Just bought a 254hp GST. What Now???

[hevenz]

Hi, im new to the forums and to the dsm world. Im a 22 year old sales rep in wichita kansas, I was in the market for a new car and found a 1998 GST for sale with 83000 miles and a bunch of mod's. Normaly i decide against buying a moded car, but after many conversations with the seller i belived he knew what he was talking about...(still do) My last car was an 02 civic si, so i am really enjoying driving this car around town... here a list of what i have
Ported 14B Turbo,
> > Ported 2G exhaust Manifold,
> > Ported 2G O2 Housing,
> > Custom 2.5" press-bent exhaust from the O2 back
> > (Includes Flex section and Resonator),
> > Nakayama Dual-tip 2.5" High Flow muffler,
> > Greddy upper-intercooler hard pipe,
> > Greddy Type S Blow off valve,
> > Manual Boost Controller,
> > Walbro 255 Fuel Pump (not installed)
> > KYB AGX Adjustable shocks on the front,
> > Tokico shocks on the rear,
> > Ebiach Pro Kit Springs (1.75" drop),
> > Front Strut Tower bar,
> > Autometer Mechanical Boost Gauge,
> > Westach EGT Gauge, (installed, not working)
> > Keyless entry/Remote starter (installed, doesnt work)
> > VIS Carbon Fiber Evo-style hood.
> > Windows tinted at 35pct.

I have Dyno papers showing 254 hp's... Here is my question.... where do i go from here.... obviosly im not starting with a stock car ( and im thinking that i perhaps should have, because i know nothing about turbo's.. ) i have looked at the tech giude and im wondering should i start at stage 2? Please help i hate the fact that i bought a car that alread y has everything..... i want to spend some money so i can mod it too!!! Obviosly id like a lil more power

 

[16vdohcturboawd]

i have searched this forum and i have not found a clear answer. So at the risk of being flamed i shall ask my question.... Now EPROM ECU's only came in most 95's. So does a EPROM ECU do anything to increase hp? or is it only used in conjunction with dsmlink? If i get dsm link i guess i would need new injectors.... i plan on getting dsm link but not for a couple of months so should i wait on getting the eprom or would i benefit getting it now? Any advice from you dsm guys is greatly appreciated!

You need an eprom ecu to run with dsmlink, you dont need bigger injectors with dsmlink, but if you have bigger than 550s you will need dsmlink to control them. eprom does not increase hp.

this is a good way to find out if you have it or not.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229589&highlight=eprom+ecu

 

[UofACATS]

I've went from a 14b, 16g, v-trim, 50trim, hx35/40... It's a waste of money every time you buy a new turbo. If you buy ''small'' you're going to regret it when you want to upgrade again and see how much money you actually wasted.

I read this a lot. Personally, I disagree with the idea.

While you might have wasted money, you gained invaluable experience.

Upgrading is about the experience. I know what my car 'feels like' with a certain turbo, maybe I think I only want a evo16, maybe i'm wrong, but maybe i'm right?

Think of this advice for a sec, see if you agree.

"Hey, don't buy a car that you'll have to modify, it will just cost more. Instead, buy a (your goal) second car already built because it will ultimately. be cheaper." (And it WOULD be cheaper)

But, somehow, thats just not the point......

I say, mod as you see fit. However you want, its your car. If you're unsure, check dsmtuners.com.

Rant over, thanks for listening. Have fun with your mods

 

[UofACATS]

dsmlink. Learn the car and how to tune before....

+ 1

This is just great advice.

Check my profile. I bought all that crap with no tuning... It's a mistake, yes, but as long as it helps the next dude.. The other turbo car im building started with tuning

My last purchase was an LM-1 with aux-box, next up dsmlink.

 

[Strm Trpr]

Did the previous owner change the T-Belt and Balance Shaft Belt at or before 60k miles?
Tranny Lube should be replaced if not done already. I've heard great things about GM Synchro Mesh.
T-Stat Rad Cap are real easy ones to replace for piece of mind.
PCV Valves always get fouled up. Always buy oem even the t-stat and rad cap.
Replace the fuel filter if not done at 60k mi. OEM
New NGK BPR6ES's gapped to .028", with some new NGK or MSD Wires.
Hard intake such as this: <a href = http://www.extremepsi.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=16345&cat=476&page=1>Extreme PSI Intake</a>
An AFPR set to 43.5 psi base pressure with the 255 installed and rewired.
A new DP.
3" HF Cat if you can run without it cool.
This Kteller Exhaust Piping Kit is top notch I owned it for my GST and plan to buy it again for my GSX. <a href = http://www.kteller.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/23_35_42/products_id/354?osCsid=2b77ab1ea5696708741ae4691f2f5c1b>3" Mandrel Bent Stainless Exhaust Kit</a>.
I don't see anything about an upgraded clutch or a Quaiffe in your mod list?
Your power level is nearing the PITA Fwd 1 legged peelers with wheel hop.
Upgraded Motor mounts are always a plus. These will help with wheel hop.
Energy suspension bushings are night and difference in handling.
Also, there is an alternative to DSMLink.
It's ECU+ it does practically everything DSMLink does and I think a little more, and you don't need to spend the extra coin on an Eprom ECU, all you'd need is a laptop.
Oh, and don't forget to buy a Haynes Service manual if you didn't get one with the car, and there are others that you can use to do work on your car in conjunction with the Haynes manual.
Build yourself a boost leak testing device such as this: <a href = http://www.vfaq.com/mods/ICtester.html>DIY Boost Leak Tester</a>

I think that's enough, but there's always a lot more to make this car your own.
Welcome to the boards.....

 

[97_eclipse_gst]

if i were you id definetly go with dsm-link. You can gain so much power from tuning alone, and the car will run better. Dsm-link will not only give you more power now but will set you uo perfect for when you get a bigger turbo or add any more mods. good luck

 

[kazzam]

I have Dyno papers showing 254 hp's... Here is my question.... where do i go from here.... obviosly im not starting with a stock car ( and im thinking that i perhaps should have, because i know nothing about turbo's.. ) i have looked at the tech giude and im wondering should i start at stage 2? Please help i hate the fact that i bought a car that alread y has everything..... i want to spend some money so i can mod it too!!! Obviosly id like a lil more power

A good start would be a front mount intercooler. Then followed by some 680cc injectors (550 if you are on a budget) and a tunning device. Trade your 255 pump in for a 190. Get it all installed and take it to a reliable tunning shop to get it all tuned at 18-19psi. Then your clutch is going to blow up. You'll put in a clutch and most likely flywheel. Your motor mounts will break, so some polyurothane engine mounts/inserts would be needed. Then fall will roll around and the weather will get cold. You will eat through your tires very fast.
You'll be thinking "is all this worth it?". Then you will decide yes and change your exhaust and get a bigger turbo. how about a 50trim for those highway pulls And thats how the dsm story goes...

 

[nightspeed87]

Well everyone is right and entitled to their own opinions... My opinion is dont worry about modifying for a while you already got a fast car... First off Id go through any routine maintaince and service repair ( changing axles, tie rods, suspension, bigger brakes, spark plugs ) because you dont know what the other owner neglected so you always treat the car like he neglected everything. Also its not only about power, ppl havent yet mentioned suspension and braking, and durability.. Well the last guy mentioned the clutch, I would get an upgraded clutch first over everything because adding more power will only provoke the clutches demise sooner... Then def get the logger maybe even that before the clutch. And then before you go any further Get aquainted and used to your car first and learn it inside and out... Learn its intrincies, learn the flaws, learn how it handles in all weather conditions... Then once you know the car and drivin it for a good amount of time, then start doing what everyone else was telling you instead of jumping on the horsepower band wagon so quickly right after getting the car... I drove my car like 4 or 5 months before I did my first performance mod.
Too many ppl rushing into more power before priorities... Unless that is everyones priority.