Completely New

[T-uNiT]

Hey everyone.

Seems like a really great and intelligent community around here so I'm glad to be a part of it! Anyways, I am looking to buy a 2G Eclipse. I was wondering what everyones recommendations were. Now I am sure there are a lot, and some things are just personal prefrence, but I would like to hear everyones input that wants to put it in. I haven't done a whole lot of research on Eclipses yet, so bare with me and let me know anything that you think I should.

First, GS GST or GSX? Obviously the GS's are cheaper without the turbo and what not but would it be better to just get it and install a aftermarker turbo?

Speaking of turbo, recommendations on that also. I'm pretty much looking for top of the line, whatevers going to give me the most +hp.

Any other 'first upgrades' to make to the car (once I find 'the one') please let me know!

Thanks in advance everyone for helping me out.

-Tanner

 

[Boosted98gsx]

always better to start from the top. Buy a GSX. No question about it. If you dont, you're going to be fighting everything trying to attain the performance you would have already had.

Do it right, or do it twice.

 

[CruisinGSX]

Go with a GSX (if you can find one) and start with the basics...
Make sure it's in good running condition before you start any upgrading. New plugs, wires, fuel filter, oil change, transmission fluid change (and diff fluid if you get the GSX), coolant flush, etc...
While you're in that process, you'd might as well do all the free mods you can do. You'll be able to find info on all of them either here or while looking through the VFAQ - http://www.vfaq.com/index-main.html. There is countless information on this site, so I would highly recommend checking it out.

When all that is done, you'll want to work on the easy bolt-on's first.
Intake, Exhaust, Boost Controller, Boost Gauge (stock one doesn't read actual boost), etc...

As for a turbo, there are a lot to choose from for the 4G63, but I'm not really sure what there is to offer for the n/t model.

Also, do as much searching through the forums here as you can, because there is a plethora of information at your fingertips in this community that has already been explained to death.

Good luck finding the DSM with your name on it

 

[MrBoxx]

Welcome to the site.

The first thing you should do is state your goals. "highest horsepower" is a fairly broad goal and doesn't really include what you want to do with the car: track only, street/track, street, autoX, etc. I agree with Boosted98gsx's opinion that if you want a turbocharged car, you should probably try to buy one that already has it from the factory. HRC kits are very good, though, so if you end up getting a GS or RS, that would be the way to go. I'll warn you now not to ask if you can swap in a 4g63 into a car that comes with a 420a, OR to ask if you can make your FWD car into an AWD car. These are questions that have been answered before and always bring up harsh words.

That said, the best advice just about anyone can give you is to do the research. http://www.vfaq.com is the DSM Bible when it comes to answering questions. I recommend reading the 1000 Already Asked Questions page, the Top Ten Faq, and some of the vfaq's about topics like intake, exhaust, turbos, etc. These pages will give you almost all the information a person new to DSM's will need to know for a long time. Anything that you have a question about that you can't find in there or don't understand fully, feel free to ask and I'm sure that someone here can answer it or explain in more detail.

DSMTuners has also compiled an extensive tech guide, including a staged upgrade path for both power and handling. These will also be invaluable to you. The staged upgrade path for power is the one that has been proven to work time and again by many DSM tuners. For example, it's common knowledge that you don't just slap a giant turbo on a stock car without modifying the fuel system first, the same way you don't install a boost controller before you have a boost gauge. You'll find that you can't decide what turbo you should get until you decide what your goals are, what supporting modifications you will have to make before the turbo, and what your budget is. The upgrade path will give you the safest route to get the best results the first time, without having to replace parts that you've already gotten. "Mod right, mod once" is the phrase, I believe, though I may have it backwards. You get the point. Do it the right way the first time and you won't have any problems.

Once again, welcome to the site, and I wish you luck in finding your DSM.

 

[MyBeatGSX]

I think everyone else hit the nail on the head. Get a GSX. The FWD guys will hate me but I don't care, you're defeating the purpose of getting a DSM if its not AWD. If you really can't find a good one, a GS-T will do if you're set on getting any DSM (personally I would never get one, there are far better options for FWD cars), but whatever you do, do not get an N/T. Its not worth the hastle and shouldn't even be something you're considering.

As for mods and turbos. Worry about that after you get the car. You can go plenty fast will simple bolt ons, check out the upgrade guides on this site and RRE's site www.roadraceengineering.com. The stock turbo on 2G's is a worthless piece of garbage, but your options are endless. Parts availability is excellent. You can make these cars as fast as your wallet can handle.

And you're right, this is an outstanding and very intelligent community and I'm glad to be apart of it. Hopefully you will be soon.

 

[president95]

Well, I am very partial to AWD, so I'd lead you in that direction. Follow the TECH GUIDE for modifications, as it is a very proven way of upgrading these cars. Your turbo upgrade won't be coming first, as you need supporting mods first, and a tuning device. Also the search button will be your best friend. Good luck with the search, it took me a year and a half ha

 

[kenamond]

I agree with what everyone has said so far. GSX. Decide on your application (street car, autoX, drag), performance goals (power, driveability, and handling), and your budget. There are rough guidelines in the staged upgrade page for how much things are going to cost you.

When you've decided on the application and goals that you can afford, you're best off planning everything out. You have to make sure parts are compatible with each other and with your final goals. You should try to avoid buying parts that you'll later replace as you upgrade. At a minimum, don't dump a lot of cash into something that you'll be replacing.

As was already mentioned, do your homework!! All of the information you need has probably been covered on this forum, www.vfaq.com or other DSM sites. You'll spend dozens of hours reading - no kidding - but this will likely be spread over months.

So find a good GSX to start with and go from there.

 

[-TunedDSM-]

Just like everyone so far has said, if you are looking at an eclipse go for the GSX. It's the best way to go. Just be patient and find the perfect one for you. Make sure its the car YOU want and if you have any major doubts dont go throught with it. Like said the Tech Guide and VFAQ.com are great resources. Heres also a buyers guide for DSM's and what to look for. Good Luck and be sure to snap some pics of the new ride when you get it Good Luck!

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200797&highlight=buyers+guide

 

[Boosted98gsx]

1 more thing. If you want your car to be dependable, SPEND THE MONEY TO DO YOUR MODS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME! Don't try to come into this hobby 1/2 assing things and using Home Depot as your primary source for mods. Trust me, I've been down that path before, it doesn't work.

 

[2bclutch]

Hell I'm a GST FWD owner and even I say get a GSX if you can find a good one and can afford it. FWD aren't exactly horrible cars and aren't worthless by any means, actually the reason I got a GST was because it was cheap and it was kind of my second DSM, so I could really learn how to fix/work on a REAL Turbo Eclipse. You can always get an LSD for the FWD and do some great things, but unless you have alot more HP than a GSX the GSX usually will win out everytime, especially with road courses. I initially started out with an RS that I was going to put a Hahn Turbo Kit on. The RS was $4,500 and the Hahn kit is about $3,000 or so. So for $7,500 you could get a REAL turbo Eclipse and have a 4G63 Engine instead of the 420a engine.

 

[T-uNiT]

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for all of the information and recommendations! I will keep on the long looking for a GSX.

Mainly I will be using the car for street racing if that helps with the mods you can recommend me to get such as turbo.

Thanks again! You guys are great.

 

[president95]

Hey Everyone,

Mainly I will be using the car for street racing if that helps with the mods you can recommend me to get such as turbo.

Thanks again! You guys are great.

You won't be a member of this site if you're going to be street racing, as it is NOT tollerated here. If you mean streetracing as in going to a track where it is legal, thats different. Again, a new turbo WILL NOT be your first mod. Follow the tech guides upgrade path. Good luck with your search

 

[T-uNiT]

Sorry, I meant as in the road conditions. Yes legal track.

 

[T-uNiT]

Just a quick update.

Been looking around online for GSX's near me. Found one that looks pretty reasonable. But it's automatic transmission. What is everyones feelings on auto's compared to manuals?

 

[GVR4592]

http://dsmtuners.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=62

 

[T-uNiT]

Thanks for the link I'll check that board out also.

Im looking for personal opinions on this issue too.

Thanks again guys.

 

[GVR4592]

I wouldn't rely on other people's opinions too much. Do you prefer auto or manual? Either one will get the job done. They both need to be modified to go fast, it really depends on what you like.

 

[fwdturbobov1996]

Auto awd cars can launch very hard. Auto dsm tranny's tend to break less.

Its what YOU want.

Do you want the car to shift for you. Or do you want the freedom to down shift and go as you please. You travel through alot of stop and go traffic? There are tons of factors to be looked at.

 

[Jeff822]

I have an auto gsx and love it, it is what you want out of your car, there will still be the un-informed people saying that "stick is faster, automatics are slow and for girls" when they have no idea what they are talking about, you can get your auto tranny up to par if not better than a manual tranny, i drive long distances so i chose to have an automatic (and im not the best stick driver in the world). If you feel like having an automatic, then get one in the end its up to you.

 

[T-uNiT]

Wow guys thank you all for your great input. I think I will be going to test drive this GSX soon

 

[DGajre777]

How old are you? I'm not trying to be an ass but if you are 16 or 17, insurance on a 5 speed GSX is going to be a bi***. If you know how to drive a 5 speed, get a 5 speed. If you don't, get an auto.

 

[jccjr1982]

I started with an RS. I love that car and still have it. Then I bought a TSi AWD...and WOW what a difference...

...But if I could do it all over again I probably wouldn't have change the situation(Starting with a NT). Going from NA to Turbo was a good growing experience, and makes me appreciate the power of being turbocharged more. Plus the NT isn't useless... it makes a good work commute vehicle.

 

[elfroggo]

Eh, it's not a problem if you don't know how to drive stick yet since it only takes a week or two to learn how to drive without stalling

Driving well is another matter , but don't let not being able to drive manual hold you back from getting one. In your modded car, it's more fun to have a manual since you have better control.

 

[kenamond]

If you're going to autoX your car, you may want to do some research to find out if there is a shared opinion among the AWD 2g autoX guys with regard to auto vs. manual tranny. Manuals let you control the shift points, but left-foot-braking in an auto is alot easier and may make an auto tranny more attractive.

 

[DGajre777]

Replied to your PM.

Since you are 17, due to the lack of driving experience and super high insurance rates, I suggest that you get a GS as your first car since insurance will be a little cheaper.

This member was quoted $350 a month on insurance for a GSX and is paying $260 for a GS. Here's the thread - http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?p=50385521

The maintenance on these cars is expensive, things will break when you push them faster and harder and drive them hard. If your parents are going to pay for parts to fix it, they will get tired of it. I found receipts in my car where the father paid $800 for a clutch replacement and 3 months later the car was sold.

Before you start doing mods, you have to do maintenance on these cars. If you do it yourself, it is cheap, if you have to pay to get it done, it can get expensive.

If you have a full time job and have money to pay for insurance and parts, by all means, get a GSX. Drive slow for the first few weeks to get a hold of how the car handles. I would not get a GS and then turbo it, if you have the funds, just get a GSX.

I'm sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear.