Hey guys, well I made a thread in the Lancer General forum as to what I plan on getting as my next car and some advice. Needless to say it was a bit discouraging finding out that I could not finance a new lancer, but now Ive decided to switch sides and look at getting a 2G Eclipse, one of my favorite cars. The unfortunate part about all this, is that Im limited to about 3k, 3500 MAYBE. So im limited to around 100000 miles or more, which isnt exactly my idea of a first "project car" (Meaning putting a FEW aftermarket things in for performance and looks).

But with that info, im trying to find one of the 2G Eclipses and the GS-T or (Doubtfull) GSX would be a great find, if I could get one for that price. But my main question is revolved around the engines in specific. I know the stock turbo isnt the best around, but for 3K im not complaining, but how well do they last if properly maintained? And if im unable to find a turboed eclipse, is it possible to turbo the GS engine easily and somewhat cheap? And is it advised, at such high mileage? Although I doubt I would get TOO involved with this car as it is only 3k, and I need it mainly for gas (although I want to learn how to work on engines and do slight mods). Thanks in advace!

 

If you plan to DD it, find another car, IMO. Eclipses for that price aren't ones you're going to want to rely on.

 

Hmmm, really? Even the non turboed? Oh well, im gonna keep searching obviously. Unfortunately there is so little out there that are half way decent cars for 3K. I'd love to get my hands on an OZ rally, but even that is about 1k over my budget.

 

IMO, I wouldn't bother with a non turbo Eclipse. The engine is totally different, and you'll spend a bunch of money, time and effort just getting back to what a stock GS-T can do. Some people will tell you they wouldn't bother with a GS-T, because once you start making power, you won't have any traction so don't settle for less then a GSX.

You just have to decide what your goals and wallet say. I have a modded GS-T.

 

Non turbo is worthless, not even worth considering.

FWD is a PITA after 300-350whp, I spin third on the freeway with a 16g. It sucks. Don't do it.

If you have to have a DSM, get an AWD. If you maintain it well it'll be fine for a daily, but you have to take very good care of it. DSM's are like high maintenance women, god help you if you **** it off.

 

i would also advise to avoid the 2g non-turbo eclipse (420a engine). UNLESS you decide to get a 2g spyder. the non-turbo 2g eclipse spyder has the close cousin of the 4g63, the 4g64! it is a 2.4L that makes a ton of torque. the stock sohc on the 4g64 is easily swapped for the dohc 4g63 head and then most of the 4g63 stuff bolts right on. this is nothing like one of these turboed on the street. highly recommend. and the main girdle is one piece making it very strong. good luck.

 

Define tons of torque :P. But there are turbo kits for the 420A that put it in the 250whp range. Its cheaper in the short run as you can get non turbo eclipses for dirt cheap.

 

I suppose it could be done, but a GS-T with a TBE, BOV, and a BC would also have about 250whp, and still have much more potential with a used 14b or 16g, much more so then a 420A running ~7psi with a bolt on kit. I suppose in the short run, like you say, if you're never going to get tired of ~250whp it'd be okay, but I think the 4G63T is so much better of an engine and that I'd much rather buy a used turbo car then buy a car with the intent to turbo it if that option came from the factory.

 

N/t dsms are good dd's. Turbo ones are not. Alot of guys who buy a n/t dsm tend to end up having high hopes of turbocharging, which ends up being a huge waste of money. And if thats what you want to do, then you're better off with getting a turbo model, preferably gsx or talon tsi awd.

Unlike the 1g dsms, the n/t and turbo models have totally different engines/transes; n/t has neon 420a motor while the turbo ones have 4g63.

The stock t-25 turbo on the 2g is a ball-bearing model and they do tend to fail alot! Most guys upgrade to a 1g stock 14b turbo since its more potent than a t25 and more durable as well.

A good choice of upgrade for a 2g or any turbo dsm is a evo 3 16g or a 16g in general; they are durable,reasonably priced and basically bolt on.

If I got a 2g gsx, i'd first get :
evo 9/or evo 8 mr metal bov (bolts right on)
Injen hard intake pipe (or any hard bolton intake pipe)
Hard upper/lower intercooler piping
Supra sidemount
2g K/N filter bolton kit
Evo9 or walboro fuel pump
Boost gauge
Boost controller
AFC
Exhaust
16g
Palm logger
afr gage

Then if the clutch gives out, act 2100 with their flywheel.

For wheels:
evo8/9 wheels

Brakes:

JDM vr4 knuckles make the evo 8/9 brembos bolt right in.

Eventually swapping the stock ecu to a evo 8 unit; there is a faq on here about it somewhere.

 

i had a 95' gs-t with light mods... exhaust, intake, intercooler and piping, bov, etc. It was a very good and reliable car up until i sold it at 110k miles and still running strong. It spun the tires at the drag strip but made a good dd.

 

ok maybe not a ton but well over a quarter ton!

590hp, 573tq

 

if you go with the 2g gsx, they are prone to "crankwalk." in which case youll have to swap it for a 1g bottom end (can be had pretty cheaply). IMO, and this is very much my opinion and i am quite possibly very biased in saying this: the 1g gsx is probably the best route to go. go over the car after you get it thoroughly. tune up, Tbelt, balance shaft belt or removal. the drive train is pretty hard core, comes with a 14b turbo stock and a few free mods (hacked maf, etc) and you can make some pretty good DD power, and is a very fun car to drive. i do like my evo more, dont get me wrong, but there is just something about them. if it were me, that would be what i would be doing (currently putting one that was found in disarray together for a whenever im working on the evo/winter car)

 

go with GSX no matter what!

 

i just sold my 2g gst last night for $1300.
i had intake, exhaust, upper ic pipe, clutch (from 45k miles) and a ported turbo (that i had rebuilt at 100k miles)

it had 226k miles on it and still running strong with no mayor repairs (water pump was the only thing i had to replace) seals on the turbo from the last time i had it built seemed to be doing good too (no play/smoke/or oil issues)

 

They are prone, but if you have a high mileage 2g and it hasn't crank walked, it won't. 98-99 gsx have the revised 7-bolt motor with the 2 piece thrust bearing (like the evo) and those do not crankwalk.

The 2g also has a better trans with double syncro 1-3.

The 1g has more engine bay space though, whilst the 2g sacrafices that for more interior room.