n00b- Just bought 97 GST, TERRIBLE Gas Mileage, Upgraded Turbo?!

[arbalest]

I'm new to DSMs and Turbo cars in general. I got rid of my 4.0 Ranger for something that was fast and supposedly got good gas mileage... Besides I don't have dirtbikes to haul anymore.

Its a 97 Eclipse GST. 160xxxmiles, and runs fine... I just get TERRIBLE gas mileage. 18-19 Highway!

There are no Check Engine Lights or anything of the sort. The guy I bought it from just said he had a shop put a little larger turbo in after the original one's bearings went out. Other than that, it just has a K&N filter.


What the heck is going on? It occassionaly has a LITTLE idle problem at startup (in the freezing cold), other than that its fine.

The exhaust smells like its running rich as well...


Any ideas? Remember I'm new to turbos.


Thanks!

 

[arbalest]

I ordered a Boost Pro tester w/ gauge yesterday, so when it gets here its going down! haha


Anyways, I kind of just want to replace tubing/lines/gaskets... Is there a kit I can just buy to take care of that?

I also ordered a 1g BOV and Adapter so that will be taken care of.



Thanks everyone! I'm learning soo much from all of you.

 

[snowborder714]

Here's what I'm talking about... Something is definitely wrong.. Even if the stock boost gauge is not that accurate, it shouldn't be boosting @ idle should it?

The stock boost gauge is not just a boost gauge. It a vacuum/boost gauge. If you draw a horizontal line through it centered from top to bottom, that's where you have no vacuum or idle. Anything above that is boost and anything below that is vacuum. At idle, you will see vacuum, so that picture is normal.

But, as stated many times before, that gauge sucks. Get a real boost gauge (I suggest a 30 in. hg./30psi gauge) and then you'll be able to tell what's going on.

And just to show you that it's normal, here's a picture of my cluster at idle:

 

[numlock666]

Your lucky. When I first got my Talon with the original engine with 165K on the clock I was getting 10-12mpg . Then the 7bolt spun a bearing, and a built 6bolt went in with tons of new performance and mantainence stuff. Now it pulls even harder and I get and average of 20mpgs and thats driving like a maniac at 16lbs daily. If I granny it around town or highway cruise I can net 26-27mpg and by dialing it leaner for long trips I can average an upwards of 30mpg.

 

[arbalest]

Cool. Checkin out Boost Gauges as we speak.

First things first, i'm gonna find the leaks and replace BOV and O2 Sensor.. Just to cover my bases.

Then gonna do routine maintenance. THEN time for fun

 

[numlock666]

Best way to go, maintanince first before the performance. What good is a fast car if its always broken. Also the BOV is fine unless its the stock 2g platic one, if so get a 1g BOV if your on a budget. Usually can be had for around $30 on ebay, or $90 new. And take the 2G one and burn it for ever being made. Things to check, O2 sensor, knock sensor, boost leaks, pre-turbo exhaust leaks (seafoam works great for this), timing belt (when was it last changed) and all that stuff under the timing cover, spark plug NGK BPR6ES gapped to .028-.031, plug wires, vac lines, all fluids and oils. And lastley Muffler bearing and headlight fluid !!

PS: Kidding about the last two. Actually had a Jiffy lube guy tell me I needed a new muffler bearing becuase I was feeling lazy and decided to pay someone else to do it. Need I say that when he told me that, I hopped back in my car, bought some oil and filter and did it myself.

 

[arbalest]

Best way to go, maintanince first before the performance. What good is a fast car if its always broken. Also the BOV is fine unless its the stock 2g platic one, if so get a 1g BOV if your on a budget. Usually can be had for around $30 on ebay, or $90 new. And take the 2G one and burn it for ever being made. Things to check, O2 sensor, knock sensor, boost leaks, pre-turbo exhaust leaks (seafoam works great for this), timing belt (when was it last changed) and all that stuff under the timing cover, spark plug NGK BPR6ES gapped to .028-.031, plug wires, vac lines, all fluids and oils. And lastley Muffler bearing and headlight fluid !!

PS: Kidding about the last two. Actually had a Jiffy lube guy tell me I needed a new muffler bearing becuase I was feeling lazy and decided to pay someone else to do it. Need I say that when he told me that, I hopped back in my car, bought some oil and filter and did it myself.

. Muffler bearing! Never heard that one before... Blinker and headlight fluid a lot!

Anways, I picked up the 1g BOV from the classifieds, and an adapter off ebay. So BOV - CHECK.

Just picked up an Autometer BOOST/VACUUM 30/30 gauge + install kit from someone off this site... so CHECK

Boost Leak Tester should be here next week -- Check

O2 sensor will order next week.



Kid i bought it from SWEARS the timing chain was just changed, but I don't trust it. Gonna do the whole thing... save me $$$ in the long run!

 

[snowborder714]

Kid i bought it from SWEARS the timing chain was just changed, but I don't trust it. Gonna do the whole thing... save me $$$ in the long run!

Did he call it a timing chain or is that your doing? Because if it was him, then I definitely wouldn't trust him as we don't have a timing chain. We have a timing belt.

If it was you, then this is just for future reference.

 

[arbalest]

Did he call it a timing chain or is that your doing? Because if it was him, then I definitely wouldn't trust him as we don't have a timing chain. We have a timing belt.

If it was you, then this is just for future reference.

Ooops.. well we both did. But i knew it was a timing BELT, just didn't say it.

I'm used to talking about my old toyota... timing chains.


Either way, I'm changing it.

 

[numlock666]

Talk about timing belts, not to be off topic but, Road Race sells a Timing Belt ...wait for it....BELT!! HAHA Its a old mitsu timing belt, with a buckle on it to hold yer pants up!

 

[snowborder714]

Here's a VFAQ on doing a timing belt job if you need it:
http://www.vfaq.com/mods/timingbelt-2G.html