Turbo or N/A?

[HalfEclipse]

I am purchasing my first DSM this weekend. It is a 97 Eclipse with the 420a engine. With the purchase I am getting a 16g turbo from a gst. The problem is he isn't including the intercooler, oil cooler, oil lines, or manifold. I've heard that the t3 manifold will work with said turbo, but I wanted to be sure.

The second problem is the automatic transmission. I really would prefer to have a manual. Doing the swap shouldn't be difficult, but if I do this manual swap, I will probably have to sell the turbo to get more funds for it.

So the question lies: Automatic Turbo, or Manual N/A?

 

[Kapok6]

I am purchasing my first DSM this weekend. It is a 97 Eclipse with the 420a engine. With the purchase I am getting a 16g turbo from a gst. The problem is he isn't including the intercooler, oil cooler, oil lines, or manifold. I've heard that the t3 manifold will work with said turbo, but I wanted to be sure.

The second problem is the automatic transmission. I really would prefer to have a manual. Doing the swap shouldn't be difficult, but if I do this manual swap, I will probably have to sell the turbo to get more funds for it.

So the question lies: Automatic Turbo, or Manual N/A?

T-3 manifold will not work with an MHI turbo. You would need to get an adapter, and even then, I don't know how good of an idea that would be.

If you want a manual, buy a manual. I am willing to bet that the swap will be harder than you think it is.

If you are dead set on automatic turbo or manual n/a; I personally would rather have a turbo automatic car (my first dsm was turbo auto) than manual n/a. I am a turbo junkie though so my opinion is biased.

 

[HalfEclipse]

T-3 manifold will not work with an MHI turbo. You would need to get an adapter, and even then, I don't know how good of an idea that would be.

If you want a manual, buy a manual. I am willing to bet that the swap will be harder than you think it is.

If you are dead set on automatic turbo or manual n/a; I personally would rather have a turbo automatic car (my first dsm was turbo auto) than manual n/a. I am a turbo junkie though so my opinion is biased.

Thank you for the reply!

 

[LouieAWDTSi]

If you are looking at making some big power with less coin, get a 4g63 turbo CAR (gsx/gst or talon tsi) not a 420a car. You will have to dig into the motor with some BIG money if you expect to go fast with a 420a platform and its really not worth it when you can start with a proven motor such as the 4g63t. Search the forums, there's a ton of info on this. You might spend a couple grand or more to make 200hp in a 420a instead of buying a 200 hp car with a motor that can handle twice that at stock levels (4g63t). I could go on and on about this...but its been discussed many times and..im at work.

Also..I say auto for a drag car.
Manual for a street/strip car.
I've owned both as well in turbo models.

I say you wait..find a 4g63t car with the transmission you want in it.

GLuck

 

[DROPthatCLUTCH]

A 16g won't bolt up to a t3 manifold.
If you want a manual car then just wait and pick up a gsx. Trust me, there Is so much more potential with a 4g63t.

Sure, you can slap a turbo on a 420 and push 7 psi.(probably still won't make over 200whp) But you will be very limited unless you build the engine, which costs more money than it would to find a gsx. Not to mention the turbo 420 will still be slower than a 4g63.

So IMO, I wouldn't buy it man. Not worth the money/time/effort, especially if your gonna boost it and swap tranny...

Ultimately, just do what you wanna do though.

 

[Bud92gsx]

Wtf does auto/turbo or 5 speed n/a have anything to do with it.

You like auto's drive an auto, you like sticks drive a 5 speed.Simple right.

 

[DROPthatCLUTCH]

Wtf does auto/turbo or 5 speed n/a have anything to do with it.

You like auto's drive an auto, you like sticks drive a 5 speed.Simple right.

You missed the point

 

[Bud92gsx]

When do I not miss the point..

 

[Tyeler18]

If you haven't bought the car yet like you seem to mention, I'd rethink what you want to do with one if you buy one. If you want a good MPG daily driver- get the 420a. But if you plan on doing any sort of performance to the car get a gst at least (gsx if you can). Like stated the 420a is going to take way more work and money just to meet a stock what a full factory 4g63 can do.

 

[HalfEclipse]

Thanks for all the help! I'm sure I seem really dumb to you guys, but I'm new in learning about these kinds of cars. Ive only ever worked on n/a big block V8s from trucks and muscle cars. I intended on getting the car and just making it a manual trans because I like manuals. But the guy I'm getting it off of added in a turbo charger so I was wondering if i should stick with my intentions or would it be worth turbo charging. Also I presented those options because I wouldnt have enough money to do both for the car also needs some restoration to the body. And its sounding like turbo charging will require lots of mods to the 420 engine so its not wise to try it without having that much money to spend. But all your input is much appreciated!

 

[Bud92gsx]

You can add a turbo to the 420a cars and run 5-7 psi..Might be a tad of a hassle, but you'll have a turbo when done.

I would just drive a 420a car save on gas put that in my gst/gsx fund..But thats just me.

 

[VetoJuice]

A 420a to me is just a car to get around in.. though some have built and raced them I believe you're much better off starting with the 4g63 platform.
Especially as it seems you're not too familiar with them.

 

[LandSpeed-DSM]

Is this a DD or your only car at the moment?

 

[se7enine]

I would hold off and buy a manual if that's what you want, and if your looking
for turbo then buy 4G63 w/ AWD 5spd. If it needs body work also then your
going to spend more fixing and swapping in and out in the long run I would
think. Plus all the hunting down for parts and waiting, just seems like a hassle
that is avoidable. I did a 5spd swap on a 240SX and that was simple enough
but took a long time to hunt down and install piece by piece. I wish I would
have held out for a 5 spd but they are cheaper for auto.

 

[LandSpeed-DSM]

If you are trying to go for manual and turbo on the cheap, start with a platform that is turbo and manual to begin with.. or you will really regret it.

You are not doing yourself any favors if you buy an Auto 420A.. just because the guy waved a turbo under your nose in an attempt to sweeten the deal.

Especially if this car is for DD use.

 

[HalfEclipse]

The car wouldn't be my DD, only a summer car. I have two other vehicles so I thought of it as a project car. But you guys are right, it does seem like a hassle. I should start on a better foundation for what I want. I'm looking into other eclipses right now. Thanks a lot! I could've made a costly mistake

 

[Bud92gsx]

There has to be planty of starter 4g63 cars in Ohio..Keep looking on CL, youll find the one.

 

[reallyslowfwd]

sweet another user from shelby, good luck with your search

 

[AngelOfPassion]

Or you could do it like a boss.

If the 420a looks really good and has no mechanical issues, buy it for 1-1.5k, sell it for 3-4k, keep the turbo, buy a gsx with your hard earned money, and then... Wait for it... Put the 16g on the gsx.

Done day.

 

[99ECLIPSEGSXDSM]

Someone has to start reading... A lot...

 

[idkiliketurbos]

Just wait it out and buy what you actually want instead of just settling for something and trying to make it work. After helping my buddy turbo his 420a and seeing first hand how quickly that turbo killed the motor, i'd personally NEVER recommend anybody doing it without doing internals and having a proper tune. If you want a manual, don't buy an automatic. Wait, you will find something and be happy you waited for it.

 

[synthetek]

With the purchase I am getting a 16g turbo from a gst.

GSTs do not come with 16Gs, do you know if its a real MHI 16G? big, small, evo III?,it could even be a knockoff.

So the question lies: Automatic Turbo, or Manual N/A?

Someone giving you a 16G with a an NA eclipse does not put you anywhere near having a Turbo car, I would not even consider that in making my decision on what car to buy. Most 420a manifolds don't have a flange for a Mitsubishi turbo.

 

[RallyEclipse98]

I'll answer this question from a financial angle since that's what I'm best at...

1) Don't consider doing an ATX to MTX swap because there are MTX's available if you spend enough time looking and the swap will take you many hours and costs which are not worth it financially

2) Buy a MTX because they are better than automatic in literally every measurable way (cheaper to replace, use less fuel, rob less hp, etc.)

3) Creating a forced induction 420a makes no sense financially since it costs what you could buy 2 DSMs for after buying a NT and then putting a good turbo package together

4) Research saves you money. Learn about a car before you buy it.

Good luck!

 

[99ECLIPSEGSXDSM]

2) Buy a MTX because they are better than automatic in literally every measurable way.

Depends. In a turbo the autos are much stronger and dependable then the manuals

 

[RallyEclipse98]

Depends. In a turbo the autos are much stronger and dependable then the manuals

Well if you can measure "stronger and dependable" then, yes. But overall, manual transmissions are far superior when considering a daily driven car. Less fuel, cheaper to maintain, repair, replace, cheaper initial cost (new), more hp on tap factory..


Not to say auto's aren't good it's just from a financial aspect, go with a manual. Especially if the OP prefers one.