Introduction: Why Upgrade a 2G Eclipse?

The Mitsubishi Eclipse of the second generation (1995–1999) remains a favorite among tuners for its lightweight chassis, potent 4G63 engine (especially in the GSX and GST trims), and a massive aftermarket community. While the stock turbo Eclipses already deliver respectable power, many owners seek more—without breaking the bank. A combined upgrade featuring an APS Cold Air Intake and a turbocharger kit can transform your 2G Eclipse into a fierce performer for roughly $2,500 in parts and labor. This guide breaks down every expense, installation hour, and hidden cost so you can budget confidently and get the most out of your build.

Understanding the 2G Eclipse’s Performance Potential

The 2G Eclipse came with several engine options, but the turbocharged 4G63 (found in the GSX, GST, and Spyder GST) is the real gem. Even in stock form, this engine responds well to airflow upgrades. Adding a cold air intake reduces intake air temperature and restriction, while a larger turbocharger kit forces more air into the combustion chamber. Together they unlock significant horsepower gains—often a 40–60% increase over stock with proper tuning. However, these upgrades must be matched to the rest of the fuel and cooling systems to avoid detonation or reliability issues. The $2,500 budget typically covers the hardware, but you should also plan for supporting modifications that ensure safe operation.

Cost Breakdown: APS Cold Air Intake

What Does the APS Cold Air Intake Do?

The APS Cold Air Intake is engineered to replace the restrictive factory airbox with a smooth, mandrel-bent aluminum tube and a high-flow conical filter. By drawing cooler air from outside the engine bay, it lowers intake air temperature by 15–25°F, which increases air density and allows more oxygen per combustion cycle. This translates to 5–10 horsepower and 8–12 lb-ft of torque at the wheels on a turbo 2G Eclipse. It also improves throttle response and can reduce turbo lag slightly by lowering the pressure drop before the compressor.

APS Cold Air Intake: Parts Cost

  • APS Cold Air Intake Kit (includes intake tube, filter, mounting bracket, couplers, and clamps): $280–$350 depending on the vendor and any sales.
  • Shipping: $10–$20.

We’ll use an average of $300 for this breakdown.

APS Cold Air Intake: Installation Time and Labor

Installation is surprisingly simple—most DIYers can complete it in under two hours with basic hand tools (socket set, screwdrivers, pliers). The hardest part is removing the factory shroud and rerouting the intake pipe, but no special skills are required. If you hire a shop, expect 1–2 hours of labor at $50–$100 per hour. We’ll budget $100 for labor.

Total for Cold Air Intake

  • Parts: $300
  • Labor (if any): $100
  • Total: $400

Cost Breakdown: Turbocharger Kit

Why Upgrade the Turbo on a 2G Eclipse?

The stock TD05 turbo on the 4G63 is efficient for daily driving but runs out of steam above 18 psi. A dedicated turbocharger kit—typically a larger compressor and turbine, often a Garrett GT30R, BorgWarner S200SX, or Precision 5857—can handle 25–30 psi and flow enough air for 350–450 wheel horsepower on pump gas with proper fuel system upgrades. Kits usually include the turbo itself, a new exhaust manifold (if not using the OEM log), oil and coolant lines, downpipe, and wastegate.

Turbocharger Kit: Parts Cost

  • Complete turbo kit (including turbo, manifold, downpipe, wastegate, lines, gaskets): $1,500–$2,200. Many kits are in the $1,800 range for a reliable street setup.
  • Optional: boost controller ($50–$150), upgraded blow-off valve ($80–$150), and intercooler piping (if not included) – we’ll assume the kit covers these basics.

We’ll use $1,800 as the parts baseline.

Turbocharger Kit: Installation Time and Labor

Turbo installation is where the serious work begins. You’ll need to: remove the old turbo and manifold, drain coolant and oil, swap oil feed and return lines, install the new manifold and turbo, reconnect the downpipe, and wire the wastegate. Expect 4–8 hours for a competent mechanic; DIYers may take a weekend. Shop labor at $100/hour comes to $400–$600. We’ll estimate 6 hours at $50/hour for a performance shop, giving $300 (some shops charge less for straightforward installs). We’ll use $300.

Total for Turbocharger Kit

  • Parts: $1,800
  • Labor: $300
  • Total: $2,100

Complete Cost Summary

Adding the cold air intake and turbo kit together brings you to exactly the $2,500 figure mentioned in the title. Here’s the final tally:

Component Parts Labor Total
APS Cold Air Intake $300 $100 $400
Turbocharger Kit $1,800 $300 $2,100
Grand Total $2,100 $400 $2,500

This assumes you do the entire job at a shop. If you install the intake yourself ($300) and tackle the turbo with a friend in a weekend, you can save around $400 in labor, bringing the total to $2,100. But be honest about your skills—turbo installation mistakes can lead to blown engines.

Hidden Costs You Must Consider

Engine Tuning (Non-Negotiable)

Installing a larger turbo and more airflow without recalibrating the engine computer is a recipe for detonation and engine failure. A tune is mandatory. Options include:

  • ECU flash (e.g., ECMTuning or a standalone like AEM EMS): $600–$1,200 plus tuning time.
  • EcuTek or Speed Density conversion with a knowledgeable tuner: $400–$800.
  • Piggyback fuel controller (e.g., SAFC): $200–$400 but less safe than full ECU control.

Budget at least $500 for a proper tune. Without it, your $2,500 upgrade is dangerous.

Supporting Fuel System Upgrades

The stock fuel pump and injectors on a 2G Eclipse are fine up to about 300 whp, but a larger turbo will quickly outrun them. You will likely need:

  • Walbro 255 LPH fuel pump: $100
  • 650–750 cc injectors: $200–$400
  • AFPR (adjustable fuel pressure regulator): $150–$200

These items cost $450–$700 and are essential for reliability. If you skip them, the engine runs lean under boost and may suffer catastrophic failure. Many turbo kits assume you already have upgraded injectors, but check the kit specifications.

Exhaust System Compatibility

A turbo upgrade usually requires a 3-inch turboback exhaust to minimize backpressure. If your Eclipse still has the stock 2.25-inch exhaust, add $400–$800 for a cat-back or full system. This isn’t strictly necessary for the turbo install but will limit performance gains without it.

Cooling System Upgrades

More boost means more heat. Consider upgrading the intercooler ($300–$500) and possibly a larger radiator ($200–$400) if you track the car. Many turbo kits include a decent intercooler, but confirm before buying.

Labor Overruns

Installations rarely go exactly as planned. Unexpected rust, stripped bolts, or broken parts can add 2–3 hours and $100–$300. Have a buffer of at least $200.

Expected Performance Gains

With the APS cold air intake and a properly matched turbo kit (say, a Garrett GT3076R with a 0.63 A/R turbine housing) plus tune and fuel upgrades, a 2G Eclipse can produce 350–400 whp on pump gas (91 octane). That’s roughly 120–170 whp over stock. Acceleration from 0–60 mph drops from the stock 6.0–6.5 seconds (GSX) to the mid-4-second range, and the quarter-mile can dip into the 12s. The car becomes genuinely fast by modern standards.

Without the cold air intake but with only the turbo kit, you might see 320–350 whp. The intake adds about 10–15 whp on top and improves transient response. On a dyno, the combination often shows a peak gain of 40–50 whp over a turbo-only setup at the same boost level, because cooler intake charge reduces knock tendency and allows more aggressive timing.

Installation Tips & Common Pitfalls

DIY or Professional Install?

If you’ve never worked on a turbo car, start with the cold air intake to build confidence. The turbo swap is far more involved—you’ll need to jack up the car, remove the passenger-side axle, deal with tight spaces near the firewall, and properly torque all fittings. A minor oil leak can ruin the turbo. Consider hiring a shop that specializes in Mitsubishis for the turbo portion and do the intake yourself.

Parts Selection Advice

Not all turbo kits are created equal. Look for kits that include proper oil and coolant lines, a high-quality wastegate (e.g., Tial or Turbosmart), and a thick gasket kit. Avoid cheap eBay clones that use thin flanges and weak wastegates. Reputable brands like ExtremePSI, MAPerformance, and ForceFed Performance offer reliable kits for the 4G63.

For the APS cold air intake, verify it fits your specific 2G Eclipse model (GSX/GST vs. non-turbo). Some intakes require relocation of the battery or a smaller battery, so check DSM Tuners forum for installation guides.

Tuning: The Make-or-Break Step

Do not start the car after the turbo swap until you have a base tune loaded (even a safe, low-boost map). Running the engine with incorrect timing and fuel maps can bend rods in minutes. Many tuners offer remote tuning via datalogging, but it’s best to go to a dyno shop for final calibration. Budget at least $500 as noted earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the stock intercooler?

Not with a larger turbo. The stock top-mount intercooler on the 2G Eclipse is small and prone to heat soak above 15–16 psi. Upgrade to a front-mount intercooler (FMIC) for consistent power. Many turbo kits include an FMIC.

Will these upgrades void my car’s insurance?

They can affect coverage. Always inform your insurance company about modifications. Some providers will cover increased value if you have an agreed-value policy. Without disclosure, they may deny a claim after an accident.

How long does the installation take for an experienced mechanic?

Around 6–8 hours for the turbo swap, plus 2 hours for the intake if done together. A full weekend for a careful DIYer.

Do I need to upgrade the clutch?

If you exceed 300 whp, the stock clutch will slip. A stage 1 or 2 clutch kit (e.g., ACT, South Bend) adds another $300–$500 but is highly recommended for any turbo upgrade. This is not included in the $2,500 budget.

Conclusion: Is the $2,500 Investment Worth It?

Dropping $2,500 on an APS cold air intake and turbocharger kit for your 2G Eclipse can net you a car that rivals many modern sports cars in straight-line speed. But the budget is tight—tuning and fuel upgrades will push you closer to $3,500–$4,000 for a safe, reliable build. Plan accordingly. For those willing to do the labor themselves and reuse some stock parts (e.g., the intercooler), the $2,500 figure is a solid starting point. The combination of improved airflow and big boost is one of the most cost-effective ways to wake up the 4G63, and with the Mitsubishi Eclipse aftermarket still very active, parts and knowledge are easy to find. Take your time, research thoroughly, and you’ll end up with a car that not only performs but also rewards you every time the boost hits.