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So today I was on another forum and found the thread and wanted to share it with the few of you who own a third gen eclipse and wish to mod but here the same thing i do.. dont do it..it isnt worth it.. you cant do it or what ever..
dont get me wrong I apreciate all the help the few of you have given me and trust me i have put into consideration everything you have said.. i just wish to share this with the few that own a 3g eclipse and share the same frusteration as I do when not knowing where to start
Intake
AEM/Injen/K&N - These three CAI are basically the same. You won't go wrong with either one of the three you decide to buy. You may hear people talk about CAI vs. WAI. Neither one is better than the other. They will both give you about the same HP gains. Some people say that a WAI is louder so they like that better. Either way you want to go will be good. The only advise I will give you is to STAY AWAY FROM EBAY INTAKES. These intakes usually are crap and will not fit.
http://www.club3g.com/forum/showthread.php...ght=ebay+intake
You can usually get the name brand intakes from most online vendors. However, I have found that NOPI has the most comprehensive list of intakes. NOPI
Exhaust
There are a number of manufacturers that make exhausts for the 3G. GReddy, JIC, Apex'i, HKS, Borla, Magnaflow, Injen, Razzi(dual exhaust), and Invidia. All of these, with the exception of the HKS, are full cat-back exhausts. You can also get most of these from NOPI. Exhausts are ok to get from Ebay, but research the seller before buying. I believe the Invidia is regularly sold on Ebay.
And to make things better, any exhaust that is made for the 2G GS-T(not GSX) will also fit the 3G with minor modifications. These modifications can be made by a muffler shop for very cheap.
These exhaust will give you next to nothing in the performance aspect, but they will make the car sound awesome. Not the raspy, **** off bubble bee sound that the local ricers sound like. These exhaust produce a low, mellow, deep tone.
You will need to know whether your 3G is a fed-spec or a cali-spec eclipse. If you have a 02+, then you have a cali-spec.
If you have a 2000 or 2001 eclipse, use the following methods to figure out which you have...
QUOTE
On the GT, the easiest is to slide under the front of the car, near the passenger tire. Look up. If you see a big bulky rectangular thing with some pipes coming out of it, you've got Cali emissions. If don't, you've got fed emmissions.
The second way involves looking at some numbers and appears to be valid for 2000 model year Eclipses only. Pop the hood of the car. There is a sticker on the firewall behind the engine. It's behind the intake plenum, on the plenum's passenger side. On that sticker is a series of numbers and letters. If the 2nd to last number is a 9, you've got Cali emissions. If it's a 4, you've got a Fed spec car.
IF you have a fed-spec eclipse, then you will have to have modifications made to the exhaust for it to fit on your car. If you have a cali-spec, then the exhausts will be bolt-on.
Headers
Long-Tube
This is where things start getting a little more difficult. I will try to explain this the best way I can. There are two types of headers: Long-tube headers and Short-tube headers. Long-tube headers will give you more HP gain but will also be more expensive than their Short-tube counterparts.
We will start with the Long-tube headers. There are three manufacturers who make long-tube headers for the 3G: Hytech, RIPP Mods, and RPW.
Hytech are the most expensive, running you about $1900. However, they will give you the most HP gain. I have seen gains of 40whp from these headers. These headers are not currently being produced anymore. You can either buy them used or contact Hytech and have them make you a set. Hytech currently only has the headers for the V6. Sorry 4cyl guys.
RIPP Mods also sells long-tube headers for the 3G. They will run you about $1200(V6) and they are said to give you around 30whp. However, I have seen many people get 10whp from these headers.
RIPP Mods - V6
RIPP Mods - 4cyl
RPW also sells long-tube headers for the V6. They can be purchased from RPW or Tearstone.
Short-tube
Now for the short-tube headers, there are more manufacturers. BFD, XIR, and CMF are common ones. These are all basically the same headers. You can probably find them on ebay. RPW out of Australia also makes a set of headers. They are well designed headers and will probably give you the most HP from the short-tube headers. They can be found Here.
DC Sports also makes a header for the 4cyl. It can be found here
OBX makes a pretty crappy header for the 3G. But its cheap, so that is also an option.
RPW's 4cyl Race Header
Electronics
If you decide to get headers for your 3G, you will likely need some type of electronic fuel management unit to tune the engine. Headers normally tend to make the 3G run rich.
Piggybacks
The most basic fuel management unit is the SAFC2. SAFC means Super Air/Fuel Controller. This unit will allow you to tune the A/F ratio (Air to Fuel ratio) to keep the car running stoich. Apex'i and HKS makes this type of fuel controller. The Apex'i one can be found on Tearstone's site
The next step up would be to the GReddy Emanage Blue.
QUOTE
e-Manage is an inexpensive programmable fuel management system that allows you to properly tune your factory fuel system without having to change the entire factory ECU system to an expensive "stand-alone" unit. The e-Manage system is a universal "piggy-back" type unit which taps into most Japanese factory ECU wiring, by utilizing the existing sensors. Basic functions will allow the user to slightly alter factory injector duty-cycle (± 20% at 5 preset RPM points) by intercepting and altering airflow or MAP sensor signals. For Honda VTEC cars you can adjust the VTEC shift point. Additional features are built into the system but are only accessible through the use of the e0-1 programmer or our PC-Windows based "e-Manage Support Tool" communication software (Please see our Authorized GReddy Support Dealers for more information). There is a 16x16 airflow adjustment map, larger main injector correction adjustment, upgrade air flow meter adjustment, boost limiter cut, anti-engine stall, VTEC-fuel adjustment, real-time map trace, real-time display, real-time communication and basic Data-logging. With the use of our "Optional Injector Harness" and the software, the unit has the ability to control an additional 16x16 injector duty cycle map and the controls for adding up to 2 additional sub-injectors. If the "Optional Ignition Harness" and the software are used the unit has the ability to control a 16x16 ignition timing map. All of the above maps can also be map-traced in real-time as well. If the factory range of map or airflow meter is surpassed, you can incorporate our "Optional GReddy Pressure Sensor and Pressure Harness" to set larger scales of adjustment.
It can be found Here
For the Emange Blue, you will also need these harnesses: Injector Harness and Ignition Harness
After that, the next step is the GReddy Emanage Ultimate.
QUOTE
In addition to standard e-manage airflow-based adjustments, the Ultimate version includes new and upgraded features. Included is a PC-based Ultimate Support Tool software CD, with an easy-to-use Parameter Set-up, tab menu format and speedy USB communication. Ultimate has improved direct Map control for adding and subtracting Fuel and Ignition. The ability to switch between 2 preset tuning Maps (i.e. Street or Race program) via externally mounted toggle switches. There are Maps for Individual cylinder adjustment for both Fuel and Ignition. There are also options to convert injection and ignition systems (i.e. group or sequential injection and group or individual fire ignition.) An Airflow Output Map option even allows for airflow meter elimination. And when used with a wideband A/F Meter, the Air Fuel Target Map can self-tune an Injector base tuning Map, to speed up initial tuning. There are also built-in Boost, Rev and Speed Limiter-Cut features. To create super smooth operation, there are various fine tuning Correction Maps to adjust for Throttle Acceleration, Vehicle Speed, Water Temp, Intake Temp, Auto Trans Shift, Anti Engine Stall, and Idle. To further aid in tuning, e-manage Ultimate's improved integrated Monitoring, Map Tracing and Datalogging features far exceed any other piggyback controller on the market. Even when not connected to the software, 8 channels of datalogging (at 20msec intervals) can be recorded and stored to be reviewed later. With the Support Tool connected, over 30 channels can be covered. Other new features include: Improved RPM recognition, Warning Settings, Password Protection for individual tuning Maps, NVCS (Nissan), VTEC (Honda), O2 Feed-back, Clean Fouled Plugs, and numerous others in future updates.
It can be found Here
For the Emanage Ultimate, you will need this harness: Harness Kit
For both of the Emanages, using their Emanage Support Tool will allow you to tune the engine with a laptop.
Standalone
There are a number of standalones available for the 3G. However, none are specifically made for the V6 and only the AEM EMS is designed for the 4cyl auto. If you decide to go with one of these, you will need to do custom connections for the harnesses. It has been done before, so it's not impossible.
Suspension
Shocks/Struts
There are many different combinations you can go with on suspension. The most common is the KYB AGX/Eibach Prokit combo. This combo can be found at Here. This is probably the best price on the internet.
You could also look into KYB GR-2, Koni, or Tokico for shocks.
Springs/Coilovers
You can also look into Eibach Sportsline, Tein S-tech, Tein H-tech, or Ground Control Coilovers for springs/coilovers. STAY AWAY FROM EBAY COILOVERS. They will make you car ride like ****.
True Coilovers
Now, if you have the money to spend and want to go big time, go with the JIC Magic FLT-A2 or TEIN SS. With the TEIN's, you can get the EDFC which will allow you to electronically control the dampening force from inside the car.
Suspension Bars
To help out with handling, you can get a Rear strut tower brace and ST rear sway bar from RRE's Suspension page
Motor Mounts
For motor mounts, Deyeme makes all four(front, rear, and both sides) in flex or firm. These are direct replacements of the stock mounts. No pressing or cutting required.
Tricky part is, Deyeme doesn't advertise the mounts as for the Eclipse. They advertise them as for the 2001-2005 Stratus/Sebring Coupe, which is almost the same car as the Eclipse. Go to the following page and choose "2001-2005 Stratus/Sebring Coupe" from the drop-down menu on the left hand side.
http://www.deyemeracing.com/
Brakes
There are also several combinations of brakes that you can go with. The most common rotors used are the Powerslot slotted rotors. They can be obtained through this Group Buy. You can also look into Baer, Stoptech, and Brembos, but they are very expensive. Another warning....STAY AWAY FROM EBAY CROSS-DRILLED/SLOTTED ROTORS. They are crap and the WILL crack which will cause major health risks. This is one part that you do not want to go cheap on. As I saw someone say on another forum, "Do you want to trust your life on the cheapest part you could find?"
As for brake pads, I've heard good things about Hawk, Porterfield, and AXxis. The Hawk HPS pads dust alot but have excellent performance. I have them along with the Powerslot rotors, and I love them.
Transmission
LSD - Limited Slip Differential
There are two major LSDs made for the 3G: Quaife and Kaaz. Quaife is the most expensive but provides a lifetime warranty on the LSD, even if its damaged from racing. You could find them almost anywhere on the internet.
Clutches
There are a number of clutch manufacturers that make clutches for the 3G. Most notably are ACT and SPEC. You won't go wrong with whichever one you get. Two notes though. First, Exedy makes STOCK replacement clutches. So going with an Exedy stage 1, you are basically putting another stock clutch in. Second, if you plan on going with a Stage 3 clutch, you might as well go ahead and buy a LSD to go with it. There have been a number of guys that put a Stage 3 clutch in and destroyed their stock differential. If you destroy your stock differential, most likely, you will also damage your transmission because of the broken pieces of metal flying around.
High Stall Torque Converter(Autos Only)
Ian(Rezlo) makes awesome torque converter for the automatic tranny guys. He has had many, many happy customers. Search around his page for more information.
http://www.rezlo.com/Pages/Sell/HSTC/Jap.htm
Intake Manifold
Now if you have plans of going with a turbo or supercharger, one upgrade that would help out would be to upgrade from the stock intake manifold. For the GT V6, there are a couple of options. You can choose between the GTS intake manifold, the Diamante VRX intake manifold, or the RPW intake manifold.
You can probably find the GTS manifold and Diamante manifold at a junkyard or from a dealer. You can purchase the RPW manifold from RPW or Tearstone(sales@tearstone.com)
GT to GTS intake manifold swap
Diamante Intake Manifold Swap Explained Briefly
For the 4cyl guys, RPW also makes an intake manifold for the 4cyl. It can also be purchased from RPW or Tearstone(sales@tearstone.com).
Engine Building
There are tons of combinations that you can do when deciding to build your engine(if you decide to go that way). The ONLY manufacturer that has stepped up to the plate for many of the engine internals is RPW.
Here is a list of items they sell:
RPW Billeted Camshaft
Vernier Camshaft Gears
Valve Springs
Stock conrod modifications
8mm ARP conrod bolt kits
Shot Peened conrods
Forged steel conrods
Hypereutectic Pistons Stock CR 9.0:1
Hastings Piston Rings
Forged Pistons
RPW Ported & Polished Heads Stage 1
RPW Ported & Polished Heads Stage 2
RPW Heavy Duty head gasket
ARP Main Stud kit
ARP Head Stud kit
RPW can also make custom camshafts to your specs.
For more information on these, you can either email them at rpwinfo@iinet.net.au or email Russ(tearstone) at sales@tearstone.com . Russ is a US retailer of RPW.
V6 Engine parts
V6 Short Block Race Engine
4cyl Engine parts
Russ also sells pre-built 4cyl race blocks but he doesn't have them added to his site yet.
Now for the good stuff.
Forced Induction(Turbo/Supercharger)
It is possible to turbo or supercharge the 3G eclipse. There are kits for both. It is your own decision as to which one you want to go with. Both have their advantages and both have their disadvantages. Please read this page.. Difference Between Turbo and Supercharger
Turbo
First, please read this article How Turbo's Work. Also, PLEASE pick up a book called "Maximum Boost" by Corky Bell. It is available from Barnes and Noble. These two documents will give you a basic understanding of turboing a car. It will also give you an understanding of how a turbo works. I can't stress this enough...do your research before attempting putting a turbo on your car. You have heard many horror stories of engines blowing from turbos. The turbos DID NOT cause this. It was the operator not knowing what they were doing. You can easily destroy your engine if you don't understand what you are doing.
Don't be scared off by the previous paragraph. Turboing a car isn't rocket science. It can get complicated at times, but with research, it can be overcame.
4cyl Engine
The 4cyl engine is an excellent engine to turbo. If you find yourself feeling down because you could "only" get the 4cyl....hold that head up. I'm sure you have heard of the awesome, spectacular 4G63t engine that is in the 1G/2G GST/GSX. Well guess what, you pretty much have a stroked 4G63t. The two engines are very very similar. The 4cyl engine(commonly referred to as the 4G64) can handle up to about 17-18psi on the stock internals. This is excellent considering this engine was never meant to see boost.
There are 4 turbo kits made for the 4cyl. Tearstone sells two kits: the Budget Kit and the Enhanced Kit. You can also looking the Max-Rev turbo kit. I've heard its a nice kit that is bolt-on also. Then there is the DDP(Dougs Dyno Power) kit. This is a horribly designed kit that will require modifications to make it fit. I would never advise anybody to buy this kit. I am only listing it because it is a "kit"(if you want to call it that).
If that doesn't strike your fancy, you can also piece a kit together. You can use parts from the 1G/2G turbo eclipses to piece together a custom kit. This is what alot of 4cyl guys do and it is substantially cheaper.
V6 Engine
Well GT guys, I'm sorry but I can't say the same about the GT engine. It is a great engine, very similar to the VR4, twin turbo, 3000GT engine, but the pistons are crap. Pistons from Autozone are better than the crappy ones that Mitsu put into this engine. The engine can run safely at about 8psi on the stock engine. 10psi is pushing it, 12psi is walking a very thin line. The first thing that will go is the pistons. Now once the pistons are replaced, the rest of the engine is pretty strong.
But don't feel bad, because the GTS guys have it even worse. Since the GTS has 10:1 CR pistons, it cannot handle more than 5-6psi before the pistons go. IF YOU ARE WANTING TO TURBO A GTS, YOU NEED TO REPLACE THE PISTONS BEFORE YOU EVEN START.
Tearstone also sells a v6 kit.
DDP sells a V6 kit but its in the same boat as their 4cyl kit.
Oh, and forget about trying to piece together a custom kit. You will spend more money piecing it together than if you would have bought a kit.
Supercharger
RIPP Mods has a supercharger kit for both the 4cyl and V6 engines. Most of the information is on their site so there is no need in me repeating it here. However, there is one thing I would like to say. You will see HP numbers on their site regarding their SDS kits. These are CRANK HP NUMBERS NOT WHEEL HP NUMBERS. There is a big difference.
V6 - Stage 1
V6 - Stage 2
V6 - Tuners Package
4cyl - Stage 1
4cyl - Stage 2
4cyl - Tuners Package
All RIPP's SDS kits require an aftermarket headers.
I hope This helps you as much as it helped me.. If any more questions feel free to as .. I may have the answer .. if no.. i can find it
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