Eclipse Evolution (Part 4)

Original Dates: Nov-Dec 2004

2004, the 10-year anniversary marked the rebirth of my Eclipse. I added a turbo kit which basically converted it from a GS to a GST. This upgrade changed almost the entire insides of the car... the entire exhaust system from the throttle body to the muffler was replaced. The front bumper area had to be modified to make room for the intercooler. Along with the power increase, I also had front and rear sway bars added for improved suspension.

After 10 years, most cars should be breaking down, but mine felt like a completely new one. Without the turbo, I felt like I couldn't get the car to do what I wanted at the particular moment. With the turbo, if I want to go a certain speed, I can do it almost instantly. My friend Warren once told me, "once you drive a turbo car, everything else feels like its broken."

Eclipse Evolution (Part 3)

Original Date: 2000

The Pacesetter system looked and worked great for a few years, but the ceramic material wore out quickly. The next step was to replace a few damaged parts... mainly from the down pipe to the muffler. A custom, mandrel-bent system replaced the Pacesetter pipe. A new stainless steel muffler replaced the blown-open Pacesetter and a hi-flow cat was also added for a bit more power. On the defensive side, power stop brakes were added.

Eclipse Evolution (Part 2)

Original Dates: 1997-1998

When a car is four years old and has traveled multiple trips from NY to Savannah, it's supposed to get worn down and become weaker. In the case of my Eclipse, this was the beginning of a quest for power. The air filter was upgraded to a K&N and the aircan was hacked open for maximize the air flow. This wasn't much of a power upgrade... maybe 5 hp (although the ads say 15-20 all the time), but I knew my car well and felt the slight change in power and engine hum.

Shortly after, the exhaust system and headers were upgraded to high-flow (2.25") products by Pacesetter. Back then, they were one of the only manufacturers to make them for the Gen 1 Eclipse. After looking at the parts, it was obvious that they were made for the '89-'91 model because some of the measurements were off by a little. The mechanic had to make a few modifications, but it worked out and still looked good. More importantly, this was the first significant power upgrade. I easily felt the extra 20 horses.

When building a car, defense must be upgraded whenever offense is increased. With the entire exhaust system changed, I had to add something defensive (brakes, suspension, etc.). So I installed an Extreme Motorsports front tower bar. It was a simple bolt-on that only took a few minutes, but I felt a huge difference especially on downhill corners. There was almost no swaying and the grip on the road was better.