Engine Question

[Speed Racer]

Hey people. Noob here. Just wondering what is the best engine to put into a 1997 Eclipse? I have heard that you can put an EVO engine in them, but I'm not so sure. Any other suggestions?

[JoeWagon]

I'm assuming that you have a non-turbo 97, and in that case there are 2 main options.
1. sell your car and buy a GST/GSX
2. turbo your car with a kit from HRC

the first option is most cost effective unless you have a lot of money into your car right now. i understand it's not easy at all to buy a new car and sell yours, but there are numerous advantages in the 4G63 vs turbo 420A discussion.

and if you already have a gst/gsx (you didn't specify) then you already have the best engine, even if a swap to EVO was possible. i think you can do it if you have the cash, in my eyes not very useful.

[Speed Racer]

Thanks for you input. Which would be the best in terms of power, looks, and affordability? The GST or the GSX? Noob here please keep it simple.

[JoeWagon]

GST and GSX are basically the same car in terms of looks, power, reliability, etc.. the only difference is that GSX is all wheel drive, so make the deicision according to whether you want that or not. GSX may cost say 500 extra, also remember AWD is considered a safety feature by insurance companies and you'll save a little too, so don't worry about the cost difference.

[Speed Racer]

Thanks JoeWagon. So AWD is a safety and money saver, niiiiiice .

[JoeWagon]

Basically, except if you weigh in everything, AWD has more parts to break if you launch often.

[NeonblueEclipse]

and all wheel drive is a little bit heavier than the GS-T

[BoostedSpyder]

GSX is far better in terms of a real racing approach. better times because of more traction. and the weight is negligable. a GSX wighs about the same as a spyder... i'm thinking of buying a GSX and parting everything on my spyder to it... oh ya, the 4g63 that's in the new EVO is the same 4g63 in all turbo eclipses, as well as a few n/t's, until they changed them to the 420a.

[kjewer1]

GSXs do weighta couple hundred pounds more. But keep in mind that the car is also geared lower to compensate. And the advantage you get off the line will seal the deal long before the lower weight allows the fWD car to catch up. FWD is fine, but for drag racing, traction wins. The two cars will mph about the same, but ET will be drastically different.