New Project Car 2-1-2010

[Newbie1]

Ok, So I know your first reaction is going to be to redirect me to the "First upgrades to do" FAQ, but unfortunately that link is dead!

Here's the deal.

Friend of mine just got a 99 Eclipse GS-T Spyder. He got it as an inheritence, as his uncle just passed away and had purchased but never modified. He has about $10,000-$12,000 USD to put into it and his aim is to turn this car into a summer toy. Budget could increase if he is sold on the value of the purchase. I think the most he'd put into it would be around $15,000. Speed/Performance are important, but he is not looking to "run 12s" or anything too serious. This is more to be a summer car that he drives around with the top down, but can also stand up for itself if need be.

The car's shape:

EXTERIOR-
Car has been sitting outside for 9 months only being run once or twice.

The car's paint job is in decent shape (I'd give it a 7/10), but is silver and has some rock chips etc. He wants to get a paint job from Maaco, and they quoted him $1400.

The convertible top is in great shape on the outside, but poor shape on the inside. It will need to be replaced. We found some OEM-like convt tops with the Glass windows and defroster for $618.

Wheels are going to be replaced. Gonna go with something much more aggressive than the stock Mitsubishi wheels that came on it. Something larger, as well.


INTERIOR-
The seat's leather is starting to crack a tiny bit and the seams are tearing, showing some padding underneath. New seats will need to be purchased, and I dont think he wants the standard Sparco racing seat. I think he wants something that looks closer to OEM...possibly with heaters and power seating, if its not too much trouble.

Carpet on the interior is rough. It is stained and torn in places. Needs to be replaced, but I heard you can get carpet kits that are pre-cut for your specific car.


MECHANICAL-
Again, the car has been sitting outside for 9 months at least, possibly more. I know a lot of mechanical work will need to be checked because of the amount of time it's been sitting, but upgrades will be done almost immediately, so we want to avoid replacing a part that will just be upgraded as well.

Any information regarding what we should check first, as well as what we should upgrade first would be great. Again, I know there is a guide to this, but the link is not working at this time, and I am getting conflicting advice from the "expert" friends that I have.



We don't know very much about this area and honestly I think we are both about as green as could be. Any advice that you may have in any of these 3 areas would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks guys.

 

[black_clipse]

First thing that needs to be done is maintenance. I know it's not glamorous, but w/o it, that spyder would look nice and go nowhere . I just picked up a GSX a few weeks ago and it had been sitting quite a while also. Timing belt, water pump, balance shaft belt (or remove it completely), accessory belts, tires (if it's been sitting for a while, they're probably dry-rotted), and change all fluids.

After that, I'd definitely work on the body. New top, new carpet (can be found on eBay & MachV). You can look for a pair of power seats, but if you don't want those, I'd go for a set of Evo 8 or 9 Recaro's. As far as the paint goes, I'd avoid Maaco. Having had a few parts done by them on a couple of my older cars, I'd never go there again.

That should get you started for now, and someone with a little more knowledge can chime in exactly what mods would be best for you once all maintenance is done (I'm still learning myself when it comes to the 4g63). Good luck!

 

[chinola69]

This is hard to reply too if you don't say what your goals are with the car. If you just want a nice car to cruise leave it as is and do maintenance. If you want a little speed with your look keep it simple by upgrading the turbo to maybe to a 16g do the typical 3in exhaust, downpipe, bigger fuel pump and maybe a FMIC not necessary but come on it looks cool. Punishment racing sells a nice one. Get yourself a boost gauge and wideband 02 sensor, you can also keep the fuel management simple with a 3in GM maf and translater. Get yourself some deciet coilovers and tires and you should be good.
Now if you want some real power you could do the 6 bolt swap cause 7 bolt have the issue of crankwalk. You can google crankwalk and can read up on it.