Auto Cross 1g Setup

[Andrew7dg]

Ok,I have a 1990 GSX Eclipse that is sitting in my driveway right now. I am loosing time and interest in it.

With the economy the way it is, I will be loosing money on selling it (unless someone wants to make an offer...)

I figure the only way that I can start gaining interest in this car again is if I build it for competition. Drag racing isn't completely out of the question but I am not going to spend a fortune on buying a forged internal set for it... then a transmission... then whatever else breaks

So Autocross i think would suit it best but what would be the ideal build for it?

What turbo?

*I am thinking a E16G or 20G turbo

Suspension?

*It has KYB AGX with sportlines on it plus some polyurethane bushings

What Cylinder head?

*It has the stock 1g head but I also have a 2g head with a Evo 3 intake manifold laying around. I also have a set of HKS272 and hopefully soon some valve springs to go with that.
I have no idea which one and I keep getting mix results when I ask this question...

Tires, rims?

*I am trying to find a set of RX-7 rims for it because they are wide and are 16" which I have been told still fit over the Evo brakes. Right now I have the 2 piston front brakes.

Brakes?

Um... I have the 2 piston front brakes... don't know what else would work... Evo?

Strut bars?

Do they do anything?.. I have heard mix opinions. I have one on the front of my car.

I am hoping people can chime in and give their experience and advice for engine, suspension and tire advice.
I just want to see if I can make this 1g handle. At this point it doesn't even need to be street comfortable...

Or i might sell it... which ever comes first...
:drive1:

[Kracka]

The 2-piston front calipers should be ok, just get some nice pads for them and use quality rotors. You should definitely think about adding at least a rear anti-sway bar to your suspension setup. The Evo III 16G would be right at home on the autocross course. The RX-7 wheels would be nice b/c you can easily put some wider tires on there; get something decently sticky with a stiff sidewall.

[Matt D.]

In my opinion you're putting too much thought into it if you just want to go have fun and learn to drive better. Do that first, go out, do a couple events, see what the car lacks or where it needs improvement and go from there. Until you're serious about being competitive then do whatever your heart desires, and I seriously mean it.

From your list, here is what I would do:
Evo 3 16G
Suspension is good, maybe consider a bigger rear sway bar
Whatever wheels are fine, for tires you'll be best off with something like Dunlop Z1 Star Spec, Kumho Ecsta XS or Hankook Ventus RS3, Sumitomo HTR ZIII are great as well
Your brakes are fine, but consider getting some better pads like EBC Green or Hawk HPS

Again, you need to first be concerned about having a solid car before you begin thinking about how competitive you will be. Get a few events under your belt and then see where you want to go with it.