Hey I just got my first car, '98 GSX A/T. Since I'm new to tuning, I was wondering what I should go with for my first mod. I was thinking either a manual boost controller, or shift kit. BTW, I dont want to spend much more than $200 for now.

Turbo back exhaust, then MBC and set it to 16 psi for the T25 turbo. After about 16psi it maxes out and just blows hot air. Then upgrade your IC piping and intercooler. This will exceed 200 dollars but its is the way to go. Im drunk but its new years so its ok...but yea....thats what you do.

For 200 dollars, hmm...let me see, 200 hundred dollars, what's out there that's for 200 hundred dollars...hmmm...a cat back is more than two hundred dollars, Get a tubular turbo header. Check out eBay.

you should go to the 1g/4g63 section. firts mod(s) to get you started, probably a k&n fipk (filter) and a boost gauge.

go to www.hahnracecraft.com. They have a whole section on staged upgrades for the 4g63. Ive looked through it a couple times..... hey i can dream cant i??

Anyways, i believe ^^^ was right, i think the K&N was at the top of the list.

thanks for the help, I'll check this stuff out.

I looked through the Hahn list, it says go Airfilter, Exhaust System, IC pipes and BOV, BC, then Boost Gauge. Would it hurt my engine to skip the exhaust system and IC pipes, and just go airfilter, BOV, BC, boost gauge?

The reason I'm tryin to stay cheap is bc I'm a 15 y/o without a job. In other words I'm poor.

You can mod in whatever order you want, but if you add on like a 3" exhaust it will really free up the power when you turn up the boost. Its all about airflow and all of those mods will help in different ways, and some will help even more in conjunction with other mods. Which is why they are put in a certain order... its for a reason. Hahn knows what he's doing, however it is just a suggestion. You should read up on turbo's and if your going to mod your car it is a good idea to know your engine pretty well... so research can only help. Have gone over to www.dsmtuners.com or www.dsmtrader.com?

Im not trying to point you away from this site, but this site is mainly for the 420a motor and its possible that you can find more help/suggestions on this subject on a site that is based around the 4g63.

Originally posted by 98eclipseGSX
I looked through the Hahn list, it says go Airfilter, Exhaust System, IC pipes and BOV, BC, then Boost Gauge. Would it hurt my engine to skip the exhaust system and IC pipes, and just go airfilter, BOV, BC, boost gauge? The reason I'm tryin to stay cheap is bc I'm a 15 y/o without a job. In other words I'm poor.

then how did you get a 98 GSX?

Alright, I'll check those sites out.
I got the car through my savings account, and parents chipped in.

Okay when modifying turbo cars the very first thing you will want to get is a boost gauge.

After you know exactly how much boost you are running you can start upgrading other areas of the car.

If you plan on running any more than 12psi, you will need an upgraded BOV and intercooler pipe. The factory plastic crap will leak after 12psi. At the same time you can get an air filter.

After that you have a variety of ways you can go. The first thing I would do is a shift kit and end clutch kit for the automatic tranny. That will make you shift much faster which is very much needed with the slushbox transmission.

Then you can work on exhaust (2.5" downpipe, 3" cat or test pipe, 3" catback), fuel control (SAFC or DSMlink), upgraded fuel pump (Walbro 255 low pressure), and the list continues. These you can do in pretty much any order you wish as long as the boost does not go over 15psi. (Not that it really matters because the stock turbo will not usually hold more than 12psi after 5,000 rpm anyway.)


Make sure to read www.vfaq.com and www.dsm.org front to back before trying to attempt ANY modifications to your turbo DSM. You will learn more there than any other single site on the net.


Edit: If you only have $200 to spend, get the shift kit. It changes the entire feel of the car forever and you will need it in the future anyway.

Originally posted by Jeff_99gs
If you only have $200 to spend, get the shift kit. It changes the entire feel of the car forever and you will need it in the future anyway.

yup. Or just go with the normal 1st mods. Filter, UICP, BOV, boost guage, MBC. In that order.
Search for free mods also. You can do those to a stock car with out hurting anything to get a little more power...
edit: Check out DSMTrader.com, you'll be able to find an uicp and 1st gen BOV for cheap.

Would it be a good investment to modify my A/T by getting a Torque Convertor and Shift Kit before upgrading the engine/turbo? Do these mods shave much time off the quarter?

Don't get too far ahead of yourself. :nono There are a few reputable vendors that have the modding process written out into steps. You should try to follow one of those rather that jump around...
I wouldn't worry about a TC till after you install a much larger turbo. The stock turbo (and even a little larger) will still build boost at the stock stall speed.
For the money a good high stall TC will cost, you could have alot of other stuff done.

My bad on the TC idea lol, I think I might go with this setup:
http://www.jumptronix.com/2g_go_faster/index.htm
It's similar to Hahn's setup. With the stage 1 mods, and shift kit, do you have any idea of what I'd be runnin in the quarter?

Check this thread out. The scond post has several very good links to upgrade paths that you should check out.

http://forums.2gnt.com/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=17&topic_id=10926&mesg_id=10926

Like Jeff said, read, read, read, read, read, until you can't read anymore before doing any mods. You'll thank yourself in the long run.

Here is another thread with some good info:
http://forums.2gnt.com/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=17&topic_id=8606&mesg_id=8606

I just thought about this, would it even be worth it to mod my car out? It's approaching 93,000 miles, but has had no trouble at all and is in good shape. I wouldnt want to put money into it then something go out on me.

Originally posted by 98eclipseGSX
I just thought about this, would it even be worth it to mod my car out? It's approaching 93,000 miles, but has had no trouble at all and is in good shape. I wouldnt want to put money into it then something go out on me.

Well that depends. Is this something you feel you'll be into for the long run? Chances are, if you are smart about it, a lightly to moderately modded car with that many miles will run fine (with obvious maintenance issues occuring over time. Let's not be too idealistic). On the other hand, if you are smart about it, HELL YES, it's worth it.

If you are truly into the modding thing, you'll need to prepare yourself mentally for the eventuality of doing some extensive repairs. These cars are getting older with your '98 being 7 years old now. Chances are, the more you mod it, the less reliable it will be in the long run. That's nature of making a car more powerful.

That being said, if it is in good shape, you can mod it with some intelligence and keep it running great. Just be ready to do some repairs, and it may be worth getting a beater to drive around if something happens that keeps it off the road for a while. Don't rush into it if you have concerns. Read all you can to familiarize yourself with the whole process and also just always have a fall back plan if need be.

Best of luck.

Originally posted by 98eclipseGSX
My bad on the TC idea lol, I think I might go with this setup: http://www.jumptronix.com/2g_go_faster/index.htm It's similar to Hahn's setup. With the stage 1 mods, and shift kit, do you have any idea of what I'd be runnin in the quarter?

Just as a note, 4G guys really don't talk abbout upgrading by "stages". There is a nce progression that is generally accpeted with many variables therein, but that whole "Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3" stuff doesn't really apply. I know they break down they upgrade path on that link into "stages" but the term isn't used the same (or as often) as it is the the 420A-T crowd. Just a thought.

Also, that guys stages are kinda warped. $1000 gets you alot faster than low 14's/high 13's. Why would someone upgrade their turbo in Stage 3 then not get larger injectors or fuel control until stage 4, and wait even longer to get a FMIC? Why does it cost $5000 to get low 12's? Sorry, just pointing out some strange stuff in there.

Check out the other upgrade paths on www.buschurracing.com; www.roadraceengineering.com; www.dsmtuners.com; and www.machv.com. Those are good ones to start with.