All dressed up and nowhere to go

[type_x]

OK I have a full tank of gas and I haven't done a damn thing tonight since I got off work. The aura of boredom and anciness grows thick. This is how I get into trouble- I'm seriously considering going to Mira Mesa for the races at 3am. It's been two years or so since I raced illegally, and the good old Eclipse is outfitted with all sorts of new power toys. The last time I was out there my car had an itty-bitty stock T04 turbo and oh around 200 less hp, and I have some scores to settle with the cocky V8 boys. Tonight I crank the boost up to 25psi and unleash hellfire. This is gonna be double fun... Let's go Mitsubishi!<img src=smilies/biggthumpup.gif>
[/vroooomm, TSSHH!]
<img src= "http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/nightrider.jpg" width= 640 height= 480>

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

Alrighty then... I just ran diagnostics with the handheld OBD2 unit (AutoXRay) and everything internal/ timing-wise seems to be running in perfect harmony. The cheap, inaccurate GTech Pro read 474bhp at 6000 rpm's with 501 ft. lbs. torque on 25 psi boost on a quick run around the block. It's close enough. Looks like the new hollow camshaft and Crower rods/ J&E forged pistons were a wise purchase! I have a solid 14 psi of usable boost now at 2200 rpm's which is phenomenal, no turbo lag to worry about. Exhaust gas temperature is stable around 1220 deg. F at full boost & redline. I'm gonna check tire pressure, jack up the suspension half an inch, and then I'm out. I am just a little overexcited right now, and can't wait to break it loose. I hope I don't wind up in jail this morning. <img src=smilies/erm.gif>

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[ricardobaltazar]

Racing's fun but I have to many tickets to be doing it for a while. Have fun and keep it safe out there. <img src=smilies/thumb.gif>

Oh and in the spirit of this post, check http://exvitermini.com/mnagata.htmthis guy</a> out. 328 kmh (over 200 mph) on a Tokyo highway. This guys crazy.

http://www.exvitermini.com/movies/wngn0.zipHere</a>'s him driving in traffic. The scary thing is that the cars he's passing are going at least the highway speed limit yet they seem stationary as he speeds past them. I'd be scared shitless if he drove by in the lane next to me.

<P ID="signature"><center>http://angelfire.lycos.com/wa3/red87teg/sig.txt
</p>

[Fla Flash]

Kickass car. Don't get any tickets. But have fun.<img src=smilies/magbiggrin.gif>

<P ID="signature"><img src=http://thegallery.vimm.net/f3.gif>
Racing Toward The Future</P>

[type_x]

> Kickass car. Don't get any tickets. But have fun.
>
Thanks man! Normally I'm a law-obiding citizen and only race legally at the track but last night I had some fun. There were a lot of cops out so the whole group kept moving from strip to strip with only 3 or 4 races on each. We ended up getting stormed by 10+ cop cars and I had to split before I could run against a new Mustang Cobra. Here's the score:

Eclipse GSX - 1/ 2002 BMW M3 - 0
Eclipse GSX - 1/ Hatchback Civic with NOS (lol) - 0
Eclipse GSX - 1/ blown C5 Corvette - 0
Eclipse GSX - 1/ '95 RX7 turbo - 0
Eclipse GSX - 1/ blown Mustang GT - 0
Eclipse GSX -1/ early 70's (?) Chevelle w/ NOS - 0

... I had people coming up and asking things like "what is IN that thing?!" and "how big of a NOS shot are you running?" - I just love showing them the two liter stock-block 4G63 with no NOS attachments.


<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

> You live in Arizona?
>

San Diego, CA.


<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

> I understand less than half of what you just said....maybe
> you should come over to my house and get my 83' ford ranger
> to work reliably.
>

Gladly. Would you like a stage 3 bypass valve on a 16G60 or Super 70 snail housing? I can retard the boost pressure .7 bar if you're experiencing crankwalk in the swiss cheese bearings.


<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

I saw this video not too long ago. That's one vicious automobile! Good thing I don't have competition like that around here...

BTW, do you have a fast car? If not, are you into race cars? What kind? Share with me.

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[ricardobaltazar]

> I saw this video not too long ago. That's one vicious car,
> I'd like to pilot something with that kind of power. For
> now I'll just have to settle for a measly 450+ hp.

You suck. <img src=smilies/crying.gif>

Oh well, if I decide to go for more power in my next car as opposed to another G1 Teg, this is my list.

1991 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo
1987 Toyota Supra Turbo

<P ID="signature"><center>http://angelfire.lycos.com/wa3/red87teg/sig.txt
</p>

[ricardobaltazar]

> BTW, do you have a fast car? If not, are you into race
> cars? What kind? Share with me.

I have a 1987 Acura Integra LS. Car and Driver named it one of the http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/10best/2002/10best_gallery/1987_cover.xml10 Best</a> that year. It's definitely not a power house by any means but it's quick and handles great.

http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/red87teg/teg6.jpg

When I fix it up more, I want it to look something like this. No rice, just clean and tasteful.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid46/p91dab958bf9ab7d9b5351edd98c7fe9d/fccc4430.jpg

As far as performance enhancements, I need to put in a new intake. I bought the car from my roomate who knows nothing about cars and the guy before him put in a crappy intake that's falling off and probably getting crap in my engine. Doing a ZC engine swap or turbo conversion would probably not be worth the cost on this car. I love it but it's not meant to run with the big boys.

So if I do decide to get a different model of car after this one it will either be a late 80s Supra Turbo

http://ebay2.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_EBAY_63f2204f8bad0b56e700a007e33beb39/i-2_B.JPG

or an early 90s 300zx Twin Turbo.

http://300zx.whateverjames.com/300zxangle.jpg

I think the last two gens of the Eclipse are nice but it just wouldn't fit me. I have a nostalgia for the look of most 86-91 cars. I have a thing for the boxy look as opposed to the more rounded, bubble look.

The racing scene around where I live is actually decent for such a small town. My car can hold it's own around here but if I went anywhere with some real competition, I'd get smoked.

Tell me more about your car.
<P ID="signature"><center>http://angelfire.lycos.com/wa3/red87teg/sig.txt
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[type_x]

> Oh well, if I decide to go for more power in my next car as
> opposed to another G1 Teg, this is my list.
>
> 1991 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo
> 1986 Toyota Supra Turbo
>

Mmm. Nice choices. One of my friends has a '96 twin turbo Z with a few mods. It's pretty fast considering he's only installed a boost controller, exhaust, and an ECU chip. I dig the T-tops.

Have you ever looked into the 91-96 MR2 turbo? This is a kickass car that is usually overlooked. The midship-engine and rear wheel drive layout is excellent for handling and speed. Plus it is such a tiny and light car with a 205hp turbo motor. Before my Eclipse I had a very fast '93 MR2. It was a total sleeper that I totalled. All sorts of upgrades are available for these.



<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

Here's a complete list of all my mods:

Engine/ turbo:

J & E aluminum forged pistons (0.40 over)
Crower forged rods
Buschur Racing stage 3 heads
(Head was Ported, stainless steel valves, titanum retainers and valvesprings)
hollow camshaft
ARP head bolt and stud kit
RRE super lightweight gear-drive pulleys
ported intake manifold
ported 02 sensor housing
ported wastegate housing
ported exhaust inlet housing
ported something else, what was that thing I ported...
balance shaft eliminator kit (Buschur Racing)
ported 2G Exhaust Manifold
IHI 16G turbo, ported and clipped with modified, superlight turbo fan
GReddy type24 Front mount Intercooler
Fluidyne Slimline radiator
GReddy hard upper pipes (chromed)
GReddy Type-S turbo bypass valve
GReddy Air Filter
RSR off-road exhaust system *Breakin the Law*
RRE 3" downpipe
RRE 3" Cat and offroad pipe

Drivetrain:

ACT 2600 Clutch
RRE short-throw shifter
Energy shift bushings
Quaife variable center differential
RRE lightweight driveshaft
Fidanza Aluminum Flywheel (less than 8 pounds)

Electronics:

Apex'i S-AFC
UPRD upgrade Computer (ECU)
Buschur Racing fuel pump
RC Engineering 720cc injectors
Nology 8.5mm plug wire set
NGK spark plugs
MSD Ignition system
Optima blue top battery
Indiglo white-face gauges (color backlit at night) in factory cluster, 5 color selection
Tag-Heuer 52mm boost gauge
Tag-Heuer 52mm EGT gauge
A-pillar 2 gauge pod (Beige color to match interior)
BMW power window motors (quieter, faster)
BMW sunroof motor (see above)
Custom PCB in power window switches, allows for one-touch up/ down on both sides
Custom PCB in power sunroof switch, allows for one-touch open/ close
GReddy turbo timer
GReddy Profec B Boost controller
GReddy High/low boost remote switch on steering wheel

Other crap:

GReddy oil cap
GReddy radiator cap
GReddy stainless radiator hoses
chromed heat shield
chromed filler pipe
anodized blue head cover
Sylvania SilverStar HID Bulbs in headlamps, hi-beams, fog lamps, and side marker lamps
clear bumper lens
side bumper grilles
Brushed aluminum gauge bezel
Brushed aluminum pedals
Mercedes-Benz factory carpet
Mercedes-Benz linen headliner
SpongeBob air freshener
Ronald McDonald-head shift knob

Stuff for turning, stopping, not fucking up the underside:

custom forged control arms, strut mounts
Brembo big brake kit w/ front cross-drilled & slotted, rear slotted rotors
RRE steel braided brake fluid lines
Baer carbon fiber pads
Koni adjustable Shocks (yellow)
H&R Race Springs
Steed front and rear full camber adjustment kit
Energy suspension bushings
Custom hi-stress rack & pinion steering assembly
Stillen strut brace front tower bar
Stillen strut brace rear tower bar
Stillen fron & rear lower stabilizer bars
Volk Sebrings (18x8")
235 40 R18 Dunlop SP Sport 9000 tires
Custom aluminum skid plate under car

Stereo:

Eclipse 55060 8-volt CD head unit
Boston ProSeries 6.5" separate mid/ tweets mounted in custom fiberglass kickpods
Boston ProSeries 6.5" separates in the back
PPI PowerClass 4800.2 4 channel (200 watts x 4) amplifier (front and rear speakers)
PPI PowerClass 21400.2 2 channel (1400 watts x 1) powering the subs
(2) 10" Eclipse aluminum cone subwoofers 8810 in custom fiberglass/ vinyl sealed trunk enclosure
(2) Lightning Audio 1 farad capacitors
all Monster 4 gauge power cables, OMC500 speaker cable, and 401xln RCA's (the best)
120 square ft. of DynaMat

Security:

Clifford AvantGuard IV security system with remote start, remote window control, remote sunroof control, and remote turbo timer

For picking up chicks:

"Back Off" mudflaps
chrome naked ladies in window
gold fender trim and curb ticklers

Here's my motor after RRE spent three weeks building it (look at the size of that turbo in comparison to the 2 liter engine!):

<img src= "http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/hamsterwheel.jpg" width= 640 height= 480>

"What does that do?"
<img src= "http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/lookma!.jpg" width= 640 height= 480>

Stickers go where you can't see...
<img src= "http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/heysucka.jpg" width= 640 height= 480>



<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

*0-60 in about 3.2 seconds

*best 1/4 mi.: 11.371 at 128.8 mph

*453 hp/ 485 ft. lbs. torque at the wheels (last dyno'd)

*It's been an ongoing project for about 5 years

*It's on it's second motor/ transmission (first was sold at 85,000 mi.)

*Never been in an accident

*It's put me in debt mostly from tickets

*It is sooo worth it

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[ricardobaltazar]

> *0-60 in about 3.2 seconds

Damn

> *best 1/4 mi.: 11.371 at 128.8 mph

Nice bragging rights.

> *453 hp/ 485 ft. lbs. torque at the wheels (last dyno'd)

I would love to experience that kind of power.

> *It's been an ongoing project for about 5 years

That's dedication.

> *It's on it's second motor/ transmission

Did you do a swap or did something happen to the first one?

> *Never been in an accident

Nice. It's great to be a member of that club. <img src=smilies/thumb.gif>

> *It's put me in debt mostly from tickets

What was your worst ticket?
What's the fastest you've driven in that thing?

> *It is sooo worth it

I would imagine. <img src=smilies/cwm11.gif>

<P ID="signature"><center>http://angelfire.lycos.com/wa3/red87teg/sig.txt
</P>

[Maxwell Murder]

This is the first thing that came to my head when I saw the title of your post:

http://www.mtv.com/shared/media/news/images/f/Fatboy_Slim/sq-chris_flyin_weapon_vid.jpg
<img src=smilies/laff.gif>

<P ID="signature"><center>Word.</center></P>

[ricardobaltazar]

> This is the first thing that came to my head when I saw the
> title of your post:

"You can get with this or you can get with that..."

<P ID="signature"><center>http://angelfire.lycos.com/wa3/red87teg/sig.txt
</P>

[type_x]

> > *It's on it's second motor/ transmission
>
> Did you do a swap or did something happen to the first one?
>
<font color=red>I did a swap (same motor/ trans). The first one was getting old with 80.000 miles on it and I came across a golden opportunity to get a motor/ trans from another GSX with only 11,000 miles. It's the exact same motor, the 4G63 that comes stock in all turbo Eclipses (and the Lancer Evolution). The owner was putting an RB26DETT in his Eclipse.</font color=red>

> > *It's put me in debt mostly from tickets
>
> What was your worst ticket?

<font color=red>I got a ticket for speed contest, noise pollution, illegal exhaust, window tint, no front plate, speeding 99 mph (100mph and over gets your car impounded!), reckless endangerment, and illegal front lighting. The grand total ended up being $1300, and I had to go to classes for 4 weekends. This was about a year and a half ago.</font color=red>

> What's the fastest you've driven in that thing?
>
<font color=red>When I was going to Vegas with my ex, I made a push for it's limits out in the desert. The Eclipse's stock speedometer cuts off at 170mph, but I was still accelerating hard. These days I try to keep it cool on the streets in fear of more tickets or getting arrested. I'd guess my car could get up past 190 with everything that's in it now, especially the Quaife VCD. All-wheel drive cars normally don't have good top end without the addition of a VCD like the one from Quaife.

As much fun as the races are I much prefer driving the windy roads around Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar. The drive to Vegas is fun too, with so much open road. For me it's not really about competition so much as just plain fun driving.</font color=red><img src=smilies/biggthumpup.gif>

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[ricardobaltazar]

> As much fun as the races are I much prefer driving the windy
> roads around Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar. The drive to
> Vegas is fun too, with so much open road. For me it's not
> really about competition so much as just plain fun driving.

Definitely. Around here there are plenty of open country backroads with plenty of curves, dips and hills. It's like my own personal rollercoaster. <img src=smilies/biggthumpup.gif>

<P ID="signature"><center>http://angelfire.lycos.com/wa3/red87teg/sig.txt
</P>

[Reaper man]

ahhhh! so many big, funny car words! <img src=smilies/errrr.gif><img src=smilies/errrr.gif><img src=smilies/errrr.gif>

<P ID="signature"><center><img src=http://bmecoli.home.attbi.com/bluesig.jpg></center></P>

[ricardobaltazar]

> Damn, I don't know about you guys, but I'd probably get
> pretty scared driving that fast. I couldn't really tell you
> though, since the fastest I've gone in a car was about 100
> mph... Maybe once I actually get my license I'll feel the
> need for speed.

Fastest I've done is 125 and it got me pretty nervous. The funny thing that you'll find is you'll drive all fast and crazy right when you get your license but after several months you'll really calm down and drive smarter.

<P ID="signature"><center>http://angelfire.lycos.com/wa3/red87teg/sig.txt
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[Goku]

Your car is amazing.

How can you afford to mod it so much! I would love to have a car like that!

<P ID="signature"><img src=http://www.angelfire.com/droid/google/goku.txt>
Goku -"i hate it when my hemmoroids act up"</P>

[type_x]

> Your car is amazing.
>
> How can you afford to mod it so much! I would love to have
> a car like that!
>

Thanks! I'm very proud of it, considering how much effort and time has been spent building it. I bought this car when I was 19 and it's sort of grown up with me. It's taken 5 years to get it where it is. I'm fortunate enough to know a lot of people who work on DSM's (Eclipses, Talons), and I work in a mobile audio shop myself. Otherwise I could never afford such an audio system. I get killer deals on almost everything automobile-related from my own workplace or by trading car audio work for performance tuning. The car itself wasn't that expensive. If you want a car that'll outperform just about anything on the road, you can get a 95-99 Eclipse GSX (or Eagle Talon TSi- same car, cheaper) for as little as $10k in very good condition. Basic mods to the turbo will have you blowing past Porsche's and Corvettes. Although the front drive models (GST) share the same motor and can be very fast, I highly recommend the all-wheel drive GSX. These things take off like an F18 Super Hornet and handle better than BMW's.<img src=smilies/biggthumpup.gif>

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

Notice how I haven't wasted money on a bodykit, silly paint job, or aftermarket spoiler like so many "import tuners" do. Police, Camaro drivers are pretty unsuspecting of it's power, unless they know what that thing is in the front air dam<img src=smilies/magbiggrin.gif>

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[SharkESP]

> Notice how I haven't wasted money on a bodykit, silly paint
> job, or aftermarket spoiler like so many "import tuners" do.
> Police, Camaro drivers are pretty unsuspecting of it's
> power, unless they know what that thing is in the front air
> dam

The racing police here drive Z28's and Z06's that are usually drug busts and modded out to all hell.

Personally, I have a 94 explorer that I almost topped out racing a cavalier up I-75 at 7pm (i hit the low 90's)

I am trying to trade mine in for either:
A: a trans am or Camaro from the 1968-72 era
B: a firebird, camaro, or Monte Carlo from the 93-99 era.

I want either something beautiful and old or something pretty, new, and fuel efficient on the highway (next fall one day in college will require 70-80 miles of interstate driving).

I am very impressed by your eclipse. Unfortunately I have seen two wrecks involving japanese cars (Hyundai vs Jeep cherokee, Monte Carlo vs. Maxima).

The first i read ended a stopped hyundai at 30 and compressed the entire trunk into the back seat.

The second my mom was hit by a maxima (drunk) at 35 mph. Her back bumper now has a 6 inch horizontal crack in it. That is the only damage the impact caused (she got pushed into a truck and the hood compressed some)

While I have great respect for your car, sir, I do not trust japanese vehicles for my safety.

I'd also like to know if you can tell me some basic modifications that will allow my engine to get to 70-80 quickly and run low rpms once there.

Thank you.<img src=smilies/cwm11.gif>

<P ID="signature">Lord have mercy, baby's got her blue jeans on...</P>

[type_x]

<font color=red>The racing police here drive Z28's and Z06's that are
usually drug busts and modded out to all hell.</font color=red>

Whoa...

<font color=red>Personally, I have a 94 explorer that I almost topped out racing a cavalier up I-75 at 7pm (i hit the low 90's)

I am trying to trade mine in for either:
A: a trans am or Camaro from the 1968-72 era
B: a firebird, camaro, or Monte Carlo from the 93-99 era.</font color=red>

Dude go with the Camaro. I would not recommend anything new from GM, unless you like buying new transmissions at 80k miles...

<font color=red>I want either something beautiful and old or something
pretty, new, and fuel efficient on the highway (next fall
one day in college will require 70-80 miles of interstate
driving).</font color=red>

Never mind, go with something that gets decent gas mileage!

<font color=red>I am very impressed by your eclipse. Unfortunately I have seen two wrecks involving japanese cars (Hyundai vs Jeep cherokee, Monte Carlo vs. Maxima). </font color=red>

Hmm... the Eclipse is no Hyundai. Those are made in Korea, I think in the same factory that mfg's Coke cans.

<font color=red>While I have great respect for your car, sir, I do not trust
japanese vehicles for my safety.</font color=red>

Well technically, the 90-99 Eclipse is not a Japanese car. While the engine and drivetrain were made in Japan for the Lancer Evolution platform, all Eclipses, Talons, Lasers and Galant VR4's were designed & manufactured in New Jersey by DSM (Diamond Star Motors) from 1989-1999. DSM's a conglomerate of Mitsubishi, Dodge/ Chrysler, Renault, and Eagle. Their original purpose was to create rally cars for WRC, spawning the AWD Eclipse and the Galant VR4. With side impact beams, rally-bred suspension, and dual airbags the Eclipse GSX is a fantastically safe car. On top of that, it has intelligent all-wheel drive and virtually cannot lose traction even driving on ice or in heavy snow conditions. Last night on the freeway it was pouring rain and I was able to downshift and floor it without a chirp- with nearly 500 ft. lbs. of torque! The Eclipse's low, wide stance makes it nearly impossible to roll.

<font color=red>I'd also like to know if you can tell me some basic
modifications that will allow my engine to get to 70-80
quickly and run low rpms once there.</font color=red>

The first thing you'll want to do is upgrade the intake to a cold air system and get a cat-back exhaust system. That should boost torque and HP in the low RPM's. If you want more, get an ignition system like the one from MSD and some better spark plug wires. If you want to kick ass, get a Jackson Racing supercharger! Then you can move on to cams, pulleys, a new fuel pump, and forged pistons.<img src=smilies/cwm11.gif>

<font color=red>Thank you.</font color=red>

No problem, bud!<img src=smilies/thumb.gif>

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

> Damn, I don't know about you guys, but I'd probably get
> pretty scared driving that fast.

Don't get me wrong, I was scared shitless. But you should have seen her!

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

>Ha-Ha-Ha I'm not THAT inept.

I know, I'm sorry. I just love bastardized techie talk.

Did you get that hose pulley looked at?<img src=smilies/magbiggrin.gif>

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

So I was on my way home from my friend's house after working on his Subaru all night, and I'm driving down La Jolla Blvd. A very new-looking black Mustang Cobra with all this bodykit crap and a license plate that read "IHTMHRD" is waiting at the stoplight. I'm not even paying attention, just chilling listening to Massive Attack with the windows up. Like a jackass he starts revving his engine and then peeled off when the light turned green, I didn't even attempt a race. So I get on the freeway at the next intersection, he's already on and starts fucking with me again. He slows down in the lane next to me, matching my pace and repeatedly lurching forward and staring at me. I did not want to race and risk another big ticket- so I kept it cool for a good minute or two. Then it just got old, so I lightly hit the accelerator past him and then he gets on it. I kept the pedal about 40% depressed, keeping up with him just fine in third gear and letting off slightly so he'd think he had me. Then I just let it go in third- leaving the guy way behind. He must have just flipped. So I'm back to normal and the fool way is way back there and still on it, determined to catch up. So I let him, and after tailgating me for a few miles he gets off the same exit and gets in the inside right-turn lane with me in the far right turn lane. I turn the boost pressure up a bit and just waited for the light to turn green. He floors it and fishtails for a moment while I bolt past him in the outside lane, he was clearly rattled. Still wearing his fancy pants, he tries me again at the next light and I just drop it at 4000 rpm and lost him there. Why people provoke me I do not know.

Serves him right for making me risk my license.<img src=smilies/magbiggrin.gif>

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[WhyteKnight]

Are all the eclipse type cars (laser etc. etc.) AWD?

<P ID="signature"><center><a href=http://faith.rydia.net/>http://www.elazulspad.com/whyteknight/button_raven2.jpg</a><div align="right"><image src=http://www.elazulspad.com/whyteknight/dominos1.png></P>

[type_x]

> Are all the eclipse type cars (laser etc. etc.) AWD?
>

No, a very small number (fewer than 1% sold in California!) were made in the 90-99 year models. They have the same 2.0l turbo motor (4G63) and same appearance as the front-drive GST model, and can be identified by the "GSX" badge on the Eclipse and the "TSi AWD" badge on the Talon. I'm not 100% sure, but I don't believe an AWD laser was ever made. The Laser was discontinued in 1995 when the 2nd generation bodystyle (the cool one, 95-99) came out. Also, the 97-99 model GSX's came with 17" wheels whereas the front drive models came with 16" wheels. GSX Eclipses are ultra-rare and sought out pretty hard in the performance car market. They are no longer made with the 3rd generation "Eclipse", and the turbo motor has been discontinued as well now that the car is not built in the U.S by DSM.<img src=smilies/cwm10.gif>

<P ID="signature">http://www.datazap.net/free/type_x/andy/kool.jpg</P>

[type_x]

> No, a very small number (fewer than 1% sold in California!)
> were made in the 90-99 year models.

I should mention the reason for this: The Eclipse does not exist in Japan. Over there, the same motor/ chassis has been available in the Lancer Evolution for years and that car has a considerably higher profit margin since the actual car body/ interior parts belong to a much cheaper car: the Lancer (or Mirage in America until 2002 when the name finally changed to Lancer).

In America, we did not have the Lancer Evolution, and DSM (Diamond Star Motors, actual makers of the Eclipse/ Talon/ Galant VR-4) wanted a turbo/ AWD platform for their Talon/ Eclipse mainly for use in their World Rally race team: the GSX which stands for Gran Sport Cross. Since the Eclipse's body/ leather interior/ luxury accomodations were much more expensive to produce than a Mirage, adding a 4G63 turbo motor and an AWD drivetrain made for high cost and an incredibly low profit margin when it came down to sales. You can't really sell a 2-liter compact sports car for more than $30k over here, even if it is leather-trimmed and fast as hell. So the $28k GSX barely moved off showroom floors for 10 years, and very few were produced once the 2nd generation body came out in 1995.

DSM, MMSA still opted to keep it in production so they could continue to dominate World Rally events and chose to forego profit, mainly selling front-drive Eclipse RS, GS, and GST to the public.

As of 2000 DSM was forever dismantled<img src=smilies/errrr.gif>, and Mitsubishi plans to release the Lancer Evolution VIII here as the new turbo AWD platform. This was set in motion in light of Subaru's recent success selling their 2-liter turbo AWD Impreza WRX. The Eclipse is now a slow, not-so-stylish, non-turbo and front wheel drive shadow of it's former self. So much so that Club DSM (http://www.dsm.org) does not recognize 3G Eclipses in their race team.

I am really lucky to have snagged one of these unique and (in my opinion) stylish cars way back in 1998. I remember the sales guy at San Diego Mitsubishi trying like hell to get me to buy a GST instead, surely to keep his gross profit margin up. Fortunately I was no stranger to cars at age 19 and a pretty damn good salesman myself. I took home the slightly used (under 10,000 miles) GSX for a little less than the brand-new GST. I even got him to throw in a turbo timer and all new brakes/ tires/ belts (which all eventually got replaced by real good stuff).

<font color=red>Why is all-wheel drive good?</font color=red>

Aside from the obvious better traction and handling, a big reason I wanted AWD was for off-the-line performance. I had owned a '93 MR2 turbo previously, which was rear-wheel drive. As quick as it was, I'd regularly get spanked by built-up Camaros, Supras, and Corvettes. I had built the turbo and motor up to be pretty powerful, but accelerating from a stop would usually mean a split second of wheelspin and sometimes hopping before it got up to speed. With AWD, launching is so direct and instantaneous that it gives you the upper hand (provided you have got major HP) with almost any 2WD car. That is how a turbo 4 cylinder can accelerate 0-60 as fast or faster than a Viper RT/10. It just cannot be done with any (street usable) front wheel drive setup. Rear wheel drive cars would need a shitload more HP to get the same results. Blah blah blah can you tell I'm a bit of a fanatic?<img src=smilies/magbiggrin.gif>

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[WhyteKnight]

haw.

This makes me want one now. Up until this i hated eclipses and their ilk because of the 12 or so i have seen around town, at least ten are fucking riceboy cars with all the spoiler shit and chromey tail lights and whatnot. it really makes for an icky looking vehicle.

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[ricardobaltazar]

Compare and contrast the Eclipse with the 3000GT.

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[type_x]

> This makes me want one now. Up until this i hated eclipses
> and their ilk because of the 12 or so i have seen around
> town, at least ten are fucking riceboy cars with all the
> spoiler shit and chromey tail lights and whatnot. it really
> makes for an icky looking vehicle.
>

<img src=smilies/laff.gif>Shit yeah. What is the deal with the chromey("Altezza") tail lights? It makes the Eclipse look like Chupacabra running backwards.

The rice wing:
"Fuck wasting all that cash on more HP. I need an erector set on the back of my car."

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[type_x]

> Compare and contrast the Eclipse with the 3000GT.
>

The 3000GT VR-4 was intended to be Mitsubishi's high-end answer to the Supra, and their flagship sports car. The VR-4 models come with a 3 liter twin turbo V6 motor and AWD- great so far! What killed this platform was mainly the weight, nearly 4200lbs.! And from what I've heard (I never actually drove one) they handle miserably for an AWD car. The Yaw control mechanism (adjusts torque from left-to-right side wheels) was very poor in comparison, and understeer was supposedly horrendous. Add this to the $40k price tag and you've got an ambitious sports car that no one will buy. The twin turbo Supra was available for around the same price and was MUCH faster. So the 3KGT was discontinued in 1998.... Pretty unfortunate, since I like the way the 3000GT looks and I've seen some go very fast.

At the end of the day, however, the AWD Eclipse is simply a far more agile car with much greater potential for speed- even though it's a whole liter less in displacement, used only one turbo, and was priced more than $10k less. The body design has sexier lines as well on the Eclipse in my opinion. Both the GSX and the VR-4 came with AWD, turbo induction, 17" wheels, 4-piston caliper disc brakes on all 4 wheels, leather, power seats, power sunroof, and every manner of interior goodies. How this weird contradiction in price/ performance occurred, probably, is the fact that two entirely different design firms/ manufacturers built the 3000GT (Mitsubishi Nippon) and the Eclipse (DSM) for Mitsubishi... and the Eclipse was never sold in Japan.

The 3000GT most people bought, the non-turbo SL, was an alright car for the price but was severely underpowered for its weight. Without turbo or AWD, it was just a notch above the league of V6 Mustangs in terms of performance and price. Not too terrible...

The Dodge Stealth is the exact same car, but way uglier.<img src=smilies/puke.gif>

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[sephiroth111]

> The rice wing:
> "Fuck wasting all that cash on more HP. I need an erector
> set on the back of my car."

that is so true! LMAO!

its sad when you see a riced out '91 hundai whose system costs more than the car total.

by the way, what do carputers do?

<P ID="signature">give a man a match and he will be warm for a night. light a man on fire and he will be warm for the rest of his life. </P>

[type_x]

> by the way, what do carputers do?
>

Carputers? Are you talking about the ECU (engine control unit CPU), OBD2-based chip upgrades, or OBD2-ready laptop PC's? With an OBD2 interface like a laptop or AutoXRay, you can manually adjust engine timing, fuel injector output, yaw control & center differential (on AWD cars only), turbo boost pressure, and pretty much any function of the motor and drivetrain if the car is properly equipped. You can also run virtual diagnostics on any part of the chassis.

With an OBD2-based upgrade chip, the settings are fixed. These are a less costly alternative and a quick step up in performance for most cars. The downside is that the settings are only optimized for your current engine setup. Once new mods are installed, serious problems can occur unless a new chip is made.

OBD2 is the name for modern car ECU's with <font color=red>O</font color=red>n<font color=red>B</font color=red>oard <font color=red>D</font color=red>iagnostic capabilities.
<img src=smilies/biggthumpup.gif>

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[sephiroth111]

so basically its like a mobile pit crew in your engine. it reminds me of GT-aspec. what do you think of a lancer as a driving choice (i like 'em, but if i can get pickup and what not from another type of car i'll go with that) also i have really big feet, cars arent designed for people like me, how do i widen the space between them? (then it will be slick like a squid covered in 10w40.)

(i was also thinking about adding a throttle stick like in fighters because i'm also much better with my hands than with my feet, but that would be a bit too rice...plus it would look somewhat lame.)

p.s. thank you for the explanation, i will look into one of those
<P ID="signature">give a man a match and he will be warm for a night. light a man on fire and he will be warm for the rest of his life. </P>

[type_x]

> what do you think of a lancer as a
> driving choice (i like 'em, but if i can get pickup and what
> not from another type of car i'll go with that)

If you're talking about the new Lancer Evolution due out in the States this month, it's the most badass new car for $30k by far. It shares the same motor and AWD drivetrain as the GSX Eclipse, but comes stock with a front-mount intercooler (soooo cool), the larger 16G turbo and a few other upgrades- giving it 276bhp and over 300 ft. lbs. of torque! Not a bad place to start, especially when you consider it goes from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Keep in mind that you could hunt down a 1999 GSX for half the price though, and it's still got major power with incredible potential for more. Throw in a cheap boost controller, 16G turbo, and a big front-mount intercooler and it's already better than the Evolution.

Now if you mean the regular Lancer, the one you see in the commercials for $14k, that is a whole different car under the hood. They only come with 130hp, and are front-wheel drive. In terms of value, it is a great car with a killer body design. Power windows, locks, and much nicer interior than any Civic or Focus come standard. Just don't expect performance even on the same planet as the Evolution!

>also i have
> really big feet, cars arent designed for people like me, how
> do i widen the space between them? (then it will be slick
> like a squid covered in 10w40.)
>

I had to bend the clutch a few inches over on my car to make room for the custom speaker kickpods I installed. I'm sure this can be done to accommodate larger feet....

> (i was also thinking about adding a throttle stick like in
> fighters because i'm also much better with my hands than
> with my feet, but that would be a bit too rice...plus it
> would look somewhat lame.)
>

Wow, that would be freaky.

> p.s. thank you for the explanation, i will look into one of
> those
>

Sure, no problem!<img src=smilies/thumb.gif>

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[WhyteKnight]

I like the lines on the slightly earlier model Eclipses (the ones of that age i see are mostly the plymouth branded lasers). It sort of reminds me of the shape of the old Datsun Z cars. I want one of those :D

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[type_x]

> I like the lines on the slightly earlier model Eclipses (the
> ones of that age i see are mostly the plymouth branded
> lasers). It sort of reminds me of the shape of the old
> Datsun Z cars. I want one of those :D
>

Dude those (the 1st gen DSM's) are the best value sports cars in the world. I see 1G Eclipse GSX's going for as little as $2500 with less than 80K miles. And considering how easy and cheap it is to get over 400hp with one of those things, there's not a better used sports car buy on the planet. When your $2500 car can lay the smack down on a $80,000 car, that is some notable shit. I don't know why more people haven't caught on to this.


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[type_x]

My old GReddy turbo bypass valve (blow-off valve) cracked earlier this week so I replaced it with a GFB (GoFast Bits) titanium valve. Sounds much cooler- it has a louder more sustained "Passhhhh" to it than just a short burst of "tshh". Ahh how I love that sound.

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[shawn]

> My old GReddy turbo bypass valve (blow-off valve) cracked
> earlier this week so I replaced it with a GFB (GoFast Bits)
> titanium valve. Sounds much cooler- it has a louder more
> sustained "Passhhhh" to it than just a short burst of
> "tshh". Ahh how I love that sound.

Closely check that valve from time to time, even though titanium is an incredibly strong metal it is also brittle and tends to form very very tiny cracks from heating and cooling which could cause the valve to break/fail without warning, but if you keep an eye on it there shouldn't be a problem, and manufacturing techniques of the company that made it might make the valve less prone to these microfractures. <img src=smilies/magbiggrin.gif>

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[WhyteKnight]

> I don't know why
> more people haven't caught on to this.
>
because
if %moron == yes { set %rationale big_bucks=great car
}

if %moron == null { halt
}

or some shit like that.

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[type_x]

> Closely check that valve from time to time, even though
> titanium is an incredibly strong metal it is also brittle
> and tends to form very very tiny cracks from heating and
> cooling which could cause the valve to break/fail without
> warning

Good idea.<img src=smilies/biggthumpup.gif> I like to keep a close eye on every link in my car's chassis- saves me from a lot of heartache when I can pinpoint a problem early. If I hadn't inspected my old bypass valve, it could've eventually wrecked my $2000 IHI turbo.

The folks at RoadRace Engineering explained the GFB valve would be much stronger than the GReddy aluminum valve. It's the best one they carry. Apparently this is the bypass valve used by Tommi Makinen in his rally car Lancer Evo VII. He did recommend a break-in period of about 3000 miles in which I run no more than 15psi. I can't wait to hear what this thing sounds like at full boost revving 8000 rpm! It's already turning heads...

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