Hey gearheads! So, you're thinking about slapping a turbo kit onto your Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G? Awesome choice! You're in for a wild ride, turning your already zippy Eclipse into a seriously fun machine. This guide is your friendly, comprehensive walkthrough for everything you need to know about diving into the world of 2G Eclipse turbo kits. We'll cover everything from the why to the how, helping you navigate the options, avoid common pitfalls, and ultimately, get your Eclipse roaring with boosted power.

Why Turbocharge Your Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G?

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks: why even bother with a Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G turbo kit? The answer, in a nutshell, is power. Adding a turbocharger to your car is like giving it a shot of adrenaline. It forces more air into the engine, which allows it to burn more fuel, resulting in a significant increase in horsepower and torque. Imagine the thrill of launching off the line with a surge of acceleration that pins you to your seat – that's the kind of experience a turbocharger can deliver. Specifically for the 2G Eclipse, which came with the 4G63 engine (a favorite among tuners), the potential for power gains is massive. You're not just adding a little pep; you're unlocking a whole new level of performance. This engine is known for its robust design and ability to handle increased boost pressure, meaning you can achieve substantial power upgrades without necessarily sacrificing reliability (if done right, of course).

Beyond raw power, a turbo kit can also transform the overall driving experience. The enhanced torque allows for quicker acceleration in everyday driving situations, making passing on the highway easier and adding a fun factor to your daily commute. The sound of a turbo spooling up and the characteristic whoosh of the blow-off valve add an exciting auditory element that complements the improved performance. Furthermore, upgrading your Eclipse with a turbo kit can boost its resale value, especially if the installation is done professionally and with high-quality components. It's an investment that not only enhances your driving pleasure but can also provide a return down the road. Another reason is the sense of accomplishment you get from building your car and enjoying the fruits of your labor. There's a certain pride that comes with creating a fast and unique vehicle, and a turbo kit is a cornerstone of this process. The satisfaction of knowing you built something powerful and personalized is difficult to match, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. Ultimately, adding a turbo kit to your Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G is a fantastic way to elevate its performance, inject excitement into your driving, and make a statement on the road.

Key Components of a Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G Turbo Kit

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of boosting your 2G Eclipse. Now, let's talk about what makes up a typical Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G turbo kit. Understanding these components is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring a smooth installation. At the heart of any turbo system is, well, the turbocharger itself. This is the star of the show, the device that compresses air and forces it into the engine. There are various types and sizes of turbochargers, each with different performance characteristics. Some are designed for quick spool-up (delivering power sooner), while others prioritize top-end power. Choosing the right turbo depends on your power goals and driving preferences.

Next up is the exhaust manifold, which connects the engine's exhaust ports to the turbocharger. The design of the manifold is critical, as it affects the turbo's efficiency and performance. A well-designed manifold can improve exhaust gas flow, helping the turbo spool up faster and generate more power. The intercooler is another essential component. Its job is to cool the compressed air before it enters the engine. Cooler air is denser, meaning more oxygen molecules can enter the cylinders, resulting in more power. Intercoolers come in various sizes and styles, including front-mount intercoolers (FMICs) and top-mount intercoolers (TMICs). The blow-off valve (BOV) or wastegate are crucial for controlling boost pressure. The BOV releases excess pressure when the throttle closes, preventing compressor surge and protecting the turbocharger. The wastegate bypasses exhaust gas around the turbine wheel to regulate boost levels, ensuring the engine doesn't exceed safe operating parameters.

You'll also need an upgraded fuel system, including larger fuel injectors and a high-flow fuel pump. The stock fuel system is typically not capable of supplying enough fuel to support the increased airflow from a turbocharger. The downpipe is a crucial part of the exhaust system. It connects the turbocharger's exhaust outlet to the rest of the exhaust system. Upgrading to a larger-diameter downpipe can reduce backpressure and improve exhaust flow. Finally, a tune is absolutely essential. The engine's computer (ECU) needs to be recalibrated to properly manage the increased airflow and fuel delivery. A good tune will optimize performance, fuel economy, and reliability. This usually involves using a standalone ECU or reflashing the factory ECU with custom software.

Choosing the Right Turbo Kit for Your Eclipse 2G

Alright, so how do you pick the right turbo kit for your Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G? This is where the fun (and research) begins! Your choice will depend on several factors, including your power goals, budget, and driving style. If you're a beginner, maybe stick with a reputable, pre-packaged kit. This makes installation and tuning easier. First, establish your power goals. How much horsepower do you want to achieve? This will influence the size and type of turbocharger you need. Do you want a setup for daily driving, drag racing, or road course use? These different applications require different turbocharger characteristics. Consider your budget. Turbo kits can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Factor in the cost of installation, tuning, and any supporting modifications.

Research reputable brands and kits. Look for kits that include high-quality components and comprehensive instructions. Read reviews and seek recommendations from other 2G Eclipse owners. The internet is your friend here! When it comes to the turbocharger itself, consider factors like the compressor map, turbine size, and A/R ratio. These specifications determine the turbo's performance characteristics, such as spool-up time and peak power. The intercooler should be appropriately sized for your power goals. An oversized intercooler may not be ideal for daily driving, as it can increase turbo lag. Pay attention to the fuel system requirements of the kit. Make sure the kit includes fuel injectors and a fuel pump that can support your target horsepower. Make sure the kit includes a downpipe. Otherwise, you'll have to source one separately. It's a good idea to consider the supporting modifications needed, such as a clutch upgrade, engine management system, and gauges. These components can help you maximize performance and monitor your engine's health.

If you're not comfortable with the installation process, or are new to turbocharging, professional installation and tuning are highly recommended. This ensures that everything is installed correctly and that your engine is running safely and efficiently. Remember that choosing a turbo kit is a balancing act. It's about finding the right combination of components that meets your power goals, budget, and driving preferences. Do your homework, ask questions, and don't be afraid to seek advice from experienced tuners and 2G Eclipse enthusiasts.

Installation Process: Getting Your Turbo Kit On

Okay, you've got your Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G turbo kit, and you're eager to get it installed. Let's talk about the installation process. Keep in mind that this is a general overview, and the specific steps may vary depending on the kit you choose. If you're not familiar with automotive work, consider having a professional perform the installation. Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and supplies. This includes basic hand tools, such as wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers, as well as specialized tools like a torque wrench and potentially a boost leak tester. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the kit's instructions. Read them thoroughly before starting any work. This will help you understand the process and avoid mistakes.

Start by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery to prevent electrical shorts. Remove any components that need to be removed to access the engine, such as the air intake, exhaust manifold, and any other parts that are in the way. Install the exhaust manifold and turbocharger. Make sure to use the correct gaskets and tighten the bolts to the specified torque. Install the intercooler and piping. Route the pipes carefully to avoid any obstructions and ensure a secure fit. Install the blow-off valve and wastegate. Connect the vacuum lines and ensure that everything is sealed properly. Upgrade the fuel system, including the fuel injectors and fuel pump. This usually involves removing the fuel rail, replacing the injectors, and installing a new fuel pump.

Connect the downpipe to the turbocharger and the rest of the exhaust system. Ensure that the exhaust system is properly sealed to prevent leaks. Install any sensors or gauges that are included in the kit. Double-check all connections, and make sure that everything is secure and tight. Once everything is installed, it's time to perform a boost leak test. This involves pressurizing the intake system and checking for any leaks. Once the installation is complete, you'll need to tune the engine. This is a critical step that ensures that the engine is running safely and efficiently. If you're not familiar with engine tuning, it's best to have a professional perform this task. When everything is installed, double-check all connections, fluid levels, and overall installation for any potential issues.

Tuning Your Turbocharged Eclipse 2G

Okay, the turbo kit is on, but the job isn't done yet! You absolutely need to tune your Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G to make sure everything works correctly and safely. Tuning is the process of adjusting the engine's computer (ECU) to optimize performance, fuel economy, and reliability. This is where the magic happens. The stock ECU is not designed to handle the increased airflow and fuel delivery of a turbocharger, so it needs to be recalibrated. There are a few different tuning options available, including using a standalone ECU, reflashing the factory ECU, or using a piggyback system. A standalone ECU completely replaces the factory ECU and offers the most control over the engine's parameters. Reflashing the factory ECU involves modifying the existing software to accommodate the turbocharger. Piggyback systems intercept the signals from the factory ECU and modify them to control fuel and ignition.

Before you start tuning, you'll need to gather some basic tools and equipment, including a laptop, a tuning cable, and the appropriate tuning software. Install the tuning software on your laptop, and connect the tuning cable to the ECU. With your laptop connected, you'll be able to see the ECU's data in real-time. Start by getting a base map. If you're using a pre-packaged turbo kit, it may include a base map that you can use as a starting point. Adjust the fuel map to ensure that the engine is receiving the correct amount of fuel at all engine speeds and loads. The air-fuel ratio (AFR) should be within safe limits to prevent engine damage. Adjust the ignition timing to optimize performance and prevent detonation (knocking). Too much timing can cause detonation, while too little timing can reduce power.

Monitor the engine's parameters, such as AFR, knock, and boost pressure, to ensure that everything is operating within safe limits. Once you're happy with the tune, save the settings to the ECU. Drive the car and monitor the engine's parameters to ensure that the tune is performing as expected. If you're not familiar with engine tuning, it's highly recommended that you seek the help of a professional tuner. Engine tuning is a complex process, and a mistake can lead to engine damage. A professional tuner will have the expertise and equipment needed to properly tune your engine.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best planning, you might run into a few snags when working with your Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G turbo kit. Let's go over some common issues and how to deal with them. The first thing you might face is boost leaks. These can occur at any connection in the intake system, from the turbocharger to the throttle body. They reduce boost pressure and can cause a loss of power. To troubleshoot boost leaks, perform a boost leak test. Pressurize the intake system and listen for any hissing sounds. Check all connections and replace any damaged components. Another thing to watch out for is detonation. This is the uncontrolled combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. It can damage the engine. Detonation can be caused by various issues, including incorrect ignition timing, a lean air-fuel ratio, or low-octane fuel. If you suspect detonation, stop driving the car immediately and have it checked by a professional tuner.

You might also notice poor fuel economy. This is common with turbocharged engines. To improve fuel economy, make sure that the engine is properly tuned and that the air-fuel ratio is correct. Driving habits will play a huge role here as well. Pay attention to how the engine sounds and feels, which helps you catch potential issues early on. Any strange noises, vibrations, or changes in engine performance should be investigated immediately. If you have any serious concerns, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional mechanic or tuner.

Maintaining Your Turbocharged Eclipse 2G

So, you've got your boosted Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G running strong. Awesome! Now, how do you keep it that way? Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your turbo kit lasts and your car runs smoothly. Regularly change the engine oil and filter. Turbochargers run at very high speeds and temperatures, so clean oil is critical. Use high-quality synthetic oil and change it more frequently than you would on a stock engine. Check the turbocharger's oil feed and drain lines for leaks. These lines are critical for lubricating and cooling the turbocharger. Inspect them regularly and replace them if necessary. Inspect the intercooler for any damage or leaks. Keep the intercooler clean to ensure optimal performance. Periodically inspect the exhaust system for leaks or damage. Ensure that the exhaust system is properly sealed to prevent leaks and maintain performance.

Check the boost levels regularly to ensure that they are within the specified limits. Excessive boost can damage the engine. Monitor the air-fuel ratio (AFR) and knock readings to ensure that the engine is running safely. If you notice any issues, such as a rich or lean AFR, or any signs of detonation, have the engine checked by a professional tuner. Regularly inspect all of the connections in the intake and exhaust systems. Tighten any loose connections and replace any damaged components. Finally, keep an eye on your driving habits. Avoid excessive acceleration and deceleration, especially when the engine is cold.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Boost!

There you have it, folks! Your guide to taking your Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G to the next level with a turbo kit. This is a rewarding project, transforming your car into a high-performance machine. Remember to take your time, do your research, and prioritize safety. With the right kit, proper installation, and a professional tune, your Eclipse will be a blast to drive. So go out there, embrace the boost, and enjoy the ride! Happy boosting! Remember, the world of turbocharging is vast and always evolving. Keep learning, stay curious, and never be afraid to ask for help from fellow enthusiasts and experienced professionals. Your turbocharged 2G Eclipse is a testament to your passion for cars and your desire for speed. Enjoy the journey, and most importantly, have fun!