2G What to do to make 300whp

[Master Z]

Recently bought a ‘97 GST. 100% stock and in good shape. My goal is to build it to 300whp someday.
Never modded any car in my life I’m litteraly starting mecanic with this car, I bought it to learn and have fun with it. What should I do to get it at 300whp?

My stock turbo is 12psi, and I was thinking about putting it at around 14-15 psi cause I want to keep the car a while without blowing anything while modding it. I read a couple things and so far here are the things I would change, correct me or add things if I’m wrong.

New air filter, cold air intake, new megan racing exhaust system with catback, new injectors, new sparkplugs, new intercooler with aluminium piping, upgrade the tranny (but idk what to do to it). With these mods and a 15psi turbo, at how many hp should I be? And would things blow or it will handle it?

Is there anything else I could do, I’m open to all suggestions and tips I want to learn and do a proper and clean build that won’t make my rare well maintained and stock eclipse clapped out.

 

[CrackedDSM]

This question has been answered an absolute ton. There are guide paths and walkthroughs for just this question on this very website.

Not being rude, just stating a fact. With that said I’m gonna vaguely answer your question and let you research more to fill in the finer details.

1) do maintenance first even if you’ve been told it’s been done. Check belts, check fluids, make sure nothing leaks. Compression test, new NGK BR7ES plugs gapped to .028”. Make sure wires are new or in good condition. O2 sensors, etc. Also invest in a quality higher capacity clutch like the southbend kit from TMZ Performance, or ACT. Avoid eBay. You’ll need a stronger clutch for more reliable power production.

2) monitoring devices. You need a boost gauge, wideband o2 gauge at a minimum. Oil pressure or water temp or both would be my preference of remaining mandatory gauges but that’s just me.

3) once you have the two above me, invest in ECMLink. This is non-negotiable and a requirement for any kind of modded DSM over 200ish whp.

4) once you’ve got those, easy part is last. 16G, bigger injectors and fuel pump, FMIC of decent quality, upgraded recirculating BOV(stock one sucks), 19-21lbs of boost safely tuned with your ECMLink, done deal.


You’re gonna need traction mods with 300hp from a 16G on a FWD but that’s for future you to solve.


Again, next time research just a little bit more before asking questions. Not everyone is nice like me and will answer your question. Once you’ve done everything I’ve told you IN ORDER OF LISTED, and you’ve got more nuanced questions feel free to make another thread after you’ve searched your problems.

 

[CKOPOCT]

As Cracked said - in that order. With a 30yo car, stuff is tired and you need to ensure your maintenance is up to date.

When considering wanting to get to 300hp, think of it like if you wanted to have a ground-shaking bass thumping sound system; the stock stereo won't get you there. You'd need new speakers, a new amp, better wiring, a new head unit, dedicated circuitry, and possibly a more powerful alternator. The same is true in trying for ground-shaking horsepower. The car from the factory wasn't designed to make 300hp, so all of the power-making components will need to be changed - ems, fuel delivery, metering and sensors, turbo, charge temp control... The engine internals will be okay (crank, pistons, rods, head), provided they aren't tired and worn out. I'd recommend a compression test and compare the numbers to ensure you're working with a solid power plant. That should be done along with your basic maintenance.

There are many combi ations and methods to get you to 300hp, so as Cracked said, research on here and ask targeted questions. We are happy to answer them.