So, I'm buying So*Simple*GSX's Eclipse, and I need to know what would be suggested that I mod. Okay, here are the mods the car already has:
- Front and rear strut bars
- Shortened intake w/ aftermarket filter
- BIG FMIC
- Non-recirculated dual-horn BOV
- 3" Downpipe
- Aftermarket Exhaust
- XTD Stage-3 Clutch (approx. 10,000 miles)
- Autometer gauges (boost, oil temperature, A/F ratio)
The most recent maintenance on the car has been:
- New waterpump and all the belts
- Timing belt
So far, this is all (that I know of). I'd like to spend $2,500 in mods on it shortly after I buy it, but I'd like to know what you guys would suggest in terms of parts, stores, and where to get it all installed.
Please note that the car has 142,000 miles on it, but it feels like it was a babied 142,000 miles. Still, that much mileage on a car, especially the engine, has to have SOME effect on what extent I can go to with modifications.
Anyway, if you know what car I'm talking about, and especially if you've worked on it, please let me know what you think would be best in terms of mods. Again, I'll be spending between $2,000 - $2,500 in parts AND labor.
So far, here are all my performance modification plans, but I don't know what brand to buy, store to buy it from, shop to have it installed, or order to buy it in. I know all these mods will exceed $2,500, so that's why I need to know what would be suggested to get first:- Dual intake temperature gauge (I'm thinking of putting the 2 sensors before and after the intercooler, so I can see how well THAT's performing)
- EGT gauge (coupled with the intake temp. gauge, I'd be able to see the temperatures before the intercooler, after the intercooler, and after exiting the engine)
- Voltage gauge (do I really need this?)
- Oil pressure gauge (do I really need this?)
- Water temperature gauge (do I need this if I already have an oil temp. gauge?)
- Boost controller (should I go for manual or electronic?)
- Larger turbo (I was thinking 20G would be sufficient for a while, but I'm open to suggestions)
- Fuel pump (I'm considering a Walbro 255lph, but again, I'm open to suggestions)
- Fuel pressure regulator (will I need this?)
- External wastegate (I've heard this REALLY helps spool-up)
- Larger injectors (I'm considering 550cc, but let me know what you'd suggest)
- Lightweight flywheel
- Intercooler spray (should I just get water-cooling, or is it worth it to invest in a nitrous-cooling system?)
- Exhaust manifold (I've heard tubular manifolds are good, but should I get ceramic or steel or what?)
- Intake (anyone ever heard of the Blitz SUS filter? I'd like to pair this up to a metal intake pipe. Suggestions, anyone?)
- Stainless steel clutch line (I've heard this maximizes the amount of pedal force transferred to the slave cylinder)
- Shifter cable bushings
- Short shifter (I'm deciding between B&M and Fidanza, but I'm open to suggestions)
- Motor mounts
- Cams (my friend suggested I get cams, but how do these help performance?)
- Radiator (with the mods I am looking forward to installing, I'm sure upgraded cooling will be necessary, but what do you say?)
- Fuel rail (will this be necessary soon, or far down the road?)
- Spark plugs & wires (realistically, how much do new spark plugs help?)
- Capacitive discharge ignition system
- Suspension upgrade (should I get coilovers or springs? What shocks would you guys recommend?)
- Brake rotor and caliper upgrade (suggestions or reviews, anyone?)
- Stainless steel brake lines (I've heard this stiffens up the brake pedal)
- Electronics (Turbo timber, and air/fuel controller or EMS? Suggestions?)
- Upgraded rear spoiler (this car has the low-profile spoiler, but since it's AWD, I would like to install a larger wing. Not some huge ricey wing...I want something functional. Suggestions?)
Okay, it's late, and I can't think of anything else off the top of my head, so now I'll leave it to your guys to let me know what you think I should do. Thanks in advance!