2G 97 Eclipse RS. 1st Build! Where to begin.

[two4zero]

Morning guys/gals, if you couldn't tell from the title, this is the first time I have attempted to rebuild a car of any type. My friend had a 97 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS manual that he drove when I was in High School. He drove the car from 2001-2010 and then passed it to his dad who drove it from 2010-2015 until he passed. To make a long story short his father was frugal, to the point that when the cap to the clutch reservoir went missing, he stuck a bottle cap upside down in it instead of replacing it.

So now after it sat 2 years I have the car, which has 222k miles on it, it starts (believe it or not) but the transmission needs rebuilt (3rd gear is screwed), the clutch is a goner, the engine probably needs replaced and what was left of the interior is not in great shape.

I would like to take it down to the body, fix any rust or body issues and rebuild it all. So here are the questions I have:
1. Is there somewhere I can purchase interior panels/dash replacements or am I destined to hit the salvage yard? Is there a black interior out there current one is blue?
2. I've read on here a turbo swat with a GSX would be too costly, what do you suggest for a street performance engine (rebuild the one I have and modify it, or buy one already modified)?

I am wanting to, in the end, drive it on a semi-regular basis. I will post pictures as soon as I can.

 

[AdR]

1. Look for Steve Miller Import parts, they have a lot of Eclipses and Talons in their yard. I've seen the add somewhere around here.

2. Any 4g63 transplant will be costly. The frame in both cars is different and needs to be modified to be able to accommodate the engine. Your best bet is to build your current engine and boost it. It takes boost really well if properly built and won't cost and arm and a leg.

Cheers

 

[Kenny07]

Best bet is Miller import parts for used parts like the post above said. Keep an eye on the Classifieds as well, it may take awhile to find a black interior but I've seen them up before. I might be selling mine if you're interested, but still unsure
Anyways, like previously said a Swap will be to costly but then again it depends on your budget. If it was me, I'd DD the RS and buy a GSX to build, or look into an EVO swap

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/1999-eclipse-evo-swap.502761/

Again, all depends on knowledge and budget. Good luck

 

[two4zero]

Best bet is Miller import parts for used parts like the post above said. Keep an eye on the Classifieds as well, it may take awhile to find a black interior but I've seen them up before. I might be selling mine if you're interested, but still unsure
Anyways, like previously said a Swap will be to costly but then again it depends on your budget. If it was me, I'd DD the RS and buy a GSX to build, or look into an EVO swap

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/1999-eclipse-evo-swap.502761/

Again, all depends on knowledge and budget. Good luck

That Evo swap is pretty sick. I am planning this as an over time build, so who really knows what the budget will be. Knowledge wise, I'm a Tech Consultant, I can build computers all day long, cars no so much. In the past I have done brakes, rotors, clutch master and slave cylinders, spark plugs, oil changes, windows actuators and a few other small things like stereo systems, headlights, hatch shocks etc... So basically I am starting with nothing in the knowledge department. I tend to understand how things work though, like diagrams in my head basically, which I am hoping will be a big help.

 

[juiced_gst]

It all depends on what goals you have and what your budget is. You'll need a lot of free time and elbow grease! I'm just about to finish mine and its not easy especially if you don't have the right tools. I would just make a trip to a junkyard every time they bring a car in, or leave your info so they call you when one arrives. Last time I went I came back with lots of goodies even though i didn't need them just because they were so cheap.

 

[two4zero]

Is a crate engine something worth considering, or would it be better to just rebuild what I have?
http://www.cimotorsports.net/ci-high-compression-n-a-short-block-eclipse-talon-420a.html

 

[juiced_gst]

A crate engine wouldn't be a bad idea but it'll be a lot cheaper if you rebuilt the block as long as its in good condition.