Newbie, looking for advices from this big DSM family

[nofear900mhz]

I'm new and I drive an automatic 99 eclipse, looking for advices to start building this car as a project but I don't have crazy money to spend... Open to all advices.

 

[donniekak]

For a n/t car i would just do basic intake, exhaust, and cosmetic mods to your taste. Going any further than that performance wise will cost you more than you paid for the car. If you want performance keep your 99 as a dependable daily driver and buy a blown up 1g awd to build up. It will end up being cheaper in the long run, and you'll have a car to drive when the turbo car breaks.

 

[nfernotalon]

^^^ agree, its not worth it in my opinion to put money in your n/a.

 

[chico904]

^^Exactly what he said. Any questions you will have, use the search feature on the site, as it has probably already been answered. I just checked out the picture of your car, and bro that is one of the cleanest looking molding jobs I have ever seen. Lower the car, and either get new headlights, or try to buff out your existing ones.

 

[nofear900mhz]

^^Exactly what he said. Any questions you will have, use the search feature on the site, as it has probably already been answered. I just checked out the picture of your car, and bro that is one of the cleanest looking molding jobs I have ever seen. Lower the car, and either get new headlights, or try to buff out your existing ones.

Thanks bro, it took a long time to get it there... I'm thinking in getting bigger wheels probably 19 instead lowering the car yet.

Do you know of any place where I could find the same headlights but new for a reasonable price ?

 

[chico904]

Thanks bro, it took a long time to get it there... I'm thinking in getting bigger wheels probably 19 instead lowering the car yet.

Do you know of any place where I could find the same headlights but new for a reasonable price ?

If you want the stock ones, you can sometimes find them on ebay, but your best bet is on the classifieds on here, or craigslist. If they are in decent condition though, the seller will most likely charge more than the cost of brand new projectors on ebay. I gave up the search a while ago for stock 97-99 headlights that weren't hazed, pitted, or missing mounting tabs, so I just went with ebay projectors.

 

[nofear900mhz]

I didn't mean that I don't want to spend money at all but I'm just looking for the smart way to do it, I believe if I do it in different steps I won't feel the hit as bad...

Unfortunately, buying another car is not an option because the car holds sentimental value to my spouse and she agreed only to upgrade this one.

 

[rEclipserGST]

Welcome to DSMtuners.

1. Read rules and Regulations
2. Read Tech threads: How to and Free mods
3. Look at Parts section to see what you might want to upgrade or buy
4. Look at the Classifieds section on here, Ebay, and Craigslist
5. Search on how to install the parts or mod your car

This site has basically EVERYTHING you might want to know. The site has been up for awhile, and has MANY already answered questions. There is a section on here that will answer anything you could think of.

That is a killer molding on that wide body kit. I def wouldnt upgrade your rims any bigger. They look like 18s. Another inch wont make a difference. Lowering the car with Lowering Springs will make your car look really mean. As well as Tinted Windows and Projector headlights.

Simple air intake, exhaust, coilovers and a short shifter. Thats all i can suggest for a N/A car. Have fun.

 

[zachsEVO3]

Ah sayz fudge it...you will never regret (safely) making your car faster and I doubt many on this forum would disagree.

If you have the patience to do every thing you want at an economical pace which is what my broke ass did (totally doable, totally worth it) I'd say be sure to "dot the i's and cross the t's" and yeah follow steps 1-5 above because this forum is mostly filled with those mistakes hahah. With those steps I knew er was inspired on what to look out for, what I wanted to/ NEEDED to change for my wallet and modding needs and how to get there.

And that is some super clean molding work.

 

[dsmproject1]

welcome, a 420a has its limitations unless $$ is not an issue for you, i'd say start up with regular maintenance, ebay short ram intake, with a K&N filter, ebay exhaust, and maybe a nice set of lightweight wheels it all depends what are your goals and budget,

 

[nofear900mhz]

I heard that it would be better if I drop a SRT4 engine, manual transmission & ECU on it... What do you guys think ?

 

[boostin92awd]

For the price of a srt4 engine,tranny,ecu and wiring harness you would be better off buying a 1g awd shell to build instead.

 

[1sttimedsmr]

i agree with most of the people here , just get a 1g (really cheap) and go from there. it will a lot cheaper than building your stock motor . and they have a lot more potential just don't get frustrated with the maintenance jobs you have to perform before building it for power. and again, WELCOME TO TUNERS

 

[1sttimedsmr]

oh yeah, there are a lot of mods you can do yourself with almost no money unless you are not mechanically incline at all. just you your search and you'll find out.

 

[BoredOutaMyMind]

I heard that it would be better if I drop a SRT4 engine, manual transmission & ECU on it... What do you guys think ?

Who is telling you this? You might as well buy an srt-4 if you are going to buy the entire powertrain. From the questions you are asking, and I mean no offense by this, but your auto-knowledge seems to be lacking for the goals you are setting yourself.

Take your time, focus on maintaning your car before trying to modify it. Your car might have some nice bodywork done to it, but you have to realize how much time and money is going to be spent before you can make 200+HP.

I'd say keep that car as a daily driver, and buy an AWD Turbo dsm so you can truly appreciate watching it sit in the garage with the hood open... Like many of us or atleast me -.-

 

[Dadowhip08]

well why would you drop a srt4 engine in it? there trans suck and you will run into a ton of problems its hard enough to do the swap to a 4g63t if you want to do something manger start with a trans swap from a junkyard or something. get exhaust and just turbo the 420a. you can easy get 250 out of it max maybe 500 if you get the right stuff and still willn't have traction so there isn't a point to have more then that.... Good luck...

 

[MilitaryTalon]

I agree with the above posts. I wanted a fast car and bought an SRT-4 hated it sold it and finally bought my 2g. Now I spend most of my free time in the garage with the hood up. Hell I've only driven it about 200miles since I got it 4 months ago. If speed is what you want you need a back up ride or plan on being stranded. power=breaking=money
Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[Robert503]

I'm new and I drive an automatic 99 eclipse, looking for advices to start building this car as a project but I don't have crazy money to spend... Open to all advices.

i don't know much about 420a's but i would to maintenance first, then cold air intake, exhaust, maybe short throw shifter? that should make it a good DD

edit:woops sorry its an auto

 

[fastasseclips95]

Intake, exhaust, nitrous, lowering springs, headlights, and some nice brakes. You will get some more speed, looks and stopping power. Fill out your profile incase you already have some things.