Ready for upgrades =]

[Sukhoi37]

Ok, been reading this forum for quite a while and I figured it's about time to start posting questions about upgrading my car a bit. I have a 96 Eclipse GS, 5sp, all stock, and I would like to replace a few components before I start upgrading. I have a decent knowledge and experience in mechanics, my concerns are as follows;

1. When I am at low speeds (high 1st-low/mid 2nd) and either go over a speed bump or turn a corner I hear a clank-type of noise from the front driver side. I removed the tire and the hub/axle feels tight so I'm guessing it's a control/suspension problem..

2. How difficult is it to replace the timing belt? Fuel Injectors?

3. Am I the only DSM owner who sports Tiburon rims?

4. Suggestions for nice all season tires (up to $130 each), I need something that handles well in the rain. I had NeoGens and they lasted about 3 months, I have Falken ZE-912 and they are nice but don't handle the rain all to well.

Suggestions to any of my concerns are appreciated.

Thanks
-Crisiz

 

[Tfitch90]

As for tires check Tire Rack. As for the rims not my cup of tea but its not my shit. As for timing and injectors I would get the haynes or chiltons books in autozone whatever they are get one. Its not hard at all. The car is pretty clean looking I wouldnt start throwing parts at it. I bet if you do you get bored with it because its not going to be a major difference.

 

[turbodude]

To help answer some of your questions:

1) Could be a variety of things without hearing the exact noise it's actually making in person. Is it possible for you to do an audio recording/ video of it? i had a problem with a noise coming from under the hood, and a recording of it has helped other hear my grief and give me better solutions.

2) Not that difficult at all as long as you got some mechanical know-how and comfortable with tools, just make sure to get a manual for your car to use as a guide, take your time since it is your first attempt and finally, ask question's if you get stuck. People who have done it before on here would be happy to help. As long as it's not a question such as how do i remove the timing gear cover. we will then point and laugh. j/k

3) Have not personally seen another DSM with tiburon wheels, so cant really answer that one. can i ask why?

4) There are allot of decent tires out there for that price range. I have always been a toyotire fan. I' running T1-R's right now and love them. Little out of your price range though and they are summer tires. I would go with Toyo Proxy-4's which are in your range and all season. But that's just me.

 

[Sukhoi37]

Thanks, I tried to do an audio recording but it didn't work out so well, I will have to get my buddy's dad to take it for a ride. As for the rims, when I bought the car it had some body damage on the passenger side so he threw in the tiburon wheels (with generals, I replaced with the nitto). I sold the stock eclipse wheels and tires for 500, I like the look, Tibb owners always do a double-take
I was stuck between yoko or toyo, but I keep hearing yoko's are kinda soft.

 

['97boostinGST]

How did NeoGens last you only 3 months??

 

[Sukhoi37]

I have no idea, I bought them in march and by mid june (rotated in the beginning of may) they didn't hold very well in the rain above 45mph and i'm not an aggressive driver at all.

 

[Nasty Dream]

I had NeoGens and they lasted about 3 months,

Just get Wal-Mart Goodyear. Mine are 11 years old, and if I don't let them dry rot, will last another 11. The rear tread looks brand new.

Think you might want to do a weight reduction on your car too, it helps a lot probably.

Problem is, Wal mart (at least 11 years ago) doesn't carry any unusual tire sizes; only stock OEM type sizes.


I paid $220 each for tires once and they lasted about 3 months as well. Don't buy into the "super grip Hi P. tires", maybe they just suck and are overhyped & overpriced?

Also, stop spinning the tires? It's not good for the drivetrain.