where to start performance?

[jwq1992]

i have a stock 1996 eclipse gs with a 420a motor. my plans for my car is to build it up for autocross but it will also be my daily driver. i was just want your opinions on where i should start building my car up. it runs nice and no mechanical problems (as in nothing wrong with the suspension nor engine wise.)

trading it in for a gst/gsx/tsi and/or turboing it is out of the question. so basicly it would be an all motor car. was wondering as to how much horsepower i'd be looking at if i were to build an all motor 420a. i know it wouldn't be an extreme gain in horsepower (as in i know i wont be getting anywhere close to 250-300+)

recomended parts for suspension and engine wise would be appriciated.!!

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Start with maintenance.

 

[DSM_PWR]

^x2.

Then once you think you've got it covered

Do some research and start reading

http://www.dsmtuners.com/2g_dsm_non_turbo_upgrade_path

 

[dsmpat95]

If for autocross, get good tires. Dunlap star spec. Kumho xs. Hankook rs-3.
That will be your best first upgrade for autocross. After that alot of seat time.

 

[Shake_Zulla]

Ahh autox... my brother...
Tires is a good suggestion and probably should be on the top of your list but you need to know the rules and classes before buying the best autox tire out there. Reason being is if you buy too sticky of a tire then you will get stuck in a class with a bunch of heavy mod cars and get smoked. I would race the stock class for your first year and get a feel where you want to go. I'm rusty on the different classes but their should be a light mod class that allows for bolt ons and suspension with sway bar upgrades. Your best be is to get in touch with your local autox club and get a list of the different classes. If you don't understand we can help you out then.

This should get you started
http://autocross.com/autoc/started.htm
This should have the different classes
http://www.scca.com/

 

[my98gsx]

Performance is limited unless you boost it. I had a 95 RS back in the day. I did a header back exhaust, cold air intake, msd ignition coil and wires, unorthodox underdrive pulley, and short throw. It wasnt much of a gain though, sorry. I ended up switching to a GSX! But if you cant get rid of it, id go with a Hahn turbo kit. My friend has a pretty quick "Rs-T".

 

[jwq1992]

Start with maintenance.

i keep it pretty well maintained. change the oil ever 3,000 miles. rotate the tires when needed. replace all filters wheen needed. etc etc etc.

^x2.

Then once you think you've got it covered

Do some research and start reading

Tech Guide: 2G 420A Power Upgrades - DSMtuners

thanks bud. i forgot about that section all together.. any certain brands anyone would suggest.? especially for headers, cat and catback exhaust. i know i can get a gst exhaust if i wanted (because if will practicly bolt right up to it.) also suggestions for intakes what type (cold air vs short ram.) etc etc.

 

[Leonthefaded]

i keep it pretty well maintained. change the oil ever 3,000 miles. rotate the tires when needed. replace all filters wheen needed. etc etc etc.



thanks bud. i forgot about that section all together.. any certain brands anyone would suggest.? especially for headers, cat and catback exhaust. i know i can get a gst exhaust if i wanted (because if will practicly bolt right up to it.) also suggestions for intakes what type (cold air vs short ram.) etc etc.

Ebay:
CAI
Megan Racing SS Exhaust MAnifold with downpipe (Almost bolts right up)
Front and Rear Tower Strut Brace

Amazon:
NGK Spark Plug Wires
NGK spark Plugs
NRG Voltage Stabilizer
NRG Grounding wire Kit

Exhaust Shop:
Borla Universal Performace muffler (Oval offset in/out)
-Keep the rest of the exhaust systme stock

This is what I did mostly, and is only my opinion

 

[jwq1992]

Ahh autox... my brother...
Tires is a good suggestion and probably should be on the top of your list but you need to know the rules and classes before buying the best autox tire out there. Reason being is if you buy too sticky of a tire then you will get stuck in a class with a bunch of heavy mod cars and get smoked. I would race the stock class for your first year and get a feel where you want to go. I'm rusty on the different classes but their should be a light mod class that allows for bolt ons and suspension with sway bar upgrades. Your best be is to get in touch with your local autox club and get a list of the different classes. If you don't understand we can help you out then.

This should get you started
Getting Started in Autocross
This should have the different classes
The Sports Car Club of America - Home

well, lets just say i'm still trying to get started. i donno if there is any RIGHT around where i live, but a friend of mine was talking about it and is yet to give me a paper about it that talks about where its at and where to get the car inspected to be able to do it. but if it was legit autocross or just something friends of mine were to do with an empty parking lot (with permission of chorse.. )

Performance is limited unless you boost it. I had a 95 RS back in the day. I did a header back exhaust, cold air intake, msd ignition coil and wires, unorthodox underdrive pulley, and short throw. It wasnt much of a gain though, sorry. I ended up switching to a GSX! But if you cant get rid of it, id go with a Hahn turbo kit. My friend has a pretty quick "Rs-T".

as i said when i first posted my topic, boosting it is out of the question. because with all of the time and money spent into boosing a simple 420a which would still have nothing on a turbo 4g63 i may as well take it in and trade it in (sell it to get a gst/gsx.) but i can't do that seeing as this is my only mode of transportation to work and back. not to mention my cars no where worth as much as a gsx. (not a clean, solid, rustless and mechanicly sound one around here anyway.)

 

[codym]

How much of a budget are you on man ?

 

[Leonthefaded]

well, lets just say i'm still trying to get started. i donno if there is any RIGHT around where i live, but a friend of mine was talking about it and is yet to give me a paper about it that talks about where its at and where to get the car inspected to be able to do it. but if it was legit autocross or just something friends of mine were to do with an empty parking lot (with permission of chorse.. )



as i said when i first posted my topic, boosting it is out of the question. because with all of the time and money spent into boosing a simple 420a which would still have nothing on a turbo 4g63 i may as well take it in and trade it in (sell it to get a gst/gsx.) but i can't do that seeing as this is my only mode of transportation to work and back. not to mention my cars no where worth as much as a gsx. (not a clean, solid, rustless and mechanicly sound one around here anyway.)

With the simple bolt ons and some not so much bolt ons I didn't have more than 8 hours of my car being down so for yours being a dd and a weekend warrior someday that's pretty good imo.

Imo you should get a second dsm for your autoX build project.... Just saying, won't have to have to rush or worry about it being in the shop or having extended downtimes. Having a reliable dd while owning a dsm is awesome. Example me. My car is waiting on me to get the timing done, but I have my truck and my wires car need be.

 

[jwq1992]

@codym:

well, currently i have about $700 in the bank... i know that wont get me much but this of chorse would take progress and time to do.

@leon:

in a way i do have a 2nd vehicle.. (my dads 2001 sport trac) but i only used it in winter that way i wouldnt have to drive my car... and i have a 60+ mile drive to work every day so that being said, and the price of gas now'a day's, if i were to drive the truck while my cars being worked on (paying for parts as i went.) i wouldnt have ANY cash left to do much (if anything) to it.

 

[robtheturbopric]

If it were my car I would do, a full cold air intake, a cat back exhaust, eibach springs, short shifter, and motor mount inserts. This along with some decent tires would be a good place to start. But youll get a way better idea of whats going to fot your needs after you get out there and race at an event.

 

[codym]

+1 for savin up more money. I'm looking for a video right now of an "all motor " eclipse. I'll edit the link in when I find it.

Ok here she is, might be a little out of your budget range, but its def. All motor.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=/watch?v=q6u4Ae9gZyc&v=q6u4Ae9gZyc&gl=US

 

[jwq1992]

thanks guys.. i'm saving up all that i can to be able to build it up and 700 is all i have (including from tax income.) but should have more or so by the end of this summer. me and my dad do our best to keep it as maintained as possible but have to wait until both of our schedules meet up. (i need his help a majority of the time.. i'm not too.. "technical" when it comes to cars.. but i AM learning..)

and cody, the link you posted doesn't go directly to any video, it just goes to 5 choices of unrelated topic..

 

[codym]

Really ? Bastards.... Anyways it was a video of a v8 swap in an eclipse... Haha its still all motor! But seriously please don't go swapping a small block v8 in a DSM, its just degrading +1 on learning, I'm still quite new to the mechanical world, but learning quickly. And speaking of parents, I got my eclipse from my dad, who put neon (ewww) , and altezzas ( EWWW!!!!) The neon is gone, I unfortunately still have to look at the altezzas... Back on topic tho, for 700 bucks your pretty limited on a NA car. Since your still in the early stages of tuning and your not in too big of a rush, go buy a haynes repair manual for the eclipse, and read, and re read it. It'll help a lot when you need to repair stuff ( imagine that ) and give you just a good general know how. If you plan on going to a 4g63t, I would personally recommend "how to build max performance mitsu. 4g63t engines ". I bought it and have written down pages of notes that have been extremely helpful in many decisions I've made about which parts to select. Just my recommendations !

 

[jwq1992]

Really ? Bastards.... Anyways it was a video of a v8 swap in an eclipse... Haha its still all motor! But seriously please don't go swapping a small block v8 in a DSM, its just degrading +1 on learning, I'm still quite new to the mechanical world, but learning quickly. And speaking of parents, I got my eclipse from my dad, who put neon (ewww) , and altezzas ( EWWW!!!!) The neon is gone, I unfortunately still have to look at the altezzas... Back on topic tho, for 700 bucks your pretty limited on a NA car. Since your still in the early stages of tuning and your not in too big of a rush, go buy a haynes repair manual for the eclipse, and read, and re read it. It'll help a lot when you need to repair stuff ( imagine that ) and give you just a good general know how. If you plan on going to a 4g63t, I would personally recommend "how to build max performance mitsu. 4g63t engines ". I bought it and have written down pages of notes that have been extremely helpful in many decisions I've made about which parts to select. Just my recommendations !

really.? ,that would have been f.a.s. to see.. and thanks, i dont know a whole lot, but i know some (if not mainly) the basic stuff. i took up small engine repair (hmmm..would a 420a be considered one.? JOKING COMPLETELY.) so i know how all of that stuff works (combustion, tdc bdc, differences in the strokes, how spark plug gets sparks. yada yada yada) and i have my dad with me every step of the way. (he's been a mechanic for nearly 38 years.!!! and has either worked on or fixed anything you can think of.. but also tends to shy away from the new sorta stuff being it all electronic though. but will learn it if needed.) i dont really have any plans on going 4g63/4g63t or anything. unless someone walked up to me with a gst/gsx and offered to trade then i'd go for it. (who wouldnt.!?!) but until i can actually afford a decent one of those my 420a will do just the trick as well as get my toes wet in the whole "moding cars and racing" stuff. and speaking of my haynes repair manual.... i haven't been able to find it what so ever... (ever seem to always lose something when you REALLY need it.? i don't know about you, but it happens to me ALOT . .)


and a thanks to EVERYONE thats helped me out so far. and a future thanks to anyone else that has anything to say.

 

[Fotowntalon]

Eagle Talon - Eagle - AutoChipsDirect.com : The Leader in Automotive Performance Modules! <-- best thing I got for my car.

Is this a joke?

 

[jwq1992]

Is this a joke?

. i have no idea.

 

[jcart953]

Is this a joke?

^^^ Up to 75 hp gain ...i think it must be....

 

[meliketoball]

Get decent coilovers where you can adjust dampening, 4 way camber kit, a good alignment, and prothane bushings for your control arms and subframes.

 

[bo0st]

Performance is limited unless you boost it. I had a 95 RS back in the day. I did a header back exhaust, cold air intake, msd ignition coil and wires, unorthodox underdrive pulley, and short throw. It wasnt much of a gain though, sorry. I ended up switching to a GSX! But if you cant get rid of it, id go with a Hahn turbo kit. My friend has a pretty quick "Rs-T".

Not true, just look at bulletdsm he's running mid low 13's (13.1) with the 420a non turbo and no spray. Of course he's very talented and got a built engine but to say 'performance is limited unless you boost it' is not true at all. If you have the money NOTHING is limited. He can make that car run 12's

I have the same mods as you pretty much but also adding on a Nitrous kit to my 420a so It should be fun.

To the OP, start out with of course basics headers, intake, exhaust (remove cat if you can) msd ignition coil & wires will help more than most people think!

Once you're going past 90MPH at the track you're going to thank yourself you got that good ignition on your car. Nitrous then is cheapest bang/buck a kit can be $400 or less and will yield 35 - 50 - 75 HP

 

[LandSpeed-DSM]

It's a $60 dollar idiot tax.

You are enjoying whats known as the placebo effect.

 

[TheEagle]

It did more then "the placebo effect" but whatever. Deleted and moved on.

It doesn't float a lot of gearhead's boats because its more of a street chip as I had covered in the last post but w/e. Buy the software and ecu systems if your trying to get the major changes (for drag and racing). the $750-1k it costs overall is a kicker for most.

 

[LandSpeed-DSM]

Ok we'll play this game..

Where does it get spliced in? In what sense is this a chip?

What does it actually do?

Is it altering a signal or voltage in a specific manner on a particular sensor?

Or, like all the rest of those "chips" is it just a low-Ohm resistor inside a dressed up case?

You see these all over ebay. The overwhelming majority of them are nothing more than an in-line fusible link.

It says explicitly in the ad:

Our modules never bypass, deactive, or exceed factory limitations.

So if its not advancing timing or forcing a leaner fueling scheme, what is it doing?

Did you bother to ask yourself that question?

Here's a hint.. the only way you are going to make any real adjustment to your tune is to have your ECU flashed or use an actual piggyback/AFC or EMS.