I inherited my daughters car which has a blow head gasket for the 2nd time. The last mechanic used a head saver shim but didn't double tork the head bolts at high temp so now I have a nice path between the 3rd and 4th cylinder. The clutch is also suspect at this point.
I am curious as to what suggestions people who know Mitsubishis have as to what I can do. Everything else on the car is in great shape. Can I increase the engine size, go green with battery power, modify to rear wheel drive, etc.
I am looking for someone who has done modifications for suggestions. I am a rookie at this but am eager to learn and try anything.
At a guess I'd say that its a 1.8L, but might be a 2.0L DOHC non-turbo.
Forget about battery power unless you have a boxcar of money, likewise rear wheel drive.
The 4G37 1.8L is a waste of steel and aluminium in a heavy vehicle like the Eclipse.
You can replace the engine with a variety of options. The simplest is just replace the existing engine with the same type.
2.0L 4G63 DOHC, which you may already have. Get the head reconditioned properly and rebuild the block. Use the existing F5M22 transmission with a new clutch. If the 1-2 synchros are slow by now, have them replaced while the trans is out. Alternatively, locate a decent 2G F5M22 that has a better double synchro design.
2.3L 4G64 SOHC 16v from 93+ Expo van, Galant. Don't consider the 89-92
4G64 SOHC 8v, but see below. Use the existing F5M22 transmission.
2.3L 4G64 DOHC from 98+ Galant. Use the existing F5M22 transmission. You need the correct ECU and wiring harness updates.
2.0L 4G63 DOHC turbo. You need the F5M33 trans from the turbo for this. Get a 6 bolt, not a 7 bolt engine. You need the correct ECU and wiring harness updates.
Build up a 2.3L 4G64 SOHC 8V 6 bolt block, with the DOHC head, with turbo. This is known as a 2.3L stroker. 300+ hp is possible. You need the F5M33 trans from the turbo for this, as your F5M22 won't take it. You need a special ECU and wiring harness updates.
Don't even consider trying to fit a V6. It can be done, but its not worth the effort and expense.
Replace the existing front brakes with bigger from the AWD turbo. You also need to replace the shocks and springs with turbo parts.
See my web site for ideas and information. Also
formatting link
There's lots of resources available.
A basic engine rebuild is in the order of $1500 for parts and machining if you do it right, and do the labour yourself. You can get (usually) decent condition Japanese engines and transmissions from many importers. Some work is needed before installation eg change the belts and waterpump. This will be cheaper than reconditioning, but you won't know how good the engine is until you get it into the car and started.
Doing an engine swap right, plus other necessary reconditioning (suspension, brakes, perhaps a new radiator, exhaust system) will require a total budget in the order or $3500-5000 if you have the facility, tools and capability.
This takes a lot of time and work, buts it's cheaper than a new car.
If you have to pay someone to do the work, your budget doubles.
need to know which engine is in the car now. check ebay for used engines, there are a number of Japanese importers. Depending on the engine you are replacing, they run from $300 to$1500. Check
formatting link
for modifications. DSM'S are hugely popular to modify.
I suggest you don't bastardize the car. Dropping in a turbo 4G63 6-bolt engine should be an easy fit, but will require a matching ECU and F5M33 transmission as Stewart suggested. If you get one of those JDM engines plan on rebuilding it. the 6-bolt designation refers to the number of bolts for the flywheel. The 6-bolt engine was in production up to early '92. the inferior 7-bolt engine started production in Mid '92, which was the start of the '93 cars.
I have a '94 Eclipse turbo 5-speed FWD with a '92 6-bolt engine that I have rebuilt and totally enjoy driving. Sure AWD has its advantages on launch, but beyond that the extra weight and drag is a deficit.
My car has the DSM Chips stage 3 EPROM, HKS 264 cams, 8.5:1 pistons, stock 14B turbo, Walbro 195 lpr fuel pump, Apexi AFC-II, and ported head with 1mm OS valves. Pending upgrades are air-over-water intercooler, big
16G turbo, and 3G MAF.
I haven't put in on a dyno yet but I estimate it is currently putting out 250 HP as it will rip the tires loose at 4500 RPM in 1st gear. 250 HP may not sound like much but is very responsive in a manual transmission car that only weighs 2800 lbs. Even though I punch it often I still average 30 MPG per tank.
With the intercooler, 3G MAF, and the big 16G turbo I should be able to get at least 350 HP out of it. With all of this my total investment will be under $10k US. Imagine that, a 350 HP sports car for under $10k US that gets 30 MPG.
This may sound silly but I also like the fact that it is a hatchback because I can haul stuff in it that will not fit in most other cars.
I prefer the sleeper look as it keeps the wanabe's from rev'ing up on me at every stop light. Besides, I prefer to go after v8s, especially the losers that think their 400 HP SUV is so hot. 400HP/6000lbs versus
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.