Billion]

I Love this Cars 👍 They are Extremely underrated. All you hear is about Supras And Skylines.

[@mydude4719]

My second car was a 96 3000GT. I had big plans and no money. Had to let her go. The guy who had it before me ragged it out. Too much to fix. I can't wait to see where this build goes.

[@retrobear9367]

Im over in Lewes De. There's a guy in Georgetown DE with about 3 3000gt parts cars. They've been rotting for years :( . Also Tavarish can pretty much tell you anything you wanna know about 3000gts. He has a red vr4.

[@Gearhead2286]

Lifter noise. Get them latest updated version of the lifters in that problem will go away

[@Eatongee]

OMG. Blast from the past. BubbRubb and Lil Sis! Funny stuff.

[@nickw0tup]

I'm on the fence throwing jdm around with this car . Being left hook it was never on the Japanese market . Usdm dsm

[@TempoMontages]

the gto was on japanese market which is same shit

[@Mitsu3kGT]

Yeah you are correct. If it’s not right hand drive, it’s not JDM. And how is this abandoned? Clickbait ass title

[@Mitsu3kGT]

@@TempoMontages then it would be the Mitsubishi GTO…

[@tjkellems1776]

Hey I have a 94 vr4 I'm needing headlights and taillights for. Would you sell the ones on the white 3000gt?

[@nastystew6942]

Go with Japanese Classics in Richmond Virginia to get your engine!

[@-_-Code-_-]

damn the dodge stealth is killin it.

[@nastystew6942]

I want to buy it when it's done!

[@mattfisher4256]

That trucker is a freaking LEGEND

[@gezdipz5425]

I like the new build more jdm 👌,keep the great content coming 👌

[@RollingRoadEFI]

That's not JDM lol, but alright

[@hughnelson7492]

Glad bringing cars back to life. But which one was the JDM? Japan is Right hand drive aren't they?

[@pablomena6765]

Would be great to see you running vs tavarish he's also got one

[@BescoShorts]

im from md too .. that's crazy nice car

[@jtanabodee]

Save it, even though it is not a real 99 model. Just the bumper, front headlights, real OEM spoiler cost a lot of money to convert it this day. Just put 4G63 instead of 6G72, much better and more reliable.

[@eclipseajor1]

Really wonderful that car, but what will it do with it?

[@mikepiernock4541]

Is it that noise is a timing tensioner

[@mitchelldavidson9911]

Dsm hell ya I had a 97 avenger back in the day

[@skinnymg1vapes]

idk if it has it or not, but if it does get rid of the rear wheel steering, you'll thank yourself later and save yourself some drivetrain issues

[@dancremering1198]

This was a strange surprise... But I'm pumped for this. Lol

[@clinic-ly_insane7826]

Id assume from having 5 3000gts, still own one, non running lmao. But that ticking sound is the lifters for sure. Stock lifters just had tiny flow holes, but that may be big bore lifters since it's modified, and it's just loud from not running for awhile, may need to reprime some lifters, otherwise just grab some 99 big bore lifters and she should be good to go on the loud ticking. But yes it is quite normal, even with big bore lifters homestly lol.

[@clinic-ly_insane7826]

And the engine and trans are just tight in the engine bay, no matter how you wanna make it. Exhaust work is a pain without a lift, but the tightness in the engine bay, is the main reason why everyone usually says they're shitty to work but, but it's honestly not that bad, and alot cheaper to buy parts for than any other street cars these days, other than maybe rusted out 240's and miata's, or clapped out Honda's lol

[@nastystew6942]

That ticking is the valves ticking most Mitsubishi engines do it when there warn but it's not a big issue

[@noelmendez3228]

I know exactly who you bought it from too. I had the pleasure of driving that car when he first got it 😊

[@scraplifegarage]

I hope it drove well then!

[@noelmendez3228]

@ScrapLife Garage it did. Unfortunately the next time I came home on leave was the last time I got to drive it, which was the last time before he raced it that night he threw a bearing.

[@mikesherman3876]

You may have found it in the desert but it has Iowa license plates on it. Hope that's not a bad omen. Lots of snow and salt in Iowa just like Maryland.

[@travisbergman]

Came here to say this!

[@Mitsu3kGT]

It came from north east, was taken to iowa after he bought it, he raced it a couple times and blew a turbo or the turbo was burning so much oil it spun the bearings. Anything that oil touched in that car needs replaced, oil cooler, turbos, lines, etc…and it was never a desert car. Came from the rust belt up north east

[@libral20]

It's a beautiful car still today

[@lawrences4153]

i love your content man but can you do one project at a time? you get people hooked on the JDM and then they don't see it again for the next two weeks

[@scraplifegarage]

I appreciate your thoughts on it, the main issue I have here isn’t really multiple projects. It’s the fact that I’m not doing “KZbin” type series. A lot of times when you see channels uploading videos back to back to back, it’s because it was all pre-filmed a month prior. You guys are seeing these builds in real time, when it takes 3 weeks for parts to come in for the 3000gt engine, that’s how long it’s going to be in between videos. I have considered trying to film a few videos and THEN releasing the first one, to keep things moving a little faster, it’s clearly what’s better from a “youtube views” standpoint and ultimately I might do to that style of channel. But genuinely when I buy something new, I’m just excited to share it so I post a video. I hope you guys can appreciate that, but if not, I’m definitely open to criticism if it helps us make better content for you!

[@lawrences4153]

@@scraplifegarage the fact that you even replied is enough, got yourself a new sub

[@emilmarcu2056]

You better off working on a Nissan 300zx twin turbo. It just looks better. And if it didn't come with an engine then you really do have something to work with.

[@c5doob]

More JDM? The diversity is too much I CANT KEEP UP but im here for it

[@glennfeilner8202]

Where you selling parts at haha I want those headlights

[@jasonoshima6839]

This is going to be amazing...restore this baby without delay!

[@SHELBYGT645]

hate to break it to you its not dirt cheap. ive seen pretty clean vr4s near me down in the south for close to 500$. appreciate the content