the spyder is the one non turbo DSm you want if your looking to modify , At least I always heard that it was a direct fit for a 4G63T\AWD swap in. the 420a motor is the one that is a pain in the ***** to mod and make fast, either way both are not easy to amke "fast" and will require alot of money

 

ive heard lots of reliability issues about the top leaking when it rains....

 

Hi carlos, I have a 99 eclipse spyder gs. I have used the car as a daily driver for almost 5 years now, yes the top leaks around the back window and where it closes against the windshield, "convertibles leak, get over it". As far as reliability goes, my car has over 80,000 miles on it and the only major problem I have had so far is that my Harmonic Balancer broke around 30,000 miles, thankfully it was under warranty. So I would have to say the car is reliable as long as you keep up with changing to oil and all that stuff. I should add if you want a fast car you can make faster, find a different fast car cause they don't make alot of aftermarket parts for the 4g64 engine, but if you want a fun to drive convertible then get the spyder gs. If you get a 97 or 98 spyder get the car checked at a dealership, there have been alot of recalls on them, the 99 has had only one, either way get the car checked first some people abuse their cars and cause problems for the next owner, Hope This Helps!

 

I can attest by experience that the Gen II Spyder does have a tendancy to leak big time. While true- a convertable is a convertable and may leak, the Spyder WILL leak! Stopping or slowing the leak can be a major biT** too as there are TONS of window adjustments that can and will affect how the window seals. The TSB on how to fix the leakage is as thick as a dictionary (of course i'm exagerrating but it is quite a few pages). I'd suggest you garage it when it rains.

Joel, CA

 

i have 97 spyder and it is grate no prods and it is turbo and fun