ive talked to eclipse982nrRST and he pretty much told me i couldnt run a turbo and boost from 5-8 psi on a stock bottom end. My original plan was to save up for the Hahn stage II (with fmic) drive it for the summer every now and then boost 5-6 psi just so i can have a lil fun before rebuilding. rebuild next winter after ive saved up more money. He said will mess something up within a very short amount of time. Ive heard of people have had little problems boosting at 5-6 psi just for a couple months. So tell me guys whats the best way to do it. Im somewhat of a noob to the turbo world of a 2gnt so please help me out.

theres a reason why you have not had a reply yet. Search. I hate to say it, but yes this has been asked time and time again.

To sum it up, check your engine. If its in good condition then I see no reason not to boost 5-6. Just REALLY resist the urge to up it a notch.

I ran 10psi for 3-4 yrs on the stock bottom end from 20k miles to 40k miles. I knew my block was in good condition though.

oh and that was with a t3/4 that flows more then hahns 16 g.

Member # 751


FOUNDER of the Central Cali chapter of 2GNT!
(I got kicked out after I refused to go Cow tiping) - Hehehe you know who this is for

yah sorry about not searching first, i wasnt thinking haha i was too sad cuase i was told that my engine wouldnt last a couple months at 5-6 psi. I have 80k on my car now so i dont know the shape of my block i guess any advice on the milege on my car and if the block would still be in good condition. Also i saw a built up shortblock setup from howell, anyone have that or have heard of someone haveing a good experience with that. thx and sorry guys.

Technically, the correct way to do it would be to build your engine first, break that in ... and then turbo charge the engine later. 90% of the guys on the board buy the turbo kit first, blow up the engine and then rebuild ... I mean hell, that's what I did. Except, I didn't blow mine up. I did exactly as you stated, bought my turbo kit, ran it for a summer at the pre-set boost settings and then re-built over the winter. I had no motor problems, but my car only had 38K on it at the time. Some guys bolt a turbo kit on and blow it up in a week, so it really boils down to how well you know your car/engine and how you drive. In the end it's your money, we can give suggestions, but you gotta make the call.

If I were in your shoes, or my own shoes and I had to do it over again, I would have rebuilt first. My .02.

1999 Eclipse GST 4G63

i never really abused my car and i know the person who had it before me barely even drove it. But cant a compression test be some help in deciding the condition of your engine. Ive read about it before does it tell you what your gasket and block condition is somewhat? thx guys

exactly. Do some basic tests. A compression test is a pretty good start. If everything checks out, then that will aid you in your decision.

Like state above, some guys blow in a week or a couple of days, and some go on for miles and years. Just take it easy and NEVER go above the 5 psi. Our blocks are pretty stout and handle the boost quite nicely. Its the detonation that will kill it, thats what you have to avoid.

Member # 751


FOUNDER of the Central Cali chapter of 2GNT!
(I got kicked out after I refused to go Cow tiping) - Hehehe you know who this is for

what kind of boost are you running chamuko? Also one dude was trying to tell me to buy a shortblock with 8.6 cr, he told me JE pistons are crap and wiesco are better. howell sells a built shortblock for 2 grand is that an ok route? or is it cheaper to built it up piece by piece.

i ran the hahn stage I at 5 psi for over a year and am now running the hahn stage II w/ fmic at 10 psi for the last five months with no problems on my stock bottom end. if your going to do the howell s/block then go with the stroker w/ 8.8:1 pistons. you should probaly do this first, because the stroker will give you the extra power you want plus when you do turbo it you'll be ready to run the hahn stage 3,4, or 5 kits. that my opinion even though i turbo'd first and am rebuilding second.

Good advice ^^^^

1999 Eclipse GST 4G63

8.8 compression is a pretty much "standard" compression ratio. JE and other piston manufacturors carry it in stock. I would use JE, CP or Ross before wiseco. They are still good pistons, just not MY top choise, but thats IMO.

Also , for a new guy 8.8 is much more forgiving. If you run anything higher you will get a bit more power , but with a lot of carefull tunning.

The howell kit is pretty good, the only thing I would opt out of would be the total seal rings, again thats IMO. A set of JE's would be easier for a new guy.

Other then that the kits offered by howell are good. Yes it will be cheaper to get the kit and do everything yourself ( other the the manchine work done by a shop). It takes a bit longer, and can be frustrating if its your first time. The reward is a sense of accomplishment and you learn your block from the inside out.

If you can buy a spare block for 100-250. Get it worked on, get the internals from anywhere you like ( howell, VT , ERT, etc.). Go at it on your spare time while boosting conservatively on your stock block.

Oh and like mentioned above, 10psi on a 50trim t03/t04 hybrid.

Member # 751


FOUNDER of the Central Cali chapter of 2GNT!
(I got kicked out after I refused to go Cow tiping) - Hehehe you know who this is for