"90 Eclipse makeover

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.

"Jack" <jack.gebhart.RemoveThis@zoomtown.com> wrote in message
news:cc6c7$47c8ce73$4ad71105$3702@FUSE.NET...
> Can I increase the engine size, go green with battery power, modify to
> rear wheel drive, etc.

The 89-94 are know as 1G, 95-98(?) are 2G models.

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.

1. 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. 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.

3. 2.3L 4G64 DOHC from 98+ Galant. Use the existing F5M22 transmission. You
need the correct ECU and wiring harness updates.

4. 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.

5. 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 www.dsm.org 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.


regards
Stewart DIBBS
www.pixcl.com/lancerproject