Starting my first 96 Eclipse RS project - Need some guidance

[Andrew Lateralus]

Bought my 96 Eclipse RS with a 97 420a swap from a guy in "working" condition a few months ago and now it leaks coolant from what I believe is the head gasket. That was before I found out the fan connection was bad causing my radiator to explode as well(so both the HG and the radiator). And even before that, my lower ball joint on the driver side seized, snapped, and broke my CV along with it(luckily I was 50ft away from my driveway).

SO, I've decided to see if I can replace the head gasket myself and pretty much tear everything out and replace it with parts I know are going to work, especially the ENTIRE front end, because the guy who sold me the car told me he had most front end parts replaced as well as the engine being rebuilt(boy was that a f***ing lie).

Money is not really tight, but I'd like some suggestions on what kind of new parts I should buy for it(intake manifold/exhaust/shocks/sway bar/etc) and what I should expect when I attempt to replace my head gasket.

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[dsmcrzy]

What are your goals for the car? Do you wanna keep it NA or do you wanna boost it?

 

[Andrew Lateralus]

I'd like to keep it NA for the originality.

 

[dsmcrzy]

Has the coolant mixed with the oil at all? If so your best bet is to take everything out, clean and do a proper rebuild. If not you might be able to get away with replacing the head gasket.

I would take the head to a machine shop to make sure it's still flat. If it's not you will just be doing it over again.

One thing I did, that I love, was ditched the hydraulic tensioner for a mechanical one. They have the kits on rockauto with the timing belt and new idler pullies.

Another route is to go with a 2.4l Chrysler engine. You can find some info on 2gnt.com but it's not a drop in and go. There is work to be done.

If you wanna keep the 420a, you can get high compression Pistons and stage 2 or 3 cams. That will help a bit. Another thing to think about is a proper way to tune. Megasquirt is the preferred option but if you have to pass emissions where you live it could get tougher.

 

[Andrew Lateralus]

I think I found the problem, my Thermostat Housing is cracked and need to buy a completely new one, found one on ebay in excellent condition and matches my part, will be here next week.