FTO AUSTRALIA

Is there a Forum that deals with the pro's and con's of various FTO models and year builds, and the problems etc associated with various FTO year builds. I've been trawling the Forums but can't find anything dedicated to this theme - all still very interesting reading though.
Saw an excellent looking black, sporty looking vehicle in a Rockhampton shopping carpark last week when I was visiting - thought what a bloody excellent looking vehicle! Never noticed the model before - examination revealed it to be a Mit FTP GPX. So know I want one and am trying to learn about them.
Keen to score a 1996 or later, black, auto GPX.
I actually live in Tanilba Bay, 30kms northish of Newcastle.
Appreciate any feedback on the models and year builds.
Thanks in advance for any help..........

John

Here is some info:

http://www.completefto.com.au/fto_showcontent.asp

Enjoy!

http://www.mitsubishi-fto.org/info/96-lineup.htm

Take a look at that for specs on all models.

You basically want either a GPX Mivec or a GR, I don't think you'll find much of the other models, and whatever you do, don't buy a GS

Anyway, that site has everything you need to know about FTOs for starters.

Thanks Guys. I've saved to fav's and will begin studying those sites.

I'm back.......
Had a pretty good look around the sites. Can you tell me what FTO and GPX stand for?
Also, ideally I want to know what problems to look out for when purchasing a 1996 FTO Mivec GPX auto. I am researching one for sale in Sydney. As I am from Newcastle area, it is a long way by train if I don't really know what to look for.
Who could I take it to around Ultimo to check it out?

Thanks again

FTO = Fresh Touring Organisation
I don't think GPX is an abbreviation for anything, that's just what it's called.

MIVEC = Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system.

Well if you're looking for Auto, that'll make it a bit easier since they're a bit cheaper and more common than manual ones.

Here's a guide I found on buying an FTO you might find handy.

http://www.fto-ireland.com/buyingguide.html

Another really good site with lots and lots of pics of diff body kits and customised FTOs is

http://www.funky-fto.co.uk/

Take a look in the photo galery and in the "Japanese FTOs" section.

Anyway, if you find one you really like, get a check up done on it before you buy it. It'll cost you under $200 (Can't remember exact amount).

You can go through NRMA or State Roads and they will come to the car and take a couple of hours to do a complete check up. NRMA will charge more and you have to book a couple of days in advance, whereas State Roads are cheaper and will do more of a thorough checkup.
They will give you a full report on the car, things like where it's been repainted, been in a crash, which parts might wear out soon and how much it could cost to fix it etc.
It's better doing a checkup rather than buying the car, and spending hundreds of dollars fixing something that's not so obvious at the time of purchase.

Here is the phone number for State Roads if you need it. (02) 9872 1994.

Hope this helps.

Theres a sticky in the General section covering what to look for.

Make sure there are no rust spots on the roof.
Good Luck

Thanks again guys - that info is brilliant - exactly what I wanted. I now feel far better armed to make a successful purchase. I think I will now go the 1997 model for the more reliable, and 5 speed, auto box.

One more Q - I have read that the FTO requires 5 to 10 minutes warm-up time. Is this only for the turbo models, or do non-turbo FTO V6 engines also need the 5 to 10 min warm-up? I ask because my non-turbo VT Commodore V6 only needs 30 seconds before driving-off, then gentle driving initially to warm-up.

Actually, one more Q - anyone have a black 1997 Mivec Auto GPX for sale? Sydney/Newcastle area would be good.

Really appreciate the feedback!

Thanks.........

John

there is no turbo model for fto. it's either mivec (gpx, gpvr) or non mivec (gr). and of course fto have the gs model which is only 4 cylinder

John wrote:I have read that the FTO requires 5 to 10 minutes warm-up time. Is this only for the turbo models, or do non-turbo FTO V6 engines also need the 5 to 10 min warm-up? I ask because my non-turbo VT Commodore V6 only needs 30 seconds before driving-off, then gentle driving initially to warm-up.

I could be wrong but I noticed the other day my MIVEC engine didn't kick-in at 5.5k it actually peaked at 6k. I was in 2nd gear at the time. After driving normal for another 5 mins it was all good with that beautiful roar kicking in at 5.5k rpm and the world was as one agian.

Is this correct anyone?

the commodore probably redlines at 6,000rpm anyway...

Yeah the Commodore is history - I want a FTO.

So, does the non-turbo FTO require warm-up time?

And, who has a 1997, Black, Auto, FTO GPX for sale??

Most people advise warm up time for an FTO due to the complex nature of what goes on the the heads.... lots of cam lobes, lots of valves, lots of lifters and time required to get the oil & oil temp up to those parts. Where as a holden v6 or v8 has the one cam half buried in oil in the centre of the motor.

Having said that - ANY car I drive gets warm up time.... All this advertising of magnetic oils that 'stick' to engine parts is rubbish. No car should be flogged until oil, oil temps & oil pressures are up. That includes gearbox oils which take longer again. It just ensures engine longevity

Mine gets 5 minutes every morning.

Thanks Bennoz - 5 min's before and after work it is.

So, anyone have a Black, 1997 or 1998, Auto, FTO GPX for sale in SYD/Newcastle area? - pushy aint I!

Here are all the black FTO's in NSW I can find online atm...

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/used-car ... 39661.aspx

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/used-car ... 42075.aspx

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/used-car ... 30980.aspx

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/used-car ... 24922.aspx

http://www.carsales.com.au/please/carsales ... istance=25

http://www.carsales.com.au/please/carsales ... istance=25

Thanks for going to the trouble of posting those Links Spud - I'll check 'em out now.

http://www.myfto.co.uk/buyers.htm

I think this is a pretty good buyers guide, from dstocks website(?)[/b][/url]

This is funny but I always thought GPX stood for Grand PriX version.

And GS stood for 'Go Suck' on my c*ck after someone rips you at a set of lights.

lol u at work nacho? having a few beers??

as for warm up I always give mine a good 5min...I also use redline oils which if your serious about engine wear..its a must - but not cheep!!

Wow that's pricey oil. Which one do you recommend khunjeng?

http://www.redlineoil.com.au/product-ordering.asp

Yes I was at work strangely enough. I was just doing a bit of whoring coz that pretty much explains how much work us IT people actually do.