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Help me plan my build :)

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Silver71

10+ Year Contributor
79
1
Aug 20, 2012
Sartell, Minnesota
Hello all,

As I posted when I joined, I got my hands on a stock 1995 Mitsubishi GSX with roughly 112,000 on it. I have about 120,000 miles on it now, and overall, I give the car a 9 out of 10. The few hiccups I have with it are cosmetic, except for the transmission. It seems that some of my synchros are shot, and shifting is finnicky, but I've learned to work with it for now. There is an aftermarket cone filter in place of the stock housing. The only things I've done to it so far are change the oil (synthetic blend for now) and put in new spark plugs. Up on my list to do is change transmission fluid (bought my redline oils already), probably throw on some NGK spark plug wires and get around to compression and boost-leak testing.

What I would like out of this car is to eventually be a fun little weekend car, and maybe hit the track once or twice a year. I don't have a specific psi goal or track time goal in mind, but I would like to aim for a RELIABLE 350 HP or a little more. I want to purchase the right parts, quality parts, to reach my goal. So, I was hoping you fine folks could give me some input as to what I should be looking at to get there.

I know that there is preventive maintenance to be done, and supporting mods as well. So lets think about what would be good for me? I should note that the less modification work, the better. As in, bolt on is ideal for me as much as possible.

Tuning: I'd like to run ECMLink or something similar so that I can tune from home at my own pace once I get the hang of things. I want to tune to 91 octane pump gas, as that's what's most common premium here. We have some 92 and sparse 93, but 91 is the majority. [ECMLink yes]

Gauges: I hear so much about wide band this and that, so I realize I need that as well. I guess I picture a 3-gauge A-pillar pod with a wideband, boost and a third gauge, whatever you guys think. [Wideband, Boost and Oil Pressure]

Boost control: Manual or electronic, whatever gets the job done. Not something I'd fiddle with often enough, so I think manual would be fine, in the engine bay. [Hallman Pro MBC]

BOV/Wastegate: I've read NOT to vent to the atmosphere, so I think maybe a 1st gen BOV or an aftermarket wastegate that returns to the system is what I'd need. What is good for my goal of 350+? [1st Gen BOV, Internal Wastegate]

Radiator/Intercooler: For my goal, do you think I need a FMIC? Or should the stock format suffice? Should I upgrade my radiator? [FMIC yes, Radiator no]

Exhaust: I'd like to do a 3" turbo-back exhaust. Maybe a high-flow catalytic converter (not to keen on running an illegal test-pipe, although I don't have emissions testing in my area). Brands? What about headers/exhaust manifold? [Exhaust Manifold, O2 Housing, Cat-Delete Downpipe, Dat-Back]

Turbo: There's the big question. I've done a little research, and it seems that the Evo III 16G may just fit my needs perfectly. Then again, maybe you have a better/cheaper idea for what I want? I realize I would also need a little modding/conversion kit for my 2g. Then again, if I do all the supporting mods I plan to, maybe I should bump up the size of my turbo a little. [MHI Evo III 16G]


Fuel: I realize the stock injectors are quite restrictive on these engines. I would expect to throw in bigger injectors, possibly a fuel pump if necessary. What size injectors and fuel pump would I need for my goal? [Walbro 255, AFPR, AEM Fuel Rail, ~800-1000cc Injectors]

Cams: Is that necessary for my goal? I assumed a cam swap was for a more aggressive goal. No cams at this time.


So basically, I'm open to any and all suggestions. I'd like to have a plan of attack hashed out and maybe buy a few parts here and there, especially now since the holiday sales are starting :) Thanks for looking!
 
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I would definitely make sure you have a timing belt job before anything else. With that said, for boost controller:
NXS Manual Boost Controller DSM GSX GST TSI Eclipse VR4 | eBay
Friend and I have installed a few of these. Simple and reliable.

If you plan on getting decent power, I would look into some injectors and a fuel pump. Then you will definitely need to have ECMlink or something like it to tune.
 
the right parts, quality parts, to reach my goal

This single statement is the most important thing you've said. Get the right parts to reach the goal. At least you have a goal. Most guys I meet have a list of parts they want but usually no idea why they want them or sometimes even what it does. Keep in mind many things can serve more than one purpose and you may want to consider future changes. Don't forget HP isn't just a number. How you got there can make a great difference in how the car drives. A big turbo turned down and running 350hp won't feel near the same as a smaller fast spooling turbo running 350hp. It's all about area under the curve. Do you need ECMlink to tune a 350hp car? No but is it a worthwhile upgrade? That is up for you to decide given the info available but it is a very capable tool. Some basic things are fundamental, how much fuel you will need, how much airflow etc. You're on the right track.
 
Do you need ECMlink to tune a 350hp car? No but is it a worthwhile upgrade? That is up for you to decide given the info available but it is a very capable tool. Some basic things are fundamental, how much fuel you will need, how much airflow etc. You're on the right track.

I'm thinking I'll need to up my injector size to reach my goal, and I'm certainly going to want a tune after that. Or did you mean I should pay someone to do it once, and not invest in a ECMLink purchase?
 
I hate telling someone to search, and i realize reading takes some time, but really, as for tuning, you should read some in the tuning tech sections and see what is best for you. First i would take your ecu out and see if it is indeed eprom as some 95s didnt come with one (mine didnt :( ). If it is, i definitely suggest link. If not, there are other options for ecu changes, or just socketing the ecu for eprom.
 
Fuel: I realize the stock injectors are quite restrictive on these engines. I would expect to throw in bigger injectors, possibly a fuel pump if necessary. What size injectors and fuel pump would I need for my goal?
I would definitly upgrade your fuel pump first as our stock pumps are only good for about 16 psi. As for the injectors you will need a way to tune before you can just throw on bigger ones.
Radiator/Intercooler: For my goal, do you think I need a FMIC? Or should the stock format suffice? Should I upgrade my radiator?
To put it short, Yes you will need a fmic for your goal. The stock side mount is well...... stock :)
 
Tuning: Ecmlink
Fuel: 750cc or bigger I'd go with 1150cc doesn't hurt to have big if you got ecmlink, walbro 190 or walbro 255 or aeromotive 340, anything bigger that walbro 190 you need Adjustable fuel pressure regulator. Be sure to get fuel pump re-wire kit.
Turbo: Evo 3 16g, there are others I would check out other threads for the differences on turbos. Keep in mind if you go with Evo 3 16g you will need install kit. Let us know what turbo you choose.
BOV: i would go with either tial or greddy
Wastegate: depending on your turbo it will either be internally gated or you will need an external wastegate. If you need an external gate you will need to decide to have it attached to your o2 housing- will need a new o2 housing- recommend PUnishment racings with tial wastegate. Or you can do it off your exhaust manifold.- will be needing a mod done to it or get one designed for it.
Radiator: no upgrade needed unless yours is bad.
MBC: hallman pro MBC
Gauges: wideband, boost, oil pressure
FMIC: yes it is needed just get it you will be happy. Recommend punishment racing fmic- let's you keep yiur fogs and very easy to install.
Exhaust: probably Theramal R&D - check out YouTube for sounds.
Of course you will probably want to upgrade your clutch, change out fluids, oil, make sure your plugs and wires are good, timing components all good,
 
Fuel: I realize the stock injectors are quite restrictive on these engines. I would expect to throw in bigger injectors, possibly a fuel pump if necessary. What size injectors and fuel pump would I need for my goal?

I would definitely look into a Walbro 190 or a 255, AFPR, and at least 650+ injectors. If you plan on changing to E85, you'll need to go even bigger than that. With a proper tuning method, you can use the bigger injectors and dial the fuel down. If you go too small, once you hit their limit, your done. I always like the idea of going a little beyond what I plan on "needing," because I am always going to "want" more.
 
I would definitely make sure you have a timing belt job before anything else. With that said, for boost controller:
NXS Manual Boost Controller DSM GSX GST TSI Eclipse VR4 | eBay
Friend and I have installed a few of these. Simple and reliable.

Wouldn't recommend this. I had it on my car and I couldn't get it to hold boost steady. Put a hallman on and it held rock steady.

For your fuel pump, the walbro 190 rewired might hit your goal, but it would be close. Spend a little more money and get the walbro 255 with an adjustable fuel pressure regulator. (AFPR)
I use 880cc injectors, and would recommend getting these or higher, because your going to want more.

Turbo: If your not wanting to get too involved, the Evo III should be a good choice. it might be pushing it close to its limits though. As for the install, you will need to buy an oil feed line for sure. Your oil return can be modified to work, as well as your coolent lines. Don't forget new banjo bolts and crush washers.

I would also highly recommend a front mount intercooler. These smaller turbos generate a lot of heat, and you will want intake temps as low as possible.

Oh and get Link for sure. It's a little pricy, but DEFINITELY worth it.


And the best advice I can give you is: research twice, order once.
 
350whp range and parts range.
walbro 255 everyones opinion u may or may not need a fpr I think it's a waste of money.
atleast a evo 3 16g turbo
272 cams
exhaust
intake
front mount intercooler
1000cc injectors dsmlink and hope u get close to 350whp.
about $3000 or maintanance and work.
To give you an idea I made 380whp with a walbro 255, 880cc, exhuast, fmic, evo 3 16g on e85 on a stock 7 bolt auto. Good luck have fun.
 
If I were to get an evo3 16g, would I be OK running with the internal wastegate? I'm trying to decide if an external is really what I would need or not for my goals.

As far as the fuel pump, I've done some searches on AFPR and it seems pretty intense, I may just stick with the 190 to avoid that.

Dumb newbie question:
My car already has an internal wastegate on my T25 and a 2nd gen BOV, correct? So, in essence, I need both, correct? Would a 1g BOV be enough for my goal, if I went with the evo3 16g? Or must I go aftermarket?
 
no you do not need to go after market with your BOV 1st gen BOVs are great and work really well. i rocked a 1st gen BOV until i upgraded my turbo and got a tial. you can also "crush" 1st gen BOVs.
 
Personally if your going to get link just pick up the boost controller and have link control your boost.
The 16g turbo is fun but its not uncommon of friends of mine that went with a 16g to want something bigger 6months later. Lol. If it was me with this goal id pick up the FP71hta internally gated and not look back.

1g bov will do you well. You shouldn't need a external wastegate. Internal on the smaller ones works fine.

I'd get a wideband and boost for gauges. A pillar gauges are ok. I'm not a fan of them. The 2 in the cluster bezel is preferred for me.
 
Personally if your going to get link just pick up the boost controller and have link control your boost.
The 16g turbo is fun but its not uncommon of friends of mine that went with a 16g to want something bigger 6months later. Lol. If it was me with this goal id pick up the FP71hta internally gated and not look back.

1g bov will do you well. You shouldn't need a external wastegate. Internal on the smaller ones works fine.

I'd get a wideband and boost for gauges. A pillar gauges are ok. I'm not a fan of them. The 2 in the cluster bezel is preferred for me.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Is the cluster bezel route easier or more difficult to install than the a-pillar route?
 
Take a look at my build. My car turned out to be about a 5 year project because I researched every last thing I bought for it. Keep in mind that inorder to keep it reliable you are gonna have to purchase quality parts. You get what you pay for. I didn't have a horsepower figure in mind nor did I care about a certain boost level. I just wanted it to be somewhat quick and reliable. I also based my parts purchases off of maybe down the road upgrading the turbo. Don't rush the process, it is worth it in the end. I just wish I had a GSX because once my turbo kicks in in second gear the freaking tires just spin.

If it makes any difference, the mechanic I go to around here is known as DSM Jesus and he told me I did a fantastic job piecing my stuff together.
 
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