need help choosing a car (eclipse)

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
N

NinjaGnome

Platinum Member
Jul 21, 2001
2,002
0
76
I want to get a 2000 or higher mdel mitsubishi eclipse but i dont really know the differences in the model names of the cars. I want to get an eclipse with the nicest engine possible that has a manual transmission. If anyone here knows a lot about eclipses that would be great.
 
M

Mungla

Senior member
Dec 23, 2000
843
0
71
Over the summer, I bought a 2003 Eclipse GT w/ Sportronic transmission and sunroof package (includes premium audio) for $23,199.

The GT seems to be the most popular model. The GT produces 200 net SAE horsepower while the GTS produces 210. What does the GTS offer that the GT doesn't? Leather seats (yeek in hot Oklahoma weather) and ABS. You can upgrade a GT's intake and gain 10bhp for far less than the $3k price difference between the two cars.

I made the choice between a Subaru WRX and an Eclipse. The Eclipse was quite a bit more expensive, but worth it. I absolutely love the look of the GT; black exterior and black interior are my fav.

Here in about 5min, I'm going to go remove the drivers seat from the car and scotch guard the fabric.

Pictures?
 
N

NinjaGnome

Platinum Member
Jul 21, 2001
2,002
0
76
yeah im gonna totally mod the hell out of any eclipse i get. new exhuast, sparks plugs, new chip, and whatever other engine mod i can think of
 
M

Mungla

Senior member
Dec 23, 2000
843
0
71
The Eclipse is very modifiable; there are tons of aftermarket parts available (including body kits).

You can change out the factory spark plugs with ones made of platinum, and the new Iridium plugs may also be available. Normal spark plugs require changing every 30k miles (per the service manual) while platinum's are every 60k. Changing the spark plugs won't really make any difference in performance unless you go with a different temperature; the recommended temperature is the best for a non-turbo and non-advanced Eclipse engine.

As far as the chip goes, there's no way to replace the factory ECU. If you want to remap the EFI or adjust the valve timing, you have to purchase a seperate controller and wire it in.

Turbo's cost about $3k and I plan to buy one after I pass up 36k miles (end of the engine/tranny warranty).

Check out this Eclipse Club
 
N

NinjaGnome

Platinum Member
Jul 21, 2001
2,002
0
76
thanks man. I dont know a lot about cars but i have a ton of friends who do and can help me out with putting the stuff in and working on it with me so i can learn about these things. In return i help them with computer stuff and teach them.
 
S

shabby

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
5,782
45
91
If you actually want to increase hp, you wont get anywhere with a 3.0L naturally aspirated engine. Granted theres a turbo kit for it, but dependability goes down when the engine isnt built for forced induction.
What you want is the 95-99 eclipse which came with a turbo. You can do a bunch of free mods and have an increase in hp, i dare you to find free hp in a n/a car.
 
T

TeenHeartthrob

Junior Member
Jul 29, 2002
23
0
0
shabby is right, i sincerly doubt you will gain close to 10 whp with an intake. if you are really into modding and speed, then you should look into an older GST or GSX.

basically with this new model they took out everything that made the eclipse fast..awd and a turbo.

edit: taking a new eclipse over a wrx?!?!?! omg...
 
N

NotoriousJTC

Golden Member
Nov 19, 2000
1,406
0
0
Mungla,

Your car is sweet lookin'. How many of the exterior parts are aftermarket? I haven't had a chance to see a new 2003 Eclispe yet (well, until now), but im really diggin' the lights you're sporting.
 
D

Desslok

Diamond Member
Jun 14, 2001
3,780
11
81
You took at Eclipse over a WRX??? Why just because of the looks? To each their own I guess.

Me personally I will take my Rex over a newer Eclipse any day. I have to admit I liked the older ones though with AWD and the turbo, but when that tubos kicked it WOW not exactly the smoothest. Is there a way to mellow that kick out?
 
N

notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
38,241
4
0
Originally posted by: NinjaGnome
yeah im gonna totally mod the hell out of any eclipse i get. new exhuast, sparks plugs, new chip, and whatever other engine mod i can think of
Click to expand...

Yeah, you mod the hell out of that thing. Especially the spark plugs.
 
N

NinjaGnome

Platinum Member
Jul 21, 2001
2,002
0
76
lol. Like I said before im an idiot, oh and being slightly drunk doesnt help. Now I have more to think about becuase of this thread. 99 eclipse, WRX or 2000-2003 eclipse.
 
D

dirtboy

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
6,745
1
81
If you're planning to put a bunch of performance mods on it, don't buy an Eclipse, unless it's the AWD version (which they stopped making). FWD cars aren't that great for performance upgrades, even though lots of them exist. Get a RWD or AWD car if you're planning on going fast.
 
D

dethman

Lifer
Oct 12, 1999
10,263
3
76
as an owner of a 2K1 eclipse let me tell you there is no real performance aftermarket for it...you will never get your car under 13s. so if you want to be superfast, i would suggest another car. i still love my car though.
 
L

Lunarcade

Member
Apr 5, 2002
190
0
0
The previous generation Eclipse is definitely better. AWD, turbo, and a much sleeker look to it IMO, not to mention the aftermarket is massive.
 
3

302Ranger

Member
Jul 20, 2000
64
0
0
dont rule out the Talon AWD either.. you have to get a little older car (95-97) to get one though... usually can be found for cheaper than an Eclipse..
i had a 95 Talon TSi AWD.. some decent mods to it...
 
S

SaintGRW

Golden Member
Oct 14, 2001
1,048
0
0
if you like the looks of the new eclipse's and want to upgrade alot the AWD eclipse/talon's 95-99 are good, but if your looking for the something closer to new eclipse look and faster go with a 3000GT VR-4
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom