Hi my name is mike, i recently bought a new 1999 eclipse GST. It has 130k miles runs GREAT no rust no body issues no engine issues. When i first had it i did the basic maintenance that everyone talks about after the rubber hose from turbo split at the clamp, i changed the spark plugs wires etc. I have put about 1500-2000 already into parts like the Convertible top, sparks and wire set, spark cover that was destroyed, CAM sensor. It recently had an oil change i checked the trans fluid ive done all the basics and everything seems to be okay, now im at the step where i want to get it as much performance it can handle without buying DSM link, IF DSM link is a MUST have then so be it im prepared to buy it however im wanting to know what people would recommend for the BEST and for a good price. I wanna make sure i do it right and not have to be one of those fail owners. 1 question i do have is why is a timing belt so important? mine doesnt seem like its in bad shape and seems to run just fine the other question i have is also when i hit big bumps it likes to sway heavy side to side wondering if thats a sway bar link or the bar it self or bad suspension? i do know my back suspension needs replaced which is on the way.

If you guys could please help me out with any suggestions for parts that is known to be good for this car i would greatly appreciate it! also if anyone can answer my questions that would also be great.

PS i am not wanting to have 500 HP im wanting max of 380-400. I was told Turbo boost would be a good start gauges, exhaust, intercooler, and turbo for starters. Just wanting to make sure that the engine thats currently in my car can handle it and if anyone has any clear signs that i need to be worried about in regards to this engine. I hear it being a lancer engine that is pretty reliable and so far its proven to be right just people out there have had far more experience with it and id like to know the knowledge as well.

Any tips and information is greatly appreciated!

Much love #DSMLOVE

Here is a pic also

Another thing I'm looking for an experienced tuner that would possibly be cool with texting me with info or having an experience tuners info incase I need help.

Welcome to the forum Mike!

Since we usually don't know or can't really go by what the PO said, it's best to do a tbelt service since these are interference engines. This means the pistons and valves can come into contact if the belt ever breaks and it will cause damage to piston/valves and extent of damage will vary.

For the car swaying, you'll want to go over the suspension and inspect all bushings.

Ecmlink is great, but I think it depends which ecu you have. I'm not certain about this.

Here is a great read. https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-dsm-upgrade-paths.486217/

Good luck on your build and complete your profile page when you get a chance.

if you plan on running that much horsepower the stock turbo just won't get you there. 400 WHP is my intended goal as well and a turbo swap and DSMlink V3 (soon to be V4) is a must. Compared to other cars, I would say DSMlink is the least intrusive and most straightforward engine management system I have seen other than maybe a Haltech pro. Literally it takes like 10 minutes to take your ecu out.

This site has a very easy horsepower guide (TK posted it). Follow that and you will be golden. Stock internals on these engines are very robust and can take a beating. There are conflicting opinions on just HOW much stock internals can take, but cams and head components may eventually restrict your horsepower goals.

I would check when your timing belt was changed most people change it at around 100K.

And please if you consider bumping the power, bump stopping power as well first and foremost. Brakes may not be sexy but 60-0 is more important than 0-60

Thank you guys so much that's all very helpful and I'll keep up with my progress.

I actually do have another question for yall, what is the difference in bigger turbos? im hearing a 14g is recommended and then i hear a 16g.. does it really matter or what?

14b vs 16g post #4. Note that there are a couple of different 16g’s

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/14b-vs-16g-powerband.426475/

Basically smaller the turbo, less lag, less power. Bigger the turbo, more lag, more power.

TK's9d2TSi said:

14b vs 16g post #4. Note that there are a couple of different 16g’s

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/14b-vs-16g-powerband.426475/

Click to expand...

I get all that but it doesnt make sense as to what im trading off with the 14 or 16. just seems like the 14B kicks in faster then the 16 but the 16 has a longer and higher boost at a higher RPM. in regards to power and speed wouldnt the 14 be better since it kicks in at a lower RPM?? again sorry im new to all this modding stuff.

TK's9d2TSi said:

Basically smaller the turbo, less lag, less power. Bigger the turbo, more lag, more power.

Click to expand...

With that being said.. Lag on anything isnt good but is that the same with the car scene? i mean faster the turbo kicks in the faster the car can get up to speed if im correct. With me wanting 380-400 HP im sure the 14B would be just fine no?

TK's9d2TSi said:

Basically smaller the turbo, less lag, less power. Bigger the turbo, more lag, more power.

Click to expand...

Also a 14B is still bette then the T25 am i right?

TK's9d2TSi said:

Basically smaller the turbo, less lag, less power. Bigger the turbo, more lag, more power.

Click to expand...

Forgot to mention also, mines not an manual its Automatic.

Does it implement wideband O2 or does it use a stock narrow band- Talking about DSMlink?

It all depends on what you want from your turbo. Comparing torque curves of different turbos on the same engine is an effective mode of research. There are ALOT of turbos that work with our application. I chose the Holset hx35 which is found on turbo diesel cummins trucks because these turbos can handle a dumb amount of boost and when it kicks on it kicks. Think modded turbo diesels can easily attain 60-70 psi of boost. I should probably add there is chemistry and physics as to why diesels handle higher boost than petrol, but I will leave that for a different thread. While I don't mind having a slower start others might.

16g vs 14b I found a post that may help you in deciding between these two:
post #2 "An EVO III 16g is going to have a wider power band (on a well prepared car). A 14b produces similar torque and horsepower numbers, and normally produces a "V8 like" curve, meaning torque comes in early, and carries threw till around the changeover (5252 rpm)"
https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/14b-vs-16g-powerband.426475/

As for manual vs. automatic the automatic actually tends to be more sought after by the power hungry on our platform due to the "lag" of having to row your own gears. The transmission is robust i'm not sure if you have to perform valve body mods or buy stronger internals since I own a manual, but don't fear that you have an automatic... You are just missing out on the fun is all