Advice on first mods - 97 gst

[Atuca]

Hey all, i know everyone has to lose their virginity one time or another, and now it is finally my turn!

I have done a full tune up on the car, and fixed some problems with mater and slave clutch, passed smog today, registered the car for the year, and now, i got about 800 bucks burning a hole in my pocket.

As you can see in my profile, i have a completely stock 97 Eclipse GS-T, and it needs fixing. I am not a racer, i hardly accelerate when a riced civic revs his engine at me at a stop light( although sometimes i do and i smoke him, which is always great, being as i just got my first manual transmission and he is all riced up ) ANYWAYS, i am looking for a few lights mods.

My list includes:

BOV (greddy type s perhaps)(which i got a bazillion questions about type S/RS/wtf)
K/N cold air intake (i beleive is the name for it)
maybe exhaust (does it really matter)
maybe front mount intercooler (does it really help?)


that is it really. The exhaust was a "eh, kids like it" front mount intercooler looks nice, but i think they are expensive. BOV is cheapish 200 bucks right? but i have no idea what supporting mods i need and would i want one if it doesn't circulate to the atmospher (i am going for efficency, so if it recirculates to the intake, does it change the sound at all?) and the K/N cold air intake, well, it matters if i get a FMIC right? and well, i looked up eclipse on K/N's website and the only had the square filter, and i thought that you could have the cone one that adds 30 horse power or w/e.

anyways, i need you guys to put your hand in my pocket and spend my money. just don't feel around too much, the pocket ain't toooo deep.

-thanks in advanced
Philip

 

[ypnas777]

Before you start modding you need to figure out what your goals are for the car.
You don't need a $200 bov, you could use the money elsewhere. You will do just fine with a 1g bov which can be found in the classifieds section or at local junkyards.
A cone filter will not get you 30 horsepower. Just get the the KN FIPK or something like this if you want to also upgrade the intake pipe. http://www.extremepsi.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=16345&cat=476&page=1
I recommend the extremepsi intake system. You basically need to decide how fast you want to go and follow this as far as you feel is sufficient for you and your goals. http://www.dsmtuners.com/sub.php?page=2gtstage1power

Good luck with your project and be prepared to get addicted to power. It's like crack man, once you start you can't stop. The mod bug got me about 5 years ago and I haven't been able to stop

 

[GVR4592]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/parts/default.php?cPath=3

http://www.dsmtuners.com/sub.php?page=2gtupgrades

 

[romeen]

Before you start modding you need to figure out what your goals are for the car.
You don't need a $200 bov, you could use the money elsewhere. You will do just fine with a 1g bov which can be found in the classifieds section or at local junkyards.
A cone filter will not get you 30 horsepower. Just get the the KN FIPK or something like this if you want to also upgrade the intake pipe. http://www.extremepsi.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=16345&cat=476&page=1
I recommend the extremepsi intake system. You basically need to decide how fast you want to go and follow this as far as you feel is sufficient for you and your goals. http://www.dsmtuners.com/sub.php?page=2gtstage1power

Good luck with your project and be prepared to get addicted to power. It's like crack man, once you start you can't stop. The mod bug got me about 5 years ago and I haven't been able to stop

Agree with all that, especially the addiction part. This is one exspensive hobby! Here is yet one more link for you to browse:


http://www.roadraceengineering.com/2gupgradepath.htm

 

[codyw]

and if you need help figuring out how to install anything go to www.vfaq.com
you should be able to find just about anything.
as far as modding i would personally start with the exhaust. i wouldnt worry about a frontmount till you upgrade your turbo. unless you just want it to look cool.

 

[Atuca]

yea, ok so just for the record, i am NOT addicted to speed or power

that being said, i want more power >.<

My goals are not set for a power level or horse power amount. I would be happy just at 250 or so. I just want to be above stock, but i don't race, so this is basicly a "for looks" thing. The front mount intercooler is something you notice, alot, but than again, i noticed it will affect my pocket book, alot.

The blow off valve is for the, (please no flaming), sound. Although i don't want to circulate to the atmospher, i do beleive changing from the stock blow off valve will allow some sound to escape while assisting with reducing the turbo lag and help shifting, correct?

The air filter is something i notice when opening the hood. I was told it adds 30 horse power, but ok, i know it does help with some horsepower, so it is a cheap upgrade for power, i am cool with that.

Anyways, i was unsure how to install a blow off valve, so was not sure what supporting mods i would need, especially with future plans as described above. Do i have to get anything in a particular order?

thanks in advanced

 

[romeen]

Start with the air filter. It will free up a few hp and allow you to hear your BOV venting between shifts as well as some of the sound of your turbo spooling.
Upgrading the BOV will not have any impact on turbo lag. However the stock 2G ones leak at about 13 psi. Upgrading to a 1G (or aftermarket if you want to spend the money) will allow you to run higher boost. Do this in conjunction with the boost control solenoid restrictor removal to gain a few psi---you're already making more power!

All of this info is in the upgrade paths on this site and the links given above.

 

[Atuca]

will increasing the boost decrease fuel economy? i really am not sure what boost is exactly, i am sure i can look it up, so i will get on it, but, i do know about the remove the restricor thing, and i will be doing that too. Last time i went to a junk yard for 2g eclipse parts, i found only one 2g eclipse, and about 15 1g, with well, i think a total of 1 engine.

So i am ok with buying a new BOV, but what should i go with? i like the sound of the greddy type S, but that was circulating to the atmospher. So what is a good blow off valve to go with that helps with the turbo lag but sounds nice as well?

and with the K/N FIPK, do i just buy this? http://www.autoanything.com/air-intakes/61A1914A0A0A1928061.aspx and i just select Mitsubishi Eclipse 1995-1999 Turbo and that is it? i don't need any other tubes or anything? Can i just buy this and instal? It doesn't look like the cone ones i see in your guys' cars, but is that just because the picture is wrong? i heard instal is easy, 90 mins or less, but, can anyone give me the a o k?

as you can tell i am pretty new to this, so i will be looking for help from you guys. Where i go to college kids are pretty poor and/or ricers (civics ) so i am litterally kind of an outcast, although i am getting attention as my car is becoming more popular as word is getting around. So now i need to get past the looks and work on some of the engine, just so i can have something on the ricers.

thanks in advanced

 

[dave99gst]

what were you looking for in a junk yard? if it was a bov - and you found 15 1gs then you should have grabbed one. Personaly i wouldnt bother with the "free" mod (restrictor) you will most likley end up with a MBC (manual boost controller) and that will make that mod void.
The KNN in your link is fine , and that is all you will need to get rid of the stock airbox.

 

[TalonTsi31]

keep in mind that all the horse power gains it says on the bolt on parts are at the crank not the wheels. are u looking for 250 at the crank or at the wheels if its at the wheels u have alot more than a bov , air filter , and exaust to buy

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I think something that is very important you need to consider is that you live in California. Mod Nazi capital.

The linked airfilter you ahve is good because it is CARB exempt. Adjustable BOV's are not legal (though I use a type-s painted black for stealthiness) so sticking to a 1g bov is a great idea.
I've been told that any exhaust modification is illegal in Cali, but that doesn't explain every SUV with dual tips or honda with a coffee can muffler.
Get a $15 ebay MBC, and go from there. Just make sure you can pass smog with whatever setup you decide on.
Have fun!

 

[Atuca]

ahhh dang it.. your giving my the california smog eebbee jeebees

I just smogged the car yesterday, so i got a while before i have to worry about that. But it is something i will keep in mind.

About the 15 1g, well, when i was saying that i was stating there were 15 cars that TOGETHER had maybe 1 engine total. I (edit) wasn't looking for a BOV when i was there, so it is possible there was one there, but almost everyone of them was missing their engine.

If the air filter i linked is ok, than i'll get it. I thought dsmers used the ones that were round and black with the heat shield. Is the silver oval one the new in thing? is it more powerful or soemthing? i can't find the black one, so did they just change the product line? And that should be all i need right? i was reading that people were saying it was big and got in the way of the radiador resovour and the headlamp. anyways, that is the last questions i gotta ask before i hit buy now on that subject.

Are you guys serious? i can't get an aftermarket BOV in california?!!?! i think it is time to move for me... I do know about the carb number thing and do want to stick to legality. I'll look into a 1g, but i like the idea of the type-s black. I was unaware they were illegal in california, most because the ricers around here have loud BOV all around me.

what other cheaper mod should i look into for the 250 horse power goal? And i would like that at the wheels, it isn't horsepower unless it is putting it to the road

thanks

 

[codyw]

and with the K/N FIPK, do i just buy this? http://www.autoanything.com/air-intakes/61A1914A0A0A1928061.aspx and i just select Mitsubishi Eclipse 1995-1999 Turbo and that is it?

thats quite expensive for a k&n filter. i'd buy this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-9...250079301275QQihZ015QQitemZ250079301275QQrdZ1

and then get a k&n similar to this knock off. id expect to pay about $50 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/UNIV...020QQitemZ300077650396QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

all together you spend maybe $65. half the price

 

[ypnas777]

yea, ok so just for the record, i am NOT addicted to speed or power

that being said, i want more power >.<

My goals are not set for a power level or horse power amount. I would be happy just at 250 or so. I just want to be above stock, but i don't race, so this is basicly a "for looks" thing. The front mount intercooler is something you notice, alot, but than again, i noticed it will affect my pocket book, alot.

The blow off valve is for the, (please no flaming), sound. Although i don't want to circulate to the atmospher, i do beleive changing from the stock blow off valve will allow some sound to escape while assisting with reducing the turbo lag and help shifting, correct?

The air filter is something i notice when opening the hood. I was told it adds 30 horse power, but ok, i know it does help with some horsepower, so it is a cheap upgrade for power, i am cool with that.

Anyways, i was unsure how to install a blow off valve, so was not sure what supporting mods i would need, especially with future plans as described above. Do i have to get anything in a particular order?

thanks in advanced

Perfect example of a ricer . You have a lot of reading to do, a lot of the questions you are asking can be answered by simply searching

 

[PieEyedPiper]

thats quite expensive for a k&n filter. i'd buy this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-9...250079301275QQihZ015QQitemZ250079301275QQrdZ1

and then get a k&n similar to this knock off. id expect to pay about $50 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/UNIV...020QQitemZ300077650396QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

all together you spend maybe $65. half the price

uhm.. CARB exempt?

 

[Atuca]

Perfect example of a ricer . You have a lot of reading to do, a lot of the questions you are asking can be answered by simply searching

If it is ricer, than fine, no flaming, feel free to stop commenting. I am not a racer, so if it leaves me looking like a ricer, than fine, call me as you will.

I am new to this, i thought i said that. I have been reading these forums for the past 6 months, and finally got enough courage to join and start asking for help. I didn't know the difference between an exhaust and intake before reading here, so i would like to beleive i am trying to learn here. I would be happy with just a few mods, like i said 40 more horsepower is all i am looking for, just a few things so i can feel like a guy around my car, point something out and actually be able to explain what it does and why i got a new one.


Now, i didn't notice the lack of a carb number on the knock off brand, so with that, i am looking to go ahead and order the K/N FIPK. i was expecting $150, so i actually am a bit releaved to find it cheaper than that, although i was hopeing to get en explaination as to why i see your guys' DSMs with air filters with a black tube and a heat shield around what apears to be a cone air filter.

If this oval is better or just different, i would like to know why i was directed to go with that one instead of the more common one i see on your guys'

thanks

 

[PieEyedPiper]

The cone filter with black conical heatshield is what you find on 1g's I believe.
Get the K&N.
And don't worry about flammers, they're just that.
But I'd not mention you want the bov for sound if you can help it
For the health of your car a recirc'ed 1g bov is all you need (plus the adaptor plate for the stock 2g UICP).

 

[Atuca]

ok well one mod down, i am ordering the K/N FIPK. first mod, do i hear a woot?

For the health of your car a recirc'ed 1g bov is all you need (plus the adaptor plate for the stock 2g UICP).

i live in fremont, so in about two weeks i will be making the trip to modesto and stockton pick and pulls (junk yards) and hopefully i can pull out a blow off valve. You said i would need an adaptor plate, is that something i buy or make myself, or pull off the 1g? And is there anyway i can check to make sure a BOV is working ok on a 1g? that way if i find more than one or two i can get a functioning properly one.

That is two weeks from now though, so what do i buy next? Should i get the intake kit mentioned above? Do you think a FMIC is outa my leage? it is for the 300-400 hp bracket of horse power, so i suppose i may pass on that. And as for the exhaust, i don't even know where to start. I want a deep sound, perhaps a magna flow. but, is there any certain brand you suggest?

thanks for help with my first mod, start of an addiction?

nah...

 

[romeen]

I would definitely do the exhaust before a FMIC. I know they look cool but you really don't need it yet. Exhaust is really a matter of personal taste and matching size to your ultimate goals. I have a Magnaflow muffler and think it sounds really good, deep like you mentioned.

 

[Atuca]

well with the research i have pulled out, i want to go with a 2.5 inch piping all the way from the down pipe, i believe is where the proper way is to start, and have a magna flow cat (they do the catalytic converter right, i think i know that much?) I know i could do the cheap just the muffler tip change, but i would rather do it the right way and change it all. I did find a shop that was willing to do the welds for me and install it, but he wants 40 bucks an hour or so and said it would take him a few hours to do. I know i'll need him for the welding, but i may be able to put it on myself, no?

If exhaust is my next mod, where do i start when it comes to piping? I know i know use the search, but there are a million different brands and even no name brands that make piping, so you guys who have been helping me, what/where should i go with when looking for piping for the exhaust, as well as the cat, and do i need resonators? Again i am way new to this, and reading about it can only spark my imagination really, not answer everything i need to know. So feel free to link me to the dozens of exhaust links, but could you tell me your opinion when linking, it helps alot when i am looking for what you say to keep an eye out for. I also noticed i can go with a "turbo back" which replaces everything. I think that is what i want to go with, right? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks

 

[romeen]

You have two options. You can buy a pre-made exhaust for your car or have one made at an exhaust shop. You may just want to start with a cat-back exhaust for now. Replaces everything from the catalytic converter back to muffler. Any DSM shop will sell these although you can get much better deals on ebay. It's up to you if you want stainless steel (looks nice and is more resistant to corrosion) or aluminized steel (less expensive).
If you have a shop do it they will have all the piping and any other things needed to make it work and they will weld it together on the car.
I would avoid buying the piping yourself, having someone weld it together and then trying to install it yourself.
If your goal is 250hp then 2.5" will be sufficient.

 

[Atuca]

i don't know a dsm shop anywhere around her (fremont)

i did find a mitsubishi shop, but it looked a bit run down..

so, i don't really have a shop to take it to specializing in dsms. I would love to go to one if you guys know one specializing in dsm somewhere near the fremont area.

However, the guy i did talk to said to get the tubing myself and let him do the rest. but i don't wanna (well would like not to) spend extra money to have someone do something that i can do, but if i need someone to do it for me, well ok.

I'll look into that tomorrow, well maybe monday when the shop is open

anything that i can order off the internet now? or should i just wait a bit and hold out for the exhaust to be installed?

so far, my get list is:

BOV 1G from pick and pull in two weeks
Exhaust from a shop
waiting to instal my k/n i ordered today

i am also looking to get blue LEDs for my interior, have them on order from radioshack i guess. That will give me something to do for the next few days if there is nothing else engine wise i can do.

 

[romeen]

If you're just looking for a shop to do your exhaust most muffler shops should be able to do that, doesn't have to be a DSM shop.
Also, as I mentioned in an earlier post, do the boost control solenoid restrictor removal when you put on your BOV. It's free and will net you some power. You can do it now but your stock BOV will not hold the extra boost. But it takes less than half an hour. Here are some instructions:
http://www.jumptronix.com/2g_go_faster/Faqs/WasteGateSolenoidRestrictionFAQ.htm

 

[Atuca]

ok, well i was told to look at getting a manual boost controller, and that would nullify the restrictor mod. is that true?

I will be doing all the free mods i can i guess while i wait for the few parts i need to get, or well, gotten.

I appreciate your help, and will be checking in on this thread for any other advice you guys may have.

one last thing. 250 whp is alot more than i thought it was going to be. that is like 300 bolt on horsepower. So perhaps doing just the few mods you guys helped me with will suffice. I'll have to get them all installed, and see how addicted i am to power.

thanks for all the help

 

[romeen]

Yes, a MBC will bypass the boost control solenoid altogether.