420a conversion or GSX?

[abaddon_baliel]

First off: Don't flame this as having already been answered.

I recently within the past year bought a 95 Eclipse GS, before reading up on them to realize the "better" car is the GST or GSX. So I did some research on ways to make my car better. I've found a multitude of things that suggest that with some money and a little work, the 420a can be just as if not more powerful than the 4G63-t.

I'm not made of money, so I obviously have shopped around to find some decently priced ways of turboing my car.

Option 1 - ebay, $600, would require a fuel kit and could be faulty.
Option 2 - HRC Stage 2, $3300. Quite a difference, but I've been told it's worth it.

After debating internally with myself for quite a while, and not being able to come to a decision, I'm posting here.

The question:

What is more cost-effective and more efficient?

Option A: Having a race engine built for me at CIMotorsports.com to include:
JE Pistons 8.3:1
Crower cams (or HKS 264/272)
OBX Helical LSD
Clevitte Rods & Springs
Felpro Gasket kit top end
mpx 60mm throttle body
aem cam gears
centerforce dual friction clutch kit
fidanza aluminum flywheel
obx short shifter kit
OBX 60mm bored over chrome intake manifold

As for everything else:
HRC Stage 2 Turbo Kit
MSD DIS-2 Ignition
MSD Ignition coil
Red polyurethane engine mounts
Missing Link MAP Valve
Megasquirt
AEM Tru-Boost Gauge-type boost controller

all built to withstand about 450-500 hp, with a 20g turbo running 18-30lbs boost.

Option B: Selling my gs, buying a gsx or gst and building that? How much work would I have to put into that to achieve the same goal? Is it worth the trade?

Which option would produce the better car? I want a 10 second car (I know the fastest 420a right now runs a 10.7, and there's a tuner out there, awdynamite, that's out to beat that. The quickest GSX, idk the time. I've seen a 10.7 out of them too.) and I expect total expenses to be around 10 grand in engine work alone, depending on which car I end up building.

 

[TomcTSI]

Option B: Find an AWD

 

[DSM-ZERO]

If your going to build a 10sec car you can do it with either the 420a or GSX but with either car IMO one is not going to be any eaiser than the other...they both pose there own set of build problems.

That might not answer your question, but I would stay with the 420a

 

[lacroixdp]

I'd sell it and get a GSX. It's cheaper to get the trim that you want rather than modifying a lower-level trim to match a higher-trim model, generally speaking.

 

[slickers111]

IMO build up the 420a. Every car has its engine pros and cons. But it would be easier to stick with the car you have, and start to build it up.

 

[toofast82]

You can make plenty of power with a built 420a/turbo, but traction is another story. It is going to be the same issue with a gs-t as well. If your current car is in good condition, mechanically sound and you like it, then I would just keep it. You can save money while you drive it!
As far as turbo kits, you could piece together a quality kit for under a $1k if you're patient and search around. The thing with the ebay kit is they tend to come with a poorly made turbo that most likely will not last long, a cheap stainless manifold that will probably crack. If it is a cast manifold, it may be of some use. The ebay intercooler and piping typically will do the job. The Hahn kit will be of top notch quality and fit for 420a, but at high cost. I believe you can piece together a kit of similar quality as the hahn if you shop around for deals for name brand stuff that will last.

 

[kersed]

everything I read about the engines people say it's cheaper to sell the GS and buy a GST or GSX and the 4G63 can take more of a beating

 

[rush2252]

It will take you a few grand to get the 420 to be able to compete with the turbo models AND STILL be reliable. Sure you can throw it on the bottle or boost it but its not made to be beat on.

Option B FTW. Ive been in your position I sold the GS for 3k made about 1500 off of it and bought a TSI awd for $500.00 look around find a good deal.

Kolby

 

[morbid91GST]

It will take you a few grand to get the 420 to be able to compete with the turbo models AND STILL be reliable. Sure you can throw it on the bottle or boost it but its not made to be beat on.

Option B FTW. Ive been in your position I sold the GS for 3k made about 1500 off of it and bought a TSI awd for $500.00 look around find a good deal.

Kolby

im kinda on both sides here,i have 2 awds and am thinking about trading my awd shell for a NICE 420a talon,my overall goal is to get a 2g awd so my advice would either be go with quick speed with the awd or make a very uniqe 420 that will whop azz,the choice is yours

 

[bullettdsm]

I want a 10 second car.

Well, based off your goal, let's put it this way; there is one 420a out there that has broken into the tens. There are too many to count of the GSX's in the tens. Take a look at the 1/4 mile times for FWD and see what's up with FWD vs AWD vs 420a (DSM 1/4 Mile Times - 1/4 ET).

The support and ease would be weighing heavily in the GSX's favor.

This position is based purely on your stated goal.

MB

 

[GsXdSmKingGsX]

(I know the fastest 420a right now runs a 10.7, and there's a tuner out there, awdynamite, that's out to beat that. The quickest GSX, idk the time. I've seen a 10.7 out of them too.) and I expect total expenses to be around 10 grand in engine work alone, depending on which car I end up building.[/QUOTE]

Well you must not be watching many GSX's go at it then. Because there are alot quicker GSX's than 10.7

 

[Fotowntalon]

First never start of a post (especially in the 420a section) with stating that the 4G63 is a better engine.

This is a rather complex question that all boils down to your personal preference. The
4G63 will produce more power cheaper and has a lot more aftermarket support The 4G63 also has AWD (very nice) and is built to be boosted.

On the flip side of the coin. the 420a is arguably a better engine. First off a Non turbo
4G63 engine (the turbos are technically 4G63T's but a non turbo is rare so they are rarely refered to like that) actually produces less power than the 420a, so it makes sense that a 420a turbo produces more power than a 4G63Turbo.

A Stock 420a with a hahn turbo is faster than a stock GSX, but granted you are spending 3grand on a car and 3 grand on a turbo as opposed to just 3grand on a car. The 420a is also FWD so harder to put all that power on the ground, but on the flip side your car will be around 300lbs lighter.

I think that there would be a lot more 10s 420a's if they had as much aftermarket support as the 4g63's. Honestly you just need to way pro's and con's with your budget and goals and make a decision from that. I personally would go with the 420a if I had the pocket book to support it, but would go the gsx if i wanted to go the cheaper rought.

 

[Flipboi89]

How smart are yo uwith cars? I believe that to make power with a 420a is much more work then a 4g63t.

 

[shredwin]

i was in that situation before.... I sold my NA DSM and got myself a GSX

 

[VelocitàPaola]

We've had plenty of these types of threads before... I don't think we need another.