just bought a 2000 eclipse

hi guys im new to this site, ill explain my situation and what i have some questions about my car. I bought a 2000 gt full loaded with 64000 miles for 7750(it was a good deal i think). it is an automatic simply for the fact i can't drive a stick that well and i live in southern california and i drive on the freeway so i didnt want to deal with the traffic. i dont know very much about cars but i would like to learn a little. here is the dilema, put some aftermarket parts and take the chance ruining the engine quicker or keeping is stock and making it last. is there a way to put a little into it and not emptying the bank account or does it cost serious money to get 25-35 hp extra( dont know if thats asking too much.

MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS HURTING MY CAR by putting in extra parts and modding it. can anyone enlighten me on this???

intake and exhaust will not hurt your car

much more beyond that, and you've got tuning to worry about.

Abuse is the main cause of cars that break. also ignorance.

make sure plugs, and fluids, brakes, compression is in good condition and maintain it and your car can last you 200k miles. ithas been done.

how much hp are we talking about for intake and exhaust? it would be ok to add those things and not mess it up too much? i understand what your saying that abuse is the main reason cars break but i have talked to many people that have said that messing with cars by putting in new parts will cause nothing but trouble.


if i were to add those 2 things how much faster would the car be? 0-60 ? 1/4 mile? i believe is 205 hp right now

what do you recommend ?

Since you are talking basic basics here check out the "tips for modding your 3G" that is stickied at the top of this forum. There is a wealth of information in there about every aspect of this car. All the information you want and more is in there. Good luck with that So. Cal. traffic....i hate driving on I 91 there...pain in my ass. I 15 sucks as well. You are lucky to have an auto.

intake and exhaust might net you 7-8 hp if you're lucky.

How long your car lasts also heavily depends on how you drive.