Advice for a new guy

[Davidian]

This is my first post and, as I saw there was really no place for introductions, I'm going to ask for some advice on what I should be looking at in the future for my N/T Eclipse (Along with saying hai). (I don't plan on going turbo) I have DC Headers, an AEM V2 CAI, Apexi exhaust. So, what should I be looking at next? I dont have alot of experience with these cars, not at all, so i'm open to alot of suggestions (unless you're going to tell me to go turbo!)

Theres one specific question that I couldn't find anywhere on the forums. What would it cost to swap out the automatic transmission with a manual? I'd be expecting anywhere from 2500 to 3500, since its something I can't really do myself and its quite major. I don't know piddlyshit about transmissions.

 

[bradcurtis15]

it would be alot easier to just sell your car about by a 5 speed, you can pick up awd turbo for like 1500

 

[Davidian]

I figured i'd get a response like that. I dont want one. I thought I said that.

I'm not taking the easy route, i'm taking the lego route, get it, i'm a studying tech and I'm doing this for fun, as my hobby, I dont care about money.

 

[91stocker]

Build the hell out of the head, alot of power to be gained there.

But from personal experience just go turbo. After a couple grand and a 14 second run you will probably ditch the project and with the high comp ratio you will need to run you cant change your mind and go turbo later on w/o another complete engine build.

 

[turbotalon31]

cold air intake , port the head , do cams , for performance as for the auto to manual swap its more headache than its worth just keep the auto and do a shift kit

 

[DSMDriver69]

well i would say go turbo but you stated you dont want to. Anyways free up that exhaust, if your low on money just do a catback, with my 420a talon i used the apexi n1 catback but im pretty sure thats still like 700$, and you could probably build a good custom for alot less. Also get a cold air intake, header and just see what that does for you. BTW just keep it auto, its gonna be to much of a hassle to do a 5spd. Not saying it can't be done. I know you don't want to hear this but a turbo dsm is alot more fun and has alot more potential. Just mu .02

 

[tenn-gsx]

You have a 99n/t. You will never make any power with it unless you go turbo or do a engine swap. Ive seen pics of 2 swaps that seem pretty doable. The first is a SRT4 swap and the second is an EVO4-8 swap. Niether one will be easy, both will be very unique since there are very few swaps of either type.



Edit. I guess you could do a NOS setup. I have no Idea how much power you could realistically expect from it though.

 

[91stocker]

True n2o is an option, he did say n/t not n/a

 

[tenn-gsx]

If i remember the highest hp N/A 420-a is something like 230 hp. He also spent several thousand to get there. I know you said that money isnt the issue but keep in mind that there is only so much that you can do with a 2.0 non turbo car using 90s technology.

 

[Davidian]

"But from personal experience just go turbo."
"unless you go turbo or do a engine swap"
"a turbo dsm is alot more fun"



Well, you guys gave me some good ideas, for the 420A, without a turbo, which is what I wanted. even though you missed the point (no turbo.) To me, building it is fun- and the outcome menial.

 

[tenn-gsx]

I understand what your saying. I just wanted to make sure you understand that there really isnt alot you can do to that particular engine to make it fast without slapping on a turbo.

 

[redrockergsx]

i seen people put big house power down with non turbo it just cost a lot of money you can get it to be 10 sec car but it will cost you big.

 

[505COS]

Stroker kit. Head work (port polish, valve work, springs ect..), cams, n20, exhaust, intake, stall converter/ transbreak and raise the compression as much as you can and run race fuel. That is about all you can do, good luck.

 

[Lofty]

Be different. Supercharge it.

 

[Tanro]

The basic list of Non Turbo Mods

1. Intake (Short Ram or True Cold Air)
2. Exhaust (header, 2.5" Header back.)
3. Port and Polish Head
4. Bore your block
5. High Compression Pistons
6. Port Throttle Body, and Intake Mani
7. N20
8. SAFC-II / Apexi Neo
9. Cams

Thats about all I can think off of the top of my head and you might break 200 WHP without pressing your button if your lucky. At least the 420A head is high flowing design.

 

[saturnshadow]

Just do a single wet 75shot fogger, just cross your fingers the trans holds.
i had allot of fun with a 98gs 5 speed. but my 5psi t3 saturn would destroy it every time.
Nitrous is fun but you will run the bottle out, refilling gets expensive.
in the long run turbo is cheaper.

 

[Tanro]

Cool to see another former turbo saturn guy on here.

N20 is crazy cheap here. Cost me like 7$ to fill a 25lb bottle I had

 

[saturnshadow]

Wow.. last time i filled my 20lb it was over $100
If it is that cheap there go for it.

 

[91stocker]

Sorry about my response but i had a turbo 2.2 ohv cav and a n/a ecotech cav before i got into dsm's. It will be big $$$ building n/a. I mean the car probably runs high 17's stock and thats a long way from anything respectable. You will have to pick up damn near 100hp to run 14's at full weight and thats not easy n/a. Then your ff and thats a whole new list of problems, lsd and slicks...

To answer your questions manual swap is probably more hassle then its worth tbh, you could buy a manual car for what your going to spend.

Build the head and raise compression for some real power, you wont be happy with the gains from simple bolt ons being n/a.

 

[thewraith]

What is your goal? Do you want to go fast or look good. I would do suspension mods, new bushings, tires (you won't see any benefit from tires if you're going for speed since you don't have enough power) next. There really isn't anything else you can do to the car for performance.

 

[Diamondrev]

you should have posted in the 420a section. of course these guys are going to tell you to go turbo. they are 4g63 owners.

to the op, the highest hp 420a N/A is 213hp (13.2 1/4 mile)

Build your 420a...
high comp pistons
eagle rods
crower stage 2 camshafts
pt crusier Valvetrain
Megasquirt ECU

BTW you can still go turbo later with this setup. high comp+turbo is possible and it has been done before on the 420a.

Also if this is your Daily driver then I wouldnt do a stroker kit. Stroker kits limit engine life.

I think its great that you wanna build an all motor 420a. alot of power can be made and it has been proven. it just takes time and money. most guys would give up and go to the factory turbo dsm. good luck...

Hopefully some of my 420a buddies will chime in soon.

 

[trevor425]

n20 is about the best bang for the buck. you can dump all the money you want, but at the end of the day it will still be fwd 420a. not the best engine/trans to start with, but if its fun for you, go for it.

 

[91stocker]

good luck running boost on 12 or 13:1 cr

and wasn't that 13.2 run in a gutted car

not saying dont do it, but been there done that, it was a huge waste of time personally. all that coin just to make stock turbo numbers, and 13's in a gutted car with just get you laughed off the track, believe me it wont impress anyone

anyway diamondrev had some good advice, that should get you going

 

[steve]

Welcome to the site.

You have better luck with your questions in the 420A forum and new members can post there. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/420a-dsm-tech/

 

[DWR-DSM]

Cool to see another former turbo saturn guy on here.

N20 is crazy cheap here. Cost me like 7$ to fill a 25lb bottle I had

I wish, in NYC & NJ I was paying like $40 for my 10lb bottle.