2G Newbie questions about track/street suspension

[JKhaphora]

I just got a 97 GST and I'm trying to make a parts list but I don't exactly know what I need. I want to use my eclipse for weekend driving and track usage, and I want to stiffen up the suspension and make sure it's safe. What parts should I be looking at replacing/upgrading and do yall have any recommendations for specific brands to buy? Sorry if this isn't specific enough I just don't really have a clue what I need

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I would probably start with an Energy Suspension master bushing kit. You can buy a kit on RockAuto but other vendors have them as well. Install these first, and then see how it feels to determine next needed modification from there. At this point, the rubber components are possibly 27 years old and likely not performing as they should. Not only the new vs old factor, but polyurethane bushings can stiffen the ride a bit.

The next things to consider are the tires. You can have a perfectly refined suspension setup, but that will not serve it's purpose if you don't have tires than can grip. Get soft summer tires or high performance tires. Perhaps go with a wider size as well, if possible.

If you have good tires & bushings, I've found strut bars to be quite helpful. But only the steel ones. Aluminum strut bars are light but usually allow too much flex, in my experience.

1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2.0L L4 Turbocharged Master Bushing Kit | Shop Now at RockAuto

Suspension Parts and More for Your 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

 

[habitatguy187]

Check this out

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-dsm-upgrade-paths.486217/

….specifically this one

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-dsm-road-race-setup-guide.480195/

 

[JKhaphora]

I would probably start with an Energy Suspension master bushing kit. You can buy a kit on RockAuto but other vendors have them as well. Install these first, and then see how it feels to determine next needed modification from there. At this point, the rubber components are possibly 27 years old and likely not performing as they should. Not only the new vs old factor, but polyurethane bushings can stiffen the ride a bit.

The next things to consider are the tires. You can have a perfectly refined suspension setup, but that will not serve it's purpose if you don't have tires than can grip. Get soft summer tires or high performance tires. Perhaps go with a wider size as well, if possible.

If you have good tires & bushings, I've found strut bars to be quite helpful. But only the steel ones. Aluminum strut bars are light but usually allow too much flex, in my experience.

1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2.0L L4 Turbocharged Master Bushing Kit | Shop Now at RockAuto

Suspension Parts and More for Your 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

Thank you very much do you have specific struts you recommend or will any steel ones work?

….specifically this one

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-dsm-road-race-setup-guide.480195/

Thank you for the replies man both of these forums are very helpful

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Thank you very much do you have specific struts you recommend or will any steel ones work?

I'm not sure how many options there are but I assume not many. I currently use the DC Sports bars and like them. In the past I tried the Megan Racing bars but they're basically just aluminum strips that flex a bit.

 

[JKhaphora]

I'm not sure how many options there are but I assume not many. I currently use the DC Sports bars and like them. In the past I tried the Megan Racing bars but they're basically just aluminum strips that flex a bit.

Ok thanks I'll look into that one

 

[gsxitement]

Just want to chime in here. If you want to get the car on the race track for HPDE stuff and eventually move on to time attack or whatever, I would recommend messing with as little as possible. Yes, make sure the car is safe, but stuff that’s going to improve handling and things of that nature should be done as your experience grows. You want to start out with low power/low grip so you can learn the cars tendencies at lower speeds. Basic maintenance and safety check’s absolutely. But don’t start adding performance until you start getting seat time. You’ll become a better driver and the car will grow with your experience. Just my 2 cents.
Good luck! We need more DSMs on the road course!

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