Considering an RS or GS Turbo...

[WhereAmI121]

Hi, my name is Matt. I do not currently own an Eclipse at this time, but am looking to purchase one within the next two to three weeks. I know everyone will automatically tell me that a GS-T or GSX are the only way to go, and I agree; the only problem I have is that I cannot find a reasonable GSX or GS-T in my area... I live just outside LA, and as impossible as it may sound, I cannot find a single GS-T that is in good condition. The only ones I've found are GS-T spyders, but I'm not too sure I want a convertable, I'm looking for a hardtop because I like the bigger wing that comes with the 97-99 version of the GS-T and GSX. The reason I am posting here is because I'm considering purchasing a cheaper GS and turbo charging it with a bolt on kit with upgrades. I know this is probably beaten to death by now, but would a stock 420a engine hold up well with much boost? I know the GS-T and GSX engines can push around 13+ psi, but I would like to push this kind of psi on a GS as well. Also was wondering, what completely is involed with a low end build? I have $15,000 to work with on this upcoming car and I would love to purchase a GS-T or GSX but I just cannot find one, so I'm looking for the next best thing, a turbo GS or RS. Any input would be appreciated on this matter, I really need some help deciding what to do. And i dont want to start a turbo kit war here, so i'm not going to ask for comparisons of the Star vs Hahn turbo kits hehe. Again, thanks! - Matt

 

[Eclipse96Ryder]

alright man ill help you

the 420a engine (engine in the non turbo eclipse) can handle a good 10psi on the stock internals. This is not recommended to run daily at 10psi, a good safe daily driver on stock internals could run about 7psi. If you want to build up the bottom end you can get a nice bottom end kit from www.howellautomotive.com for $1100 bux and then labor unless your gonna put it in yourself. Once you build up the bottom end you can push a goof 15psi daily. Once your pushing that kind of boost tho your gonna need to get some supporting mods like bigger injectors, a super air fuel controller (safc), bigger fuel pump, and i also recommend a 3" exhaust. Once you get all the supporting mods on and build up the bottom end, then how much boost you wanna run depends on how much balls you got and how risky you are to push your car further. I would say if you got all the supporting mods and bottom end bullet proof....then 17lbs shouldnt be a problem.

Oh ya, i recommend the star stage 1 kit, and then buy the hahn fmic...that way you get the better fmic of the two kits, and you also get the bigger turbo of the two kits.

 

[WhereAmI121]

Kool, thanks for the input. I think that might be possible. Any idea as to how much it usually costs to have internal work done such as the kit you listed for an eclipse? i know that each shop goes by a different price, but a general idea? Cause If I did purchase a GS or RS ( is there any significant difference between the GS or RS? ) I would have the internal work done immediatly before I even purchased a turbo. Then after that work is done. Next would be the Turbo Exhaust, then finally the turbo and fuel management. Hopefully I can get some figures to work with pretty soon, I gotta get some reasearch done. I think I can get quite a bit of that done with 15g's to spend on a car and parts. Thanks for the info by the way, very helpful! - Matt

Also, If I switch out the internals of the engine, will my engine run better without the turbo kit? Not meaning faster, but as far as just regular reliability, will it operate better? I ask this because the cars I am looking at are up there in the milage and down in the price range... I was wondering if switching the internals of the engine with performance ones, will it be like rebuilding my engine? Also, on the Howell Automotive site there is a list of things for you too choose about the internals kits, such as Piston compressions, Bore Size, Main Bearing Size, Rod Bearing Size, and the choice of connection rods. I'm not too informed about internal engine parts, so could someone give me an idea of what would be the sizes and parts to purchase for an engine build? Here's a link to the engine build site, Let me know what you think... Howell Automotive Site

 

[onepimpclipse]

The main difference between the RS and the GS is that the RS is lighter. With the GS you can get more options such as leather, sunroof, power everything, keyless entry, and a 10 disc cd changer.

Swithcing out the internals won't be "like" rebuilding the bottom end. You WILL be rebuilding the bottom end. You will be much better prepared when you do decide to boost the car.