got new 98 GST spyder auto - need help

[polonez]

Hi Guys. I just picked up a 98 GST spyder Auto. still waiting to recieve it. what are some things i should do first thing when i get the car?
change tranny oil and engine oil? stuff like that? whats a good way to improve fuel economy aswell.

Ive been reading a little bit on the forum and cant get a straight answer. How does the Auto GST perform? is it fast? 0-60 times? 1/4 times?
someone wrote the manual is faster than the 5spd (which is hard to believe)

First mod for it i think will be intake. I was looking at the K&N kit which they say adds 7-8 horse (let me know if this is true or a better way to go ie . cai? ) dont know anything bout mitsubishi's just love the look but performance is not my department with these. Fuel economy is a main concern because I have a big commute to work.
Also the auto trans has me worried a bit being in a sports car. Are they reliable? any problems with them? do they slip eventually? I know manuals are practically indestructable.

Thanks guys. Im excited to get this thing

 

[drewvr4]

well you have a newer car...maybe some exhaust work, free up that cat.

intake wont make a huge difference in my opinion...just be happy with the car since you just got it, see how it runs then ease into the mods

 

[project15]

For modding:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/tuning-guide/2gturbo/

The air intake will help some on gas mileage, but if you're like me, you'll be heavier on the gas with the new air intake since it sounds cooler. it won't give you an automatic 7-8hp, there are too many factors involved in just upping the horsepower from that mod.

For maintenance:
When you first get the car do all the preventative maintenance that you can afford. Timing belt (if not done at 60k mark yet), change your fluids (oil, flush radiator...) change the belts, just make things are working correctly before you mod the car.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

There is a good tuning "guide" in the Tech Guide part of the website. Scan over that to better learn what you can all do to your car. First of all you will want to do all of the "free" mods. Removing the restrictor from the BCS and little things like that. As far as mods go you could start with just a K&N FIPK filter and then get a MBC and boost gauge and turn it up a bit. Then start modifying exhaust and intercooler piping and things like that. If you are going to mess with the boost at all I highly recommend getting a new BOV. 1g BOV is the prefered one because it is cheaper and just as effective as the more expensive one's. As far as speed goes I'm not gonna lie...you car is a tank compared to other dsm's. But you have the right idea on changing the oil and transmission fluid to something a little better. Made to take a little more heat. While you have the tranmission fluid out I recommend putting a B&M shift kit in. I don't know of anyone that can shift as fast as an auto with a shift kit can.You've got the right idea going though.

 

[SprayinGS-T]

First thing you wanna make sure you have all of your basic maintinence done...especially timing belt. Then intake/exhaust are great places to start for easy horsepower. The Spyder GST is fast, however because of the convertible top the car wieghs more that all other models, more weight = less speed...and being FWD instead of AWD you fight with traction problems on any kind of launch. But....on the plus side chicks dig the convertibles and summertime is great with the top dropped. Im not sure about the speed difference between the auto and manual...maybe sombody else can help you there...I have a manual, so i cant really give an opinion on the AUTO tranny...

 

[flinguist]

The convertible top has some known problems. I used this kit to repair my top, because the links were bent so badly they needed replaced.

 

[c5chris]

Congratulations on your acquisition and welcome to the world of DSM Tuning!

Tha auto tranny is a bit more durable than its manual counterpart and believed to handle up to 400 bhp. You dont have a clutch to use up and it comes with a tranny cooler from factory. The stock end clutches (overdrive) may go first but aftermarket ones are available from IPT/Level 10.

The auto tranny is no near as fast as the 5 spd. It is designed for comfort and longevity. It will shift when it wants to (well, at rpms the TCU is programmed). A Shift Kit and a higher stall Torque Converter may be in your future if you decide to race it. A higher capacity Transmission cooler also is recommended.

There are no Cold Air Intakes for the turbo DSMs. They are all "ram air" since they do not draw air from the outside of the hood. The K&N FIPK is a popular choice, next is the Injen. Fuel-wise, you will see from 16-22 mpg. The DSM is not a fuel efficient car! It depends on your right foot and when you decide to use the overdrive.

When you get the car, see if it got its 60K timing belt service. Check with the owner/dealer if it has undergone all the recalls associated with that year model. Check/replace your O2 sensors and change your plugs (and maybe wires).