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

 

[boostin92awd]

I personally would invest in the mbc yes it will cancel out the free mod but I think you would enjoy the results of the mbc more.

 

[Atuca]

Ok well once again i looked for MBC and there are a million ones to go with. What do you guys reccommend? I read that the manual is more reliable than an electric ones, so i am cool with getting one. But looking at ebay there were a bajillion for like 20 bucks, but i don't want to go with a brand that isn't trusted. Any help in that way would be appreciated.

thanks

 

[Atuca]

Ok, i am looking to buy a new exhaust now, and after alot of searching, i too like the Magnaflow quiet a bit. I searched and found a million places that sell the exhaust, and also saw that i shuold go with ebay. Before i pick a random company off ebay, i have a few questions. I want to get a turbo-back, i am not really looking to pay someone twice to instal exhaust stuff, so i want to do it in one swoop.

I found about 10 links to Magna flow exhaust systems, all the same price.

question 1, a "exhaust system" is cat back, correct? well i am almost positive, i didn't see a cat in the picture -> http://www.car-stuff.com/performanc...7&model=186&brand=3069&part_name=83&category=

that is the same pic i saw in all the links i found on the internet. Well should i just go with the cat back, and not worry about the turbo back? And all 10 i found were the same part number, but at the bottom, it says RS and GS, wil this work for a GS-T? or do i have to get the round on that is 470? it says Chassis - Engine Eclipse 3.8L, V6 though ...


I think i would want to buy a magna flow cat so i could increase the flow through my exhaust system, but as you all know, i am pretty new to this, so unsure if i need it.


If i could get some advice on the exhaust system, i would appreciate it.

thanks!

 

[gimpybrad]

Going back to the adapter plate, you can get one on ebay, just search for 1g bov adapter or follow this link http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...00&fpos=03103&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=

You can always make your own MBC (http://www.geocities.com/chmwatson/FAQs/mbc.html) , if you dont' feel comfortable doing that just make sure you get a ball and spring mbc and not a bleeder type.

 

[DSMunknown]

Ideally, one of the first (if not the first) mod a GS-T guy should do is an ATB LSD.




Of course, the issue of price becomes a major factor when considering this.

 

[Bigglesworth87]

Save up for a 6 bolt swap.

 

[gimpybrad]

Save up for a 6 bolt swap.

Might not be the best option if 250 is the hp goal, 7 bolts can easily handle that power.

 

[Atuca]

well money is not tooo big of an issue at this point (well it always is, but yea)

i paid my rent for next month, and all bills are current, so even money i make next month gets to go twards the car. I am really looking into the magnaflow exhaust, but i can't find a turbo back for the life of me.

VRS sells full turboback exhausts with magnaflow mufflers and their not very expensive

i asked on the forums specifically for help finding a turbo back magnaflow, but no one has been able to direct me. I keep looking. but to no avail. I am learning alot about how an exhaust systems works though, so i guess that is something. restrictive down pipe = less power.

So turbo back magna flow if you guys have any suggestions on where to go. ebay and places i typed into the magnaflow website and others, none of them seem to make a turbo back exhaust sytem.

if you know a good place, please help, thanks in advanced

 

[Atuca]

Going back to the adapter plate, you can get one on ebay, just search for 1g bov adapter or follow this link http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...00&fpos=03103&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=

You can always make your own MBC (http://www.geocities.com/chmwatson/FAQs/mbc.html) , if you dont' feel comfortable doing that just make sure you get a ball and spring mbc and not a bleeder type.

thanks for both of those! reading about how to make a MBC gave me a really good understanding of how they work, thanks a million! Although i may have to buy one in the end, it was still very nice to read about how to.

and the adapter plate i really appreciate, i'll pick one up if i find a 1g BOV, which i heard was illegal in CA to have anything before my model year on my car, and in that case, makes me think why don't i go all out anyways? but i digress..

i appreciate the help guys, keep on advicing me, and i might end up with a half way nice running DSM

 

[DSMunknown]

You can always make your own MBC (http://www.geocities.com/chmwatson/FAQs/mbc.html) , if you dont' feel comfortable doing that just make sure you get a ball and spring mbc and not a bleeder type.

Personally, I would just spend the 38-45 dollars for a Joe P MBC.



http://joepmbc.com/mbc.html

 

[Atuca]

Personally, I would just spend the 38-45 dollars for a Joe P MBC.



http://joepmbc.com/mbc.html

So, um, yea, which one do i order? ^_^

i am terribly new to this, so please give me reason to get one or another, please

 

[DSMunknown]

So, um, yea, which one do i order? ^_^

i am terribly new to this, so please give me reason to get one or another, please

You want to buy the XZ MBC:

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

It is cheap, proven, reliable, and so on and so forth.






EDIT: Don't even think about getting the "Upgrade" kit. Especially because you are starting out, you shouldn't even think about it. Besides, the one I mentioned above is adequate for anything you will probably ever see.

EDITx2: Here is another link where you can buy the same MBC:

http://www.boostcontroller.com/inde...ostcontroller.com/index.php?page=1&category=4

 

[Atuca]

ok well thanks a bunch, before i order it though, i need to learn what boost is. i found a bunch of posts here that explain how to check for boost leaks, but i want to know what it is exactly. will increasing boost affect gas milage? because if it does dramaticly, it will make my goal of commuter DSM a bit unlogical.

*edit* and also, do i need the Vacuum Hose option they offer me?

 

[DSMunknown]

ok well thanks a bunch, before i order it though, i need to learn what boost is. i found a bunch of posts here that explain how to check for boost leaks, but i want to know what it is exactly. will increasing boost affect gas milage? because if it does dramaticly, it will make my goal of commuter DSM a bit unlogical.

Okay, here we go.

I am assuming that you're not driving at WOT all the time. So it doesn't matter what your MBC is set at if you just plan on driving like a normal person. Technically, the amount of boost is proportional to your MPG. Essentially, the higher the boost you run at, the more fuel that is going to be burned. But again, if you just drive like your folks want you to drive, then you won't see any changes in MPG.

*edit* and also, do i need the Vacuum Hose option they offer me?

When I first installed my Joe P MBC, I just used the lines that were attached to the BCV. They worked fine. No, you don't have to purchase their vacuum hose lines.


On the other hand, it's only $1.50 more. And all you need is 3 feet. And the zip ties aren't too expensive at all - just $0.99. It's up to you.


What they don't tell you is the inside diameter and outside diameter of the hoses they are selling. I suppose you could email/call them and ask.

 

[Bigglesworth87]

Might not be the best option if 250 is the hp goal, 7 bolts can easily handle that power.

Its not a matter of how much power he wants or how much the motor can handle. He wont produce any power when the thrust bearing wears out and the motor goes. If I could do it over again, I would have done that first and never had to worry about it again.

 

[Atuca]

But again, if you just drive like your folks want you to drive, then you won't see any changes in MPG.

i didn't have my liscens til a year after i moved outa the house; i just don't race when i go to the grocery store, so no sence in having a bunch of fuel mods if all i need to do is go into town (well, i live in town now, but w/e)

I want the upgrades so that when i want passing power, i have it and than some. Nothing is nicer than someone telling you that you have a nice car when you park it at blockbuster and someone mentions you have a nice car when you walk in.



anyways, it is adjustable, so i could always turn the boost up before i go driving somewhere that isn't 5 mins down the street, right? I am totally cool with that, picking and choosing when i wanna waste gas

my biggest problem with cars is i never talked with my folks or worked on cars while growing up. This is only my second car, my first being a 97 RS stock, so trying to learn both about how a combustion engine works and learn about how mods help performance at one time is a bit over whelming, but with people like you, it makes it alot easier.

I'll order just the MBC, my dad is a manager at an auto zone back home (i would have to drive down there to visit friends and such and stop by) but i get crazy discounts there. Only problem is he knows about cars, and isn't too keen on me modding it. so.. i'll just tell him it is for.. replacement of old lines? that is assuming i do need the new lines

oh oh *edit* without bigger fuel pump, and just with this MBC, how much psi can i increase from stock (14psi is stock right?) and how much HP will that yield?

 

[Atuca]

Its not a matter of how much power he wants or how much the motor can handle. He wont produce any power when the thrust bearing wears out and the motor goes. If I could do it over again, I would have done that first and never had to worry about it again.

well to respond to that, my motor has 130k on it, i bought it that way, and has been doctor owned (if that means anything) so he had money to do nesessesary repairs, although the owner that got it from him was a younger kid, who put 18k miles on it in like 13 month, obviously a commuter.

Since most of these upgrades i am getting are bolt on, if and when my engine blows ( i presume 180-200k) couldn't i get a 6 bolt than? I read they are better engines, not all sure why (crankshaft if i remember right wasn't a problem with the 6 bolts) but peraps a few years down the line we could talk about a new 6 bolt?

 

[Zmann42087]

well to respond to that, my motor has 130k on it, i bought it that way, and has been doctor owned (if that means anything) so he had money to do nesessesary repairs, although the owner that got it from him was a younger kid, who put 18k miles on it in like 13 month, obviously a commuter.

Since most of these upgrades i am getting are bolt on, if and when my engine blows ( i presume 180-200k) couldn't i get a 6 bolt than? I read they are better engines, not all sure why (crankshaft if i remember right wasn't a problem with the 6 bolts) but peraps a few years down the line we could talk about a new 6 bolt?

Don't worry about crank walk... its overplayed. You've got 130k on your motor, chances are you'll probably have to rebuild (or swap) it because of normal wear and tear before you have to replace it because of CW.

That said, when it does come time to replace your motor (for whatever reason), go ahead and get a 6-bolt. Just like you said, its probably a "few years down the line" depending on your current engine's condition.

BTW, if you're interested in finding out the current condition of your motor, a compression test is a good place to start. Just my two cents...

 

[GreddyGst]

Hey Phillip at the meet, we can explain everything you need to know Many of the DSMers coming have been through a lot of setups including myself so we know how it is to begin modding a car and the last thing you want to do is waste money on parts you don't need.

 

[Atuca]

Hey Phillip at the meet, we can explain everything you need to know Many of the DSMers coming have been through a lot of setups including myself so we know how it is to begin modding a car and the last thing you want to do is waste money on parts you don't need.

you have no idea how much of a good idea that sounds to me. I didn't want to go only because i was scared you guys all be talking and i be the one guy in the back going WTF

I'll take any and all advice, and hopefully by the time it happens I wil have accumilated alot more information. Although i am still looking for helping finding a turbo back magnaflow, and wondering how much HP adding a MBC and no fuel mods will yield. Do you know?

and just to promte, follow this link to meet up with us in Daly City http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251994

 

[Atuca]

You want to buy the XZ MBC:

EDITx2: Here is another link where you can buy the same MBC:

http://www.boostcontroller.com/inde...ostcontroller.com/index.php?page=1&category=4

ok i bought the above mentioned MBC, should be here in a few days. And if i am understanding you right, it will act like nothing different if i am not driving hard, but if and when i decide to put the pedal to the floor, it will have the capability to go alot faster, correct? I believe i wil be sticking to just 16 psi with the original turbo, so do you know how much HP gain i will be experiencing with just a change with the MBC?

thanks for the advice on the MBC, and on to the next mod! still looking for help with the exhaust turbo back

 

[DSMunknown]

I want the upgrades so that when i want passing power, i have it and than some. Nothing is nicer than someone telling you that you have a nice car when you park it at blockbuster and someone mentions you have a nice car when you walk in.

I wonder what having a nice looking car has to do with performance...

anyways, it is adjustable, so i could always turn the boost up before i go driving somewhere that isn't 5 mins down the street, right? I am totally cool with that, picking and choosing when i wanna waste gas

IMHO it's really not worth it to keep changing the boost level.


BTW I hope you know that will will absolutely need an accurate aftermarket boost gauge.

my biggest problem with cars is i never talked with my folks or worked on cars while growing up. This is only my second car, my first being a 97 RS stock, so trying to learn both about how a combustion engine works and learn about how mods help performance at one time is a bit over whelming, but with people like you, it makes it alot easier.

Just remember that we all had to start somewhere.

I'll order just the MBC, my dad is a manager at an auto zone back home (i would have to drive down there to visit friends and such and stop by) but i get crazy discounts there. Only problem is he knows about cars, and isn't too keen on me modding it. so.. i'll just tell him it is for.. replacement of old lines? that is assuming i do need the new lines

To the best of my knowledge, AutoZone does not carry or sell this product.

oh oh *edit* without bigger fuel pump, and just with this MBC, how much psi can i increase from stock (14psi is stock right?) and how much HP will that yield?

On the T-25 turbo, the max setting should be around 15-16psi.


Oh, and DO NOT start bench racing. That is a big no-no around here. If you want to know the hard numbers your car is making, take it to your local dyno facility.

Since most of these upgrades i am getting are bolt on, if and when my engine blows ( i presume 180-200k) couldn't i get a 6 bolt than? I read they are better engines, not all sure why (crankshaft if i remember right wasn't a problem with the 6 bolts) but peraps a few years down the line we could talk about a new 6 bolt?

Don't worry about crank walk... its overplayed. You've got 130k on your motor, chances are you'll probably have to rebuild (or swap) it because of normal wear and tear before you have to replace it because of CW.

That said, when it does come time to replace your motor (for whatever reason), go ahead and get a 6-bolt. Just like you said, its probably a "few years down the line" depending on your current engine's condition.

As Zmann42087 said, don't worry about CW. You've got other things to worry about (like maintenance).

I'll take any and all advice, and hopefully by the time it happens I wil have accumilated alot more information. Although i am still looking for helping finding a turbo back magnaflow, and wondering how much HP adding a MBC and no fuel mods will yield. Do you know?

Again, the appropriate advice would be something like "Go to the dyno and test the car out. We can't give you hard numbers about what such-and-such a part will do. And you shouldn't even ask."

 

[DSMunknown]

ok i bought the above mentioned MBC, should be here in a few days. And if i am understanding you right, it will act like nothing different if i am not driving hard, but if and when i decide to put the pedal to the floor, it will have the capability to go alot faster, correct? I believe i wil be sticking to just 16 psi with the original turbo, so do you know how much HP gain i will be experiencing with just a change with the MBC?

thanks for the advice on the MBC, and on to the next mod! still looking for help with the exhaust turbo back

You've got a lot to learn, kiddo.



For your future reference (and to prevent you from humiliating yourself in the future), DO NOT ASK THIS QUESTION OR ANY SIMILAR QUESTION!:


"How much horsepower will I make if I bolt on [X] part?"







Regarding your exhaust "dilemma" --> Click on this link and see what you can find.

 

[91_tsi]

you should get any mbc they all do the same thing

 

[91_tsi]

you can get any mbc they do all the same thing