jesse12345 said:

Okay thats where I'm guessing you used pistons that use a floating style wrist pin. I wanted to use eagle rods on pistons that use a press fit rod like the stock rods so they don't use a c clip. I made my question super confusing. I was told a machine shop could grind out a groove for a c clip to hold the wrist pin in but I'm not sure how much that would cost a guy.

Click to expand...

Yeah I have no idea what any of that means, but after working with @Borderline_Builds, I wouldn't hesitate to outsource it to them.

The short block is on its way! I am almost as excited about this as I was with the car going on a trailer six years ago.

Today is Christmas day. I asked Santa for an Eclipse for Christmas, and I got two.


I didn't know they made a version with the bullet holes in it, how cool is that?!

But yeah, I really do want another Eclipse. I want something nice that I can keep stock and just enjoy. A GS or GS-T ideally. If I can hit my financial goals in 2026, I plan to start looking.

As for the current car, it's on its flat stopper ramps safely tucked away from winter and waiting for it's annual trip odometer reset.

I forgot to post an update that the short block from @Borderline_Builds arrived safe and sound and is tucked away in a crate awaiting installation. It actually arrived months ago, but because of a turbulent season in my life, I forgot to mention that. It's honestly beautiful to see it in person. The thing is a real work of art and I can't wait to see it in the car someday... Hopefully this summer.

Not much else going on... I put the car on a trickle charge and completed my annual trip odometer reset... I added a whopping 156.6 miles to the car this year.

Most of those were with my wife and son... And every one of them was amazing.

At this point, I am pretty well settled on getting another Eclipse (preferably a stock GS) before really digging into this tribute build.

The 2026 plan therefore is to just continue doing maintenance and repairs and getting the car as solid as possible for the future.

That gives me some options. I think if I can't find a GS or better in great condition, I might go back to the original plan of upgrading the stock chassis.

I feel like I've been flip flopping more than... A flip flop? But I really want a stock Eclipse at this point in my life.

This thread has been a great read. Thanks for the detail you've put into it and the car. It's great to see the passion still very well alive for these cars

...And I changed my mind.


After careful consideration, I've decided to go back to the original plan of upgrading the car to an OEM+ configuration rather than building a Fast and Furious tribute car.


To that end, I made a massive dent in the maintenance and finally finished the suspension overhaul I started a few years ago. I kept the original springs and rear upper control arms, along with a few other bits that were still in great shape, but otherwise it's been a significant refresh that effectively upgrades the suspension to OE GS spec.

Here is a look at the new (to me) rear sway bar:


And the upgraded front:


The ride is so nice now, and it also seems to have resolved an annoying "popping" sound I was getting from the front end.


Seven years after buying the car, I've nearly completed all of the major maintenance.


I still need to swap the rear drum brakes for discs, and I'm seriously considering going with my Lenso wheels, which I think could look really nice with the otherwise stock appearance.


Beyond that, I need to swap in the new short block and do some wiring. Then I think the car is finally ready for the next phase: beautification and comfort upgrades.