What Eclipse Do I Buy?!?!

[teauxbee]

Okay, so here's the situation. I totaled my last car so now I'm driving a truck, blah blah blah. What I'm looking to do is get either a 2G RS(nt), GS, GS-T, GS-X or a 3G GT. I'm really hung up on what car to choose though. I know I want one of these, but in my last car I would street race and as I am not entirely familiar with these cars; I need some input. Now, I want to go fast, and doing an engine swap would be no problem as long as it's not an insane amount of money (but a little is okay, aside from the buying of the engine of course.). I pretty much am just straight up wondering; What one of these cars goes or has the potential to go the fastest and is just all around the better bargain/bang-for-buck. I'd also be putting a turbo and other upgrades on whatever engine I'd be getting. The first conclusion I jumped to was to put an Lancer or EVO engine in an eclipse, but there's many many mixed "facts" on that so maybe we could clear some of that up to. Thanks you guys!

 

[RadDsm]

Street racing is stupid, and a later Evo swap is stupid. The 4g63 is a very capable engine.

If you want AWD, buy a GSX. If you want FWD, buy a GS-T.
Avoid N/T's and the 3G like aids.

 

[Eagle96TalonTSi]

The most "Bang for your buck" would be a 1g AWD (GSX or TSi AWD or AWD laser). Dont go with a 3rd gen, as that is not a DSM, and the car looks fking ###, and dont go with a N/T because youre going to be one of those guys posting "HOU DO EYE MAYKE MOAR POWAR NON TERBO" threads and everyones going to tell you to sell it and buy a turbo model, or spend more money than its worth to turbo it, which isnt going to do you nearly as good as a 4g63 turbo.

Best way to go would be a 2g Eclipse GSX or 2g Eagle Talon TSi AWD, however they are the most expensive and most rare to find, especially virgin. However, they are the best of both worlds. Newer parts, awdt 4g63 and generally a newer-in-better-shape car, UNLESS you get extremely lucky and find a clean 1g

If youre in a rush to find a new car, might as well look into other cars unless you REALLY want a DSM... I searched for 8 months for an AWD and ended up settling with a clean fwd. My brother searched over 6 months for his car, but found a cherry 97 GST with 70k bone stock. Its worth the wait if youre willing to have patience.

I will say, if you cannot find an AWD, do not be disheartened. As long as you have a turbo 4g63 youre gonna have fun. I settled for a fwd and let me tell you, its PLENTY quick. Dealing with wheel spin in 1st, 2nd kinda sucks but hey, its bittersweet I guess. Another brother of mine owned a 2.3 stage 3 GSX and seems like he was fixing shit on it every weekend due to close to 400 horsepower and high torque from the 2.3 with all 4 tires on the ground, just too much stress I guess. So a FWD is easier and cheaper to maintain IMO.

Sum it up w/ Most Bang For Your Buck

1. 1g (90-94) Eclipse GSX, Talon TSi AWD, Laser AWD
2. 2g (95-99) Eclipse GST, Talon TSi
3. Eclipse GSX, Talon TSi AWD
4. DONT BUY A 3rd gen if youre straight.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Get a awd and be done with it, then you have your platform for whatever street, track, auto x or whatever.

 

[Eagle96TalonTSi]

Get a awd and be done with it, then you have your platform for whatever street, track, auto x or whatever.

Easier said than done

But he is right. GL on your search!

I would utilize craigslist, autotrader, ebay, and your local DSM forums if I were you.

 

[Diamond Star Werks]

Just get a fwd. 2g Gst>Gsx. Fwd: faster, lighter, more agile, better!:thumbup:

 

[teauxbee]

See, the only reason I was wanting an NT, is because I was told it'd be a somewhat easier engine swap, for the evo engine, than a lot of other cars. Yeah, I live up here in Washington and I don't have a problem finding AWD's AT ALL, it's just a matter of what problem they have and price.

 

[turbolover10]

The most "Bang for your buck" would be a 1g AWD (GSX or TSi AWD or AWD laser). Dont go with a 3rd gen, as that is not a DSM, and the car looks fking ###, and dont go with a N/T because youre going to be one of those guys posting "HOU DO EYE MAYKE MOAR POWAR NON TERBO" threads and everyones going to tell you to sell it and buy a turbo model, or spend more money than its worth to turbo it, which isnt going to do you nearly as good as a 4g63 turbo.

Best way to go would be a 2g Eclipse GSX or 2g Eagle Talon TSi AWD, however they are the most expensive and most rare to find, especially virgin. However, they are the best of both worlds. Newer parts, awdt 4g63 and generally a newer-in-better-shape car, UNLESS you get extremely lucky and find a clean 1g

If youre in a rush to find a new car, might as well look into other cars unless you REALLY want a DSM... I searched for 8 months for an AWD and ended up settling with a clean fwd. My brother searched over 6 months for his car, but found a cherry 97 GST with 70k bone stock. Its worth the wait if youre willing to have patience.

I will say, if you cannot find an AWD, do not be disheartened. As long as you have a turbo 4g63 youre gonna have fun. I settled for a fwd and let me tell you, its PLENTY quick. Dealing with wheel spin in 1st, 2nd kinda sucks but hey, its bittersweet I guess. Another brother of mine owned a 2.3 stage 3 GSX and seems like he was fixing shit on it every weekend due to close to 400 horsepower and high torque from the 2.3 with all 4 tires on the ground, just too much stress I guess. So a FWD is easier and cheaper to maintain IMO.

Sum it up w/ Most Bang For Your Buck

1. 1g (90-94) Eclipse GSX, Talon TSi AWD, Laser AWD
2. 2g (95-99) Eclipse GST, Talon TSi
3. Eclipse GSX, Talon TSi AWD
4. DONT BUY A 3rd gen if youre straight.

Couldn't have said it better myself get a 4g63T and you wont be dissapointed!

 

[teauxbee]

Aren't I going to get more traction and agility with an AWD? Maybe even speed?

 

[mchustle]

2g gsx or gst is what I would go with. GSX would be my first choice for the AWD, but if you cant find one you can always get a FWD GST and do a AWD swap later on. My GST is fun but traction is non exisitent most of the time. I will also tell you to pass on a DSM if you are looking for a DD, they can be reliable when done right but usually they are beat to death and it takes a while to get them dd ready. Good luck with your choice and stop street racing thats just stupid, take it to the track where you get a slip to prove you have power.

 

[teauxbee]

Oh, I wouldn't drift it. I'm not really a drifter. Haha. Also, isn't there a really common "walking crankshaft" problem?

 

[mchustle]

See, the only reason I was wanting an NT, is because I was told it'd be a somewhat easier engine swap, for the evo engine, than a lot of other cars. Yeah, I live up here in Washington and I don't have a problem finding AWD's AT ALL, it's just a matter of what problem they have and price.

Get the evo swap out of your head it is a stupid thing to do, they only pros to it are you get to waste a lot of money and make a lot less power than you could have been making had you put that time and money into a GSX.

AWD doesnt really make more power, stock is probably less honestly, it just puts more power to he ground.

 

[Eagle96TalonTSi]

See, the only reason I was wanting an NT, is because I was told it'd be a somewhat easier engine swap, for the evo engine, than a lot of other cars. Yeah, I live up here in Washington and I don't have a problem finding AWD's AT ALL, it's just a matter of what problem they have and price.

You are fortunate in being up north, as the weather will attract more AWDs.

The downside of that same factor is that it will cause rust in a car, and rust spreads like cancer. Im not even kidding. Dont be one of those guys asking how to cure rusted out holes in your floor, because there is no cure. It turns into straight dollar signs as the rust will have to be cut out and replaced. When you go to look at a car, you have to not only search for the regular symptoms of DSMs, but the rust factor as well. Id search under the car first, then motor bay, behind the headlights, ect ect.

And dont swap an evo motor into a 2g, like someone already said, the 4g63 is PLENTY strong enough platform to go however crazy you want to go. Even with stock internals youre good up to 300-400 hp if done right imo.

 

[mchustle]

Oh, I wouldn't drift it. I'm not really a drifter. Haha. Also, isn't there a really common "walking crankshaft" problem?

DD=Daily driver

Crank walk is nothing but a highly exaggerated thing that ive seen happen with proof twice. If that is a scare for you 6bolt swap it or get a 98-99.

 

[Eagle96TalonTSi]

Oh, I wouldn't drift it. I'm not really a drifter. Haha. Also, isn't there a really common "walking crankshaft" problem?

Yes crankwalk is possible in the 95-96, and maybe 97 model 2Gs I know for sure. I have not done the research for crankwalk in a 1g so i cannot speak on that.

I know in 1998+ they fixed that problem though, so if that is worrying you, try to find a 98+

And AWD does not mean more power, it means traction. In a FWD you will learn as soon as you start making even DECENT power, youre going to spin the tires. AWD, there is no spin and all of your power goes down on the pavement, thus putting your ass straight in your seat. Its nice. VERY nice, .

 

[11Banger]

1g or 2g..

Awd or bust imo

 

[gieri002]

It sounds like all you want is a fun project, you could always buy a spyder gst and swap it to awd. I love mine.

 

[jjw205]

Just get a fwd. 2g Gst>Gsx. Fwd: faster, lighter, more agile, better!:thumbup:

^Yea, says the guy with a 2G GST. Once you get over ~300hp at the wheels, the "faster" and "more agile" goes out the window. Yea, the FWD is fine if you are on a small turbo at moderate boost levels, but up the power, and you will be wishing you had traction to all 4 wheels. Yea, its about 200lb heavier. But when you have more power, little weight isn't as noticeable. Pretty sure a 350hp GSX would embarrass a 350hp GST (with stock trans) at the strip, at the track, etc.

Hands down.

 

[Eagle96TalonTSi]

^Yea, says the guy with a 2G GST. Once you get over ~300hp at the wheels, the "faster" and "more agile" goes out the window. Yea, the FWD is fine if you are on a small turbo at moderate boost levels, but up the power, and you will be wishing you had traction to all 4 wheels. Yea, its about 200lb heavier. But when you have more power, little weight isn't as noticeable. Pretty sure a 350hp GSX would embarrass a 350hp GST (with stock trans) at the strip, at the track, etc.

Hands down.

Negative, on the highway we are both created equal.

Edit:

 

[11Banger]

Either way have it be a gst or a gsx you won't be dissapointed


I have a 35r Awd & my buddy has a 20g gst, I would own either one as they are both fun to be in

 

[ICM_MikeLago]

I have had a 95 GST FWD and 96 TSI AWD in the past at the same time. Personally I preferred the AWD. After I sold them off I went though a few other vehicles, but nothing ever kept my interest. Now I have come back to a 98 GSX AWD. As for crankwalk, preventative measures I have taken include disengaging clutch start switch, no crazy pressure plate, and replacing the thrust bearing when desired. There is a possibility of it still occurring, but it has never happened to me yet. If it ever does happen I plan on changing the bottom block to an EVO 2.4, because I hear the 1G 6-Bolt has the same issue just not as common. Until then I am postponing any major powertrain modifications.

Personal DSM Upgrade Priority List:

1. Maintenance
2. Suspension
3. Engine Management
4. Fuel
5. Ignition
6. Bolt-On Modifications
7. Internals

Previously Owned Project Vehicles:

• 95 GST FWD
• 96 TSI AWD
• 75 Chevy C10 /w SBC 350
• 75 Datsun 280Z /w SBC 383 Stroker Swap
• 96 Mazda Miata /w Full Spec Suspension

 

[92AWDHX40]

Ive had all three and have a awd love it, i love the feeling of a awd i hate fwd wheel hop. Suspension is next for a great street dd, car is the goal, handling is a big part to me. Got mine cheap of craigs lists, so it depends on you goals and budget having awd i would never go back to anything else but my awd.

 

[Bud92gsx]

Okay, so here's the situation. I totaled my last car so now I'm driving a truck, blah blah blah. What I'm looking to do is get either a 2G RS(nt), GS, GS-T, GS-X or a 3G GT. I'm really hung up on what car to choose though. I know I want one of these, but in my last car I would street race and as I am not entirely familiar with these cars; I need some input. Now, I want to go fast, and doing an engine swap would be no problem as long as it's not an insane amount of money (but a little is okay, aside from the buying of the engine of course.). I pretty much am just straight up wondering; What one of these cars goes or has the potential to go the fastest and is just all around the better bargain/bang-for-buck. I'd also be putting a turbo and other upgrades on whatever engine I'd be getting. The first conclusion I jumped to was to put an Lancer or EVO engine in an eclipse, but there's many many mixed "facts" on that so maybe we could clear some of that up to. Thanks you guys!

Street racing in the forums is not allowed at all..Dont put the words "street racing" in any of your posts from now on please,

It all depends on what you want to do with the car..Obviously starting with a turbo model it will have more potential.But there are many factors..Initial cost, maintenence, ETC, ETC.

So you need to weight out the pros and cons of turbo model, vs n/t..Figure out your budget, will help you decide what vehicle to go with as well.

The only "EVO" direct motor swap would be a 2g non turbo model, and swapping in an evo 4-9 motor..Otherwise, the turbo models are basically a soft version of evo 1-3 motors..We obviously didnt get the evo 1-7 here in the states..So I think also some reading may be in store for you, before you buy anything.

 

[greydelta38]

Whatever you do, DO NOT buy a 3G or a 95-96 Eclipse. The 3G are ugly and slow, and don't take well to modding, and the 95-96 Eclipse is prone to crankwalk much more than other DSMs, if you don't take immaculate care of them.

A 1G Talon or Eclipse will be a great project car. In my opinion, I think they aren't exactly beautiful, but they're good cars, and a lot easier to modify and work on than 2G DSMs.

As for the 2G, never buy an NA. A turbo model is the best way to go. They cost a little more to run and upkeep, but are definitely worth it in the long run, and are vastly quicker. If you want a slightly faster drag time, get a GSX. It has a lot more grip, and is easier to control on wet road and lack of grip. If you want a lighter, more agile car, get a GST. I chose a GST solely for the fact that it was so difficult to find a GSX in good shape, so it's more personal preference. They are equally excellent vehicles.

And lastly, whatever you do, please, please, PLEASE don't rice your car. DSMs are much too beautiful and powerful to be decked out with neon and useless aluminum spoilers.

Good luck. They aren't always easy to find in good shape. Watch out for kids who tear them up trying to act like The Fast and the Furious.

 

[Bud92gsx]

Whatever you do, DO NOT buy a 3G or a 95-96 Eclipse. The 3G are ugly and slow, and don't take well to modding, and the 95-96 Eclipse is prone to crankwalk much more than other DSMs, if you don't take immaculate care of them.
QUOTE]



Where are you getting this info you just stated? Any dsm can be prone to crankwalk, even 6 bolt auto cars..Crankwalk is really not as common as you would think..Even tho crankwalk probably comes up about twice a day in the forums.