New to the tuning scene, would really appreciate help.

Ive always respected the tuner scene and ive been trying to find an in. I drive a 1999 jeep cherokee so its obvious ive been looking for a car to start with. I found one a few days back, a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, they have always been my favorite import. The car i found has already been in the hands of someone who was somewhat interested in certain aspects of tuning. He has made it look like the eclipse from the first Fast and Furious movie. I would like to keep the body kits, etc. but i need a different paint job, something of my own. He was in more of the cosmetic aspect of tuning. He has mostly stock parts engine wise. I really could use some help/guidance in what to start with and what to buy. The car is automatic at the moment but it comes with a 5 spd transmisson he never got to put into it. I respect any advice that can be given.

EDIT: I failed to mention im only paying $4000 for the eclipse.

Thanks,
Anthony Valentine  

hey lol sorry im no help myself but seen you appreciate eclipses. I myself am about to buy a 1998 rs eclipse, the car im buying sounds alot like yours. mostly cosmetic not much engine work. but any thing you find out about your eclipse be sure to tell me, i'd appreciate it and i'll tell you likewise ;D  

No Problem, I will let you know anything i find out. My dads a mechanic and drag races all the time. I just dont talk to him much. I could probably find out some stuff.  

thats great man, much appreciated. post a picture of the car, kinda curious to see what it looks like  

Alright well idk if itll be much help other than basically a list of parts to get but u can look around look at the prices and stuff and if ur not doing the work urself check out some shops who can do it and decide what u want done and when. But first thing u need to do is convert that back to or into the 5spd.

But Engine wise: Cold Air Intake obviously, Replacement Headers, Mild Camshaft and Cam gears, and High Flow Intake Manifold, Cat Back Exhaust (skip performance exhaust if u can afford it) and a Larger Diameter Downpipe.  And also just a little sugestion to get some speed outta ur car take out the top speed limiter. And heres a few sites that i like to use to get my stuff

http://www.summitracing.com/
http://www.racinglab.com/fuliofprli.html
http://www.yourhotcar.com/ --- one of my favorites
http://www.shophyperformance.com/cgi-bin/hp/
http://www.ststurbo.com/?gclid=CKWe4-7S8ZoCFRK1FQodTz_nJA --- This is pretty much just turbos but you should definately be getting a turbo someday soo it could help


Well thats all i got soo i hope i helped,
Chris