Sorry to post another one of these...

[l_eclipse_l]

I just read through like 10 threads on exhaust for our cars. I'm still confused. I want to install a full stainless steel exhaust system, with an eventual header. My goal is to be as fast as a stock gst, without buying one, so around 200-220 hp. What size exhaust should I get??? I have read anywhere from 2" to 3", with a preference for 2.5". What will give me the most hp, without sacrificing the low-end torque, and still sound like my car has something under the hood? I am leaning towards 2.25", what do you think.

[drewh4386]

sorry man. but the easiest way to be as fast as a stock gs-t to is to turbo it. Headers/cold air intake/exhaust will probably get you any extra 10-20hp. you could bore you engine out but that is more of a hassle to be as fast as a gst.

[shadow eclipse]

Originally Posted by drewh4386

sorry man. but the easiest way to be as fast as a stock gs-t to is to turbo it. Headers/cold air intake/exhaust will probably get you any extra 10-20hp. you could bore you engine out but that is more of a hassle to be as fast as a gst.

Very well put,

[slowgsowner]

I would recommend the cat back and a test pipe for the cat any way. in the future if he does put a turbo on it will come in handy. I speak from experience because before I got smart and put on the turbo I had the usual n/a mods and it helped a ton. (against hoduhs though) I can't say that before I turboed it I beat up on a gst, but I will say I have come close. Good luck

[lostmypicks]

I would say TURBO IT
I agree with
drewh

[david-b]

Turbo is easy. I would say go all out. Thats what im doing. It'll cost just as much. I like thinking that oneday ill be able to beat turbo cars without one. My next car will be turbo, but try doing it all without a turbo. Its possible.

[96spyderman]

Originally Posted by l_eclipse_l

........... and still sound like my car has something under the hood?

Wouldn't that be like stuffing a sock in your pants when you go out clubbin? false advertising!!!! LMAO

Yeah...soo... your at a light and someone "with something" under the hood pulls up next to you.... ya get owned if ya try!!!!

Personally I say to save your $$$ and get a GS-T or GSX... you'll be much happier in the long run.......

[l_eclipse_l]

I honestly did think about turboing it, but decided against it because of the huge upfront cost of the kit, and not knowing much about how to hook everything up. Plus, there are practically no shops within a 150 mile radius of where I live that would do it. (Wisconsin is gay). Is it that hard to get 60 hp from just bolt on's and shit? I figured with a CAI, (ordered a few days ago), exhaust, and header would put me up around 20-25 hp. Then I was going to look at bigger cams, because a friend of mine told me that would be next easiest, with the biggest gains. I don't really want to spend more than $1,200-$1,500 total within the next year. A decent turbo kit is like $2,500, without labor. Seemed easier to go N/A, and cheaper.

On another note, I love my car, with the exception of whats under the hood. I looked for nearly 4 months for an eclipse, and this was the best I could find within 200 miles of where I live. It's got every option except power seats, and a turbo. I'm still in high school (40 more days), and college is breathing down my neck. I needed to hurry up and get something, before all my money went into paying for college. I wish I would have found a gst or gsx in time, but it didn't happen and now im stuck with this car for atleast a few years, I just want to get it as fast as a gst, for no more than $1,500. Am I being unreasonable? Let me know now before I start spending the money.

[shadow eclipse]

Nitrous is your only hope in my opinion, especially with 1500 bucks to play with. You will be faster than a stock gst but all he has to do is turn up the boost and do a few cheap upgrades and he will be able to walk you pretty easy. Ofcourse you can always add more nitrous, but it my cost you your engine Thats the route I would go personally, some nice intake, exhaust upgrades then a nice wet nitrous kit ( i heard theyre the best) and maybe have a little of your 1500 left over for ignition upgrades, ect. Hope this helps.

[l_eclipse_l]

Thx for the reply, but I won't go the nitrous way. Seems like cheating to me. I ordered an AEM cold air intake for $106 shipped on Saturday. (Excellent deal if I do say so myself, but had to stay up till 2:15 in the morning to make sure I won it). I think I'm just gonna go with the 2.25" stainless steel exhaust and header, and see where I'm sittin at. Should be around 160ish hp after all that, 165 if im lucky, then I gotta figure out the cheapest way to get another 40 hp, without a turbo, and without nitrous. Keep posting with suggestions. Thx.

[drewh4386]

my old eclipse had everything your gettin except hd intake. I didn't notice much of a difference. Except with loudness. I not really a loud person. Quiet and slick is my taste. Anyway. I hoping to get this turbo kit off ebay. And if the auction goes any higher than 400, i going to let it go. And with a little searching and patience you could turbo you car safely under 1000 dollars. after-market parts work best with after-market motor parts. Putting them on stock cars won't give you that much of a difference.

P.s. Good luck with your mods because you will still being in that 10-20 hp range. Believe me I tried do what you are doing and was not satisfied. Hey maybe you will be. Im just plannig to boost enough for me to be satisfied.