What’s your real name? (What’s your screen name?)
Eric Loose (turbosax)

What do you do for a living and where do you live?
I’m a student at Lebanon Valley College majoring in Chemistry and Business Administration with a Music minor.  I’m currently contracted by ECMTuning to make a few products.  My home is Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and school is in Annville, Pennsylvania.

What Mitsubishi(s) do you drive? How long have you had it/them?
1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX.  The car was purchased in November of 2007.

What’s your build philosophy/goals for your Mitsubishi? How do you use it?
My build philosophy is to do all work as clean as possible, try to make it appear like the car came that way from the factory, and of course, to keep the car as reliable as possible!  This car is currently only used on the street (and rarely at that), but will eventually be used for road racing, autocross, and drag.  I’d like to do it all!

What originally attracted you to the Mitsubishi? What keeps you going today?
My brother purchased his DSM before I did so we learned a lot of what we know today from working on his car.  I remember back when we were looking for his car that we both wanted a turbocharged car for sure, and he was on a budget so the DSM seemed to fit the bill.  Of course, after we learned about the “fun” of FWD, I made sure to get an AWD when my time came.  Although I still do love driving his GST from time to time…

Got a favorite story about your Mitsubishi?
After rewiring the engine bay, relocating the fuse box, and relocating the battery, I was a bit nervous to say the least to hook the electrical power up.  When I did, I had my brother and a friend holding a fire extinguisher and blanket…just in case.  There were absolutely no issues, however, and I had all of the wires in the right spots.  I was ecstatic!

What are your goals for your Mitsubishi and how close are you to achieving them?
Eventually I would like this car to be used for street use and for road racing, although I am interested in drag and autox too.  My goal for now has been to make the car clean and reliable.  I feel I have achieved that goal, so now I can finally start working on modifications starting with suspension, brakes, and cooling.  Power will come later!  Because I am a student, modifications come slowly.  I am a loooooooong way from achieving my goals.

What was your favorite modification and why?
Well, I’m a bit lacking in the modification department so I’ll have to say my exhaust.  There’s nothing like a little rumble to stimulate the driving experience.

Your mod list:
Bolt-on Modifications:
Evo III intake manifold
1g throttle body
1g bov
Greddy intercooler pipes
Intake pipe
K&N air filter
Hallman Pro RX boost controller
Ported o2 housing
Megan Racing downpipe/catback exhaust

Engine Internals:
Balance shaft elimination

Engine Management:
ECMLink v3

Drivetrain Modifications:
Techna-Fit SS clutch line
B&M Short throw shifter
Speed-Source shifter cable bushing kit
Symborski shift kit
Shep cable bracket spacers
OEM heavy leather shift knob
Prothane side motor mounts
Solid aluminum front and rear motor mounts

Suspension Modifications:
Yokohama AVID V4S tires
Hawk HPS pads
Techna-Fit SS brake lines

Tell us about something really exciting you’ve done with other Mitsubishi owners.
The annual Northeast DSM meet is always fun.  This year was the 3rd annual meet, and Brian helped plan all three.  Each year we get more cars out, and it’s just a great time hanging out with other DSM owners, checking out cars, and having a cookout.

Tell us about a time something broke and what it took to fix it.
The last time I installed my engine, I made a stupid mistake and mixed up a couple motor mount bolts.  I ended up breaking off a bolt in the driver side motor mount, and had to take off the timing belt and associated parts to replace the mount.  That was just so frustrating because everything had just been put on!

What’s the best part about being a Mitsubishi owner? The most challenging?
The community.  Granted, I haven’t been a part of another car community, but I can’t imagine that any others are as good as the DSM community.  The sense of comradeship is awesome, and I love how people are so willing to share ideas and help others.

What excites you about the coming year? (YourMitsu and your community)
I’m hoping to get out racing next year, so I’m definitely looking forward to that.

How often do you get together with other Mitsubishi owners in person?
Not nearly as often as I would like.  A close friend I grew up with also has a DSM, so I see him often.  But other than that, maybe a couple times a year I’ll meet up with some other DSM’ers to shoot the breeze.  And of course the annual Northeast DSM meet!

Your thoughts on those who part out otherwise salvageable cars?
Sometimes people have to part out a car in a time of financial need and I can’t knock anyone for placing their car lower on the priority list than taking care of a family etc.    Personally, I’m not sure I could ever decide to part my car out.  Way too many hours went into that car and I’ve touched just about every part on it, so parting it out would be really tough.  I hope I’m never in a situation where parting it out is a financial necessity.

How has your Mitsubishi build benefited from your involvement in the community?
As my car progressed, I had a build thread posted on DSMTuners.  This allowed others to contribute ideas and opinions, but more importantly, they encouraged me to continue with the build the whole way and really drove me to do the best I could with the car.  In addition, relationships I’ve formed in the community have allowed me to obtain custom made parts that would not have been as easy to come by otherwise.

What’s next for your Mitsubishi?
The car’s about to get Dennis Grant spec coilovers and SPC upper control arms.  Also in the works is a new crankcase evacuation setup using Calan’s catch cans, VEI gauges, and an external oil cooler setup.  (Notice the “reliability” mods?)  After that I’d like some more suspension goodies, wheels/tires, and hopefully a brake upgrade.

Who has helped you the most along the way with the car? Any mentors?
My brother has helped me out most, no doubt.  When he bought his car, neither of us knew much about cars in general.  We quickly picked it up (thanks to DSMTuners.com) and have done a lot of work on both our cars together.  It’s always nice to have another head and set of hands!  On occasion I’ve also had to enlist my Mom’s help, so I’d like to thank her for putting up with all of our car stuff!

How have you paid this forward and mentored others?
Mostly by helping people online, and I help a few locals occasionally when they have issues.  It’s nice to see how they have quickly learned from me and have started teaching others!

Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?
ECMTuning of course for all your tuning needs (shameless plug there), and ExtremePSI has been great to us over the years.

Do you spend time on any Mitsubishi sites? Which ones?
Constantly.
DSMTuners.com
Mitsu-media.com
Mitsu-marketplace.com
DSMLink.com forums
I’m a member of other sites as well, but these are the main ones I frequent.

Are you on Twitter? Facebook? Where can people find you online?
You can find me on Facebook, but I’m hardly ever on there so don’t expect much!  Best bet is to PM me on one of the forums.

It would seem the Loose family is pretty tight to us. Eric shows us how a well-maintained car with reliability mods can be among the most desirable vehicles in the community. Seriously. Bet you could eat off that thing. Wow.

What about you?

• How much time to do you spend keeping the car spotlessly clean inside and out?
• Given maintenance #1, what areas of modification would you consider #2 and #3?
• What’s your favorite tuning product?
  

What Mitsubishi(s) do you drive? How long have you had it/them?
1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GST which I bought in October 2006

What’s your build philosophy/goals for your Mitsubishi? How do you use it?
“Building a fast, fun, and great handling road race and autox car, while keeping it street legal and clean.” (This is the title to my blog on DSMtuners.)

I bought the car to drive on the street, but the more I got into modifying it and reading about the potential of the platform, the more I wanted to race it on a track.  So now it’s a fun street car that is built for the track.

What originally attracted you to the Mitsubishi? What keeps you going today?
I initially became interested in the Eclipse in 11th grade (2002).  We had to do a report on a car for driver’s education class and that is the car I chose.  Sadly, I found that it did not get top ratings, but I still loved the way it looked.

I’m constantly being motivated by other members of the community, whether it’s because of their achievements on the track or their unique, custom parts to help solve some specific issues.  My brother also does a good job of kicking me in the butt to keep me going when he’s bored!

Got a favorite story about your Mitsubishi?
It’s not necessarily my favorite story, but it’s the one that sticks out in my head the most.  I went into the purchase of this car with very little knowledge of the platform.  I had done some research before purchasing (as I do for everything) and knew a few things that would be nice to have if they came on the car.  I didn’t have the money to purchase an AWD car at the time, so I looked at the FWDs.  My brother happened to be looking for them and sent me one that was located in my college town which was listed to have a 6 bolt swap and a big 16g turbo – two things I knew were good upgrades.

I went to look at the car and the guy seemed to know what he was talking about.  He had worked on many other Mitsubishis and had a nice looking convertible 1g project in the garage.  After buying the car, I ended up doing a bunch of maintenance, which included pulling the transmission to check the clutch and flywheel.  After I removed the clutch disc, I counted the flywheel bolts…1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…..7!  Great, I didn’t get what I thought I bought.  I decided to check the turbo as well, which came up as a small 16g when I searched the serial number.  Both of these mistakes had ticked me off, and also made me wonder what else he either didn’t know about, or just flat out screwed me over on.  As much as it sucks, it’s helped me learn more about my car as I have taken most of it apart to do basic maintenance and modifications so no other little surprises from the previous owner showed up.

What are your goals for your Mitsubishi and how close are you to achieving them?
I am building this car to be a road race car that will still pass state inspection every year and be able to be driven on the road.  I don’t get to drive my car that much on the street as it is, so I would hate to make it a track-only vehicle and only drive it a couple times a year.

What was your favorite modification and why?
Wow, this is a hard choice.  Recently I would have to say the Direzza Star Specs (245/40) on the stock Evo Enkeis.  Moving from a 225 to a 245 tire made a huge difference, especially with the RM sway bars.  My car just sticks to the road – and I’m not even on R comps!!

But I always have a weakness for ECMlink and looking at all the data!

Your mod list:
Bolt-on Modifications:
Small 16G
SSAC FMIC/Punishment SS J pipe
Tial BOV
Dejon 4″ intake with K&N air filter
Tanabe 2.5″ G Power Medallion catback exhaust with Megan Racing 3″ downpipe (cat-eliminator)
Aeromotive A1000 13101 AFPR
Rewired Walbro 255 fuel pum
FIC 1150cc injectors
Permacool power steering cooler
1G throttle body
Koyo radiato
Flex-a-lite slim line fans
Dakota Digital fan controller
Power Enterprise 1.3 bar radiator cap
Hallman Pro RX MBC
1G intake manifold and Hondata spacer

Engine Internals:
1G 7 bolt swap with 1G head
3g lifters
BSE kit

Engine Management:
ECMLink V3 (Speed Density)
Innovate LC-1
AEM 5.0 Bar MAP
AEM IAT

Drivetrain Modifications:
ACT 2600 pressure plate
Southbend kevlar disc
Fidanza flywheel
RRE SS clutch line
B&M short shifter
Symborski shift kit
Speed-Source shifter cable bushing kit
Shep cable bracket spacers
Prothane motor mounts (sides)

Solid aluminum front and rear motor mounts (Biglady mod)

Suspension Modifications:
Tein Flex coilovers
RM Sway Bars
GSX front calipers
Powerslot rotors
Axxis Metal Master (street)/EBC Yellow Stuff brake pads (race)
RRE adapted SS lines
Motul 600C fluid
18×7.5 +42mm Racing Hart Evolution C2 rims with225/40ZR18 Kumho Ecsta SPT tires (street)
Evo 8 17×8 +38mm with 245/40R17 Dunlop Direzza Star Specs (race)

Tell us about something really exciting you’ve done with other Mitsubishi owners.
I helped start and grow a very big meet – the NE DSM Meet, which has been held the past 3 years at Ridley Creek State Park near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The first year we had just about 40 people, if that.  The other guy who really helped start the meet went to college in Ohio this year, so I took over.  This past year (3rd annual meet) that number had just about tripled!  We do a car meet, parts swap, and huge cookout.  Anyone can bring their car, and we’ve seen anything from project cars, to daily drivers, to a full out dragster.

Tell us about a time something broke and what it took to fix it.
I’ve had plenty of little things break or go wrong, but thankfully nothing major. *Knocks on wood*

What’s the best part about being a Mitsubishi owner? The most challenging?
As most other people write, it’d have to be the community.  It’s incredible to see how many people from different times in their lives still run these cars.  I’m friends with some who got their car before they were able to drive, as well as some who are close to retirement.  And everyone brings something unique.

The most challenging would have to be the limited number of aftermarket parts.  Compared to some other well-known platforms, it is getting harder and harder to find parts for these cars.  Especially ones geared towards road racing.  You can find all the drag racing parts you want, since that’s a very common path to take, but finding high quality and functional aerodynamic and suspension parts is like finding a needle in a haystack.  And then when you do find them, it’ll cost you a month or two of your salary to afford them.

What excites you about the coming year? (Your Mitsu and your community)
Getting back out on the tracks – road course, autox courses, and drag strip.  I was only able to do one HPDE event this year because of overheating issues, so I’m hoping to cure them this winter with some changes to my setup and be back out in full force.

Some people in the community have some sick plans for the winter and I’m looking forward to seeing them come through.  Hopefully I will either learn something from them or be able to use something they think up/develop to better my setup.

How often do you get together with other Mitsubishi owners in person?
Not nearly as much as I would like to.  I have a few people local to where my car sits which I have met up with a couple of times.  And then the NE DSM Meet for the past 3 years.  But travelling for work all the time kills any chance I have to meet up local owners.

Your thoughts on those who part out otherwise salvageable cars?
In watching the prices for the average DSM in the past 4 years, I can’t really argue with either decision.  Some people have very nice cars and everyone knows what they’re worth, but just can’t find anyone to come up with the money.  It is sad to see some of the nicer cars just sit on the market at, most of the time, fair prices, and no one snatch them up.  Stock cars seem to sell easier, so I can understand if people part out all the goodies and return it to stock to sell.  It is sad to hear about people who want to part out a beautiful car, but sometimes it has to be done.

How has your Mitsubishi build benefited from your involvement in the community?
I’ve been able to use and adapt ideas that others have come up with to make my car more fun to drive, faster, and cleaner.

What’s next for your Mitsubishi?
Ah, the famous “to do” list!  On my plate (and almost all of these are in the works) is DG suspension with SPC upper control arms, custom catch cans by Calan, battery relocation/wiring harness cleanup and tuck, VEI gauges with custom mounting solution, external oil cooler, different transmission with Quaife LSD, tow hooks, and much, much more!  I hope to have a good bit of this completed by the start of next year’s season.

Who has helped you the most along the way with the car? Any mentors?
My brother, Eric (turbosax2).  He’s put countless hours into helping me, and doing work on my car even when I’ve been unable to be there.  He has come up with great ideas for custom parts and unique solutions for problems.  And I wouldn’t have made it through race days without a Pit Crew Chief!!  My mom has also lent a hand and worked with my brother and I late into the night – and sometimes right through until the next morning.

How have you paid this forward and mentored others?
Many times over.  I can’t even count how many people I have helped via the forums, instant message, phone calls, texts, or in person.  I have helped people with the most basic of problems all the way up to tuning advice for a well-known compound turbo car and helping another guy turn his daily driver into a beast on the road course.

Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?
I do all my own work, so I don’t have any service shops to recommend.  But ExtremePSI has been the best parts supplier I have dealt with for anything from any OEM part I can find in ASA to aftermarket parts I want.  They get orders out fast and have the best customer service of any shop I’ve dealt with.  And who doesn’t like the guys at ECMTuning for their excellent product, fantastic customer support, and for just being fun to hang out with!

Do you spend time on any Mitsubishi sites? Which ones?
Way too much of it, probably.  Most of it is spent on DSMtuners, DSMlink forums, Mitsu-Media, and Mitsu-Marketplace.  And there are various others I check from time to time.

Are you on Twitter? Facebook? Where can people find you online?
I’m not a huge social network butterfly, but I do have a Facebook account.  I’d post a link, but I hate seeing friend requests from people I don’t know, so contact me if you want to be my friend.  Easiest way to get a hold of me is to send a PM.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Brian. We’re looking forward to working with you in 2011!

What about you?

• Did you get scammed by the previous owner?
  
• What surprises did you find once you began working on your car?
• What tires do you run when you race your car?
  

What’s your real name? Where do you live?
Dominic Green – Tempe AZ

What do you do for a living?
Academic Progression Specialist

What Mitsubishi(s) do you drive? How long have you had them?
I have a 2007 4th gen Eclipse and a 1997 2nd gen Eclipse. 2g for 4 years. 4g, a couple months.

What originally attracted you to Mitsubishi?
When I was 19 my best friend bought a 1997 GST and it was the sickest car I had driven. I just loved it. I could not afford one, so I got a 1988 Supra turbo and cut my teeth on that. Ever since that, I have been addicted to boost.

“Fast forward 7 years.” My friend had to trade in the Eclipse for a family car. When he told me they were only going to give him 1500 for it in the trade, I sent him a check and had the car shipped to Arizona from Kentucky, where I grew up.  The car was a mess when I got it, but the motor was still very strong.

How do you use your Mitsubishi?
I use it to beat up on Mustangs and the like a couple weekends a month.

What are your goals for your Mitsubishi?
Make a solid track car for auto-x.

How often do you get together with other Mitsubishi owners in person? What do you do?
Saturday night there is always a meet. Mitsubishi meet is the second Thursday of every month.  We stand around, talk smack, look at each others cars, help others get their cars going.

Tell us about something really exciting you’ve done with other Mitsubishi owners.
I love the cruises. Once a year there is a Mitsu cruise that goes through northern Arizona and there are tons of switch backs. It’s just a great time.

Tell us about a time something broke and what it took to fix it.
Just got the whole 20g turbo set-up on and running, got to the track, open the hood to show it off, a coolant line busted, and all the car puked all the coolant on the ground. My friend Richard helped me replace the hose, only took three hours. lol

What is your embarrassment moment – that time you made a stupid mistake?
Drove over curb in front of new girlfriend and crushed the plastic piece on the side of the car…

What is your finest hour – that time you saw it all come together perfectly?
Running nose to nose with a built 383 Mustang form 60-120. In Mexico, of course.

What’s the best part about being a Mitsubishi owner? The most challenging?
The people. With the help of my friends/Mitsu-Media we have built and tuned my car without any help from a shop.   The most challenging? Money to do everything I want to the car.

Which Mitsubishi communities do you frequent most and why?
Mitsu-media.com! (What’s your screen name?) (Dominic) Original I know…

How have you benefited from your involvement in these communities?
Yes. I did not know anyone when I moved to Phoenix. Everyone I know, and all the info I learned, have been through meeting people on Mitsu-Media. I am so grateful to the DSM community for all their help, and now try to help anyone I can!

How do you try to give back to these communities?
By helping any and everyone that needs it. Giving away old parts, giving rides, picking people up, planning meets, etc..

What keeps you going; keeps you motivated to pick up your wrenches?
Boost. I just cant get enough! I have been obsessed with cars ever since I can remember!

What’s next for your Mitsubishi?
Blow up motor and get a 2.1 long rod built, built tranny.  In the short term, a well planned suspension.

Who has helped you the most along the way with the car?
Many have helped. Steve and Richard are the shit! THANKS GUYS! Any mentors? Too many to list.

What areas of vehicle ownership are most interesting to you?
Balls out, wide open racing.

Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?
UMS Tuning is EPIC and right down the street. If my car ever goes to a shop that will be it, however did everything myself up to this point. I may be going soon to get a better tune though.

Are you on Twitter?  Facebook?  Where can people find you online?
Facebook, but if you cant to contact me fast PM me on Mitsu-Media.

Thank you, Dominic, for sharing your stories with the worldwide Mitsubishi community.

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What’s your name? Where are you from? What do you do for a living?
Mark Bullett, East Hampton Connecticut, Installation Supervisor.

What Mitsubishi do you race? How long have you been racing it?
Mitsubishi Eclipse non turbo 420A  (as well as run a 420A turbo). I started racing with this car in May of 2006.

Why did you choose this car to race?
Honestly, I chose to run the Eclipse because I got the wrong Eclipse – oops.

You’ve walked a different path than most DSMers. How so? Why have you gone this route?
When I was much younger, I raced Mustangs and  GTOs. Fun stuff, but kids came along and priorities changed and I moved on to raise the family. After the kids got older, I wanted to get back into racing (during that time I did build and race air-cooled VWs. Was a VW engine “remanufacturer” for a time, so it fit with the job), so I started looking around for a car. Thought I might try my hand at a Chevy or something new to me. The only problem with that was, that everyone had done so much with those cars that there was little challenge.

I then heard about these “tuner’ cars, that you could adjust the computer and find free horsepower! Wow! Imagine adjusting to find 200whp more horsepower. Sounds interesting (ok, that’s what I was told when I was looking at them. I think we all know different). So I immediately went out and found one of those Mitsubishi Eclipses as my daily to play with.

Unfortunately, the one I chose was NOT the one you could play with the computer on. Come to find out (after I bought it), it was the turbo Eclipse (known as the turbo “4G63”) that you could do that on. I had bought the non turbo Eclipse (the Eclipse with the “420A” engine in it).

Well, being the stubborn, “one off” kinda guy (that a lot of us racers are), I just decided I would go for the fastest 420A NA record. Seeing as how I did the “old school”, non turbo, naturally aspirated cars anyway, this dove-tailed nicely with what I had experience in.

So that brought me to the track having built a little of the engine internals, and I was able to purchase a computer that was more aggressive than the stock computer (I really felt that this was a big weak link in the chain for these cars. The stock ECU was made for scooting around town and getting good gas mileage. But it was a dog at the track).

I now had a little bigger compression (10.9 instead of stock 9.6), some better cams (let’s call them a stage 2. Basically can be run on the street with good idle, but would allow you to get some more top end power – provided your set-up would allow it also), and the aforementioned “race” ECU. (Now keep in mind that those are just the primary important items. I also needed to allow the other components to “breathe” – but not too much, so that my air velocity would be hurt.)

So I put a bigger throttle body on and ported out the intake to accommodate more air flow. I also did a small port on the exhaust ports of the head to open that up to air flow. In addition, I put on a bigger exhaust, high flowing  cat and better flowing header to “complete” the air flow tract.

Well the current record at the time, for these cars was 14.6 in the quarter. 14’s had only been broken into a couple of times, so that was the number that I was shooting for; to somehow get into the 14’s. First time out, I ran a 15.317 @ 93.37. The next time out, I broke into the 14’s (14.90@94.00). By the next couple of months I had surpassed the 14.6 by running a 14.597@93.47 and the rest was gravy, working up to the current time of 13.231 @ 106.09.

This was all done through just curiosity of “what would happen if.” As in, what would happen if I did changed throttle bodies? Or what would happen if I used these tires? Etc.

Got a favorite story to tell about building or racing the Eclipse?
And all through this my favorite question was, “ So, what turbo are you running?.” I had people crawling around under my car (after I had beaten their turbo car) looking for the “spray” (as in the famous Fast and Furious “NOS” that allowed these cars to go so fast at a push of a button. The only button I had was the accelerator.)

When giving the car the final once-over before a race, what sort of things are you looking at?
Before I get ready to run, I need to do some checks and procedure. Luckily for me I have less to worry about than the guy running nitrous or the guy who is turbo’ed (fewer components/systems to worry about). Prior to bringing my car to the track, I have already done all the maintenance and checks to be sure your car is up to racing (say new plugs, all fluid checks, any tuning necessary, all the safety checks), so I am very limited as to what I need to do.

I just fire her up and watch the gauges as she warms up. I only need to watch two gauges for warm up; coolant temp and oil pressure. As soon as my car gets up to coolant temp and the oil pressure falls down to it proper psi, then my engine components are ready to run. Then I will get out and check for any goofy leaks under the car. Worst thing you can do to the rest of field is oil down the track (I have been at tracks where someone has gone all the way down the track leaking COOLANT – of all things in your race car, there should never be coolant in it. It should always be water). This will shut down the track for an extended period of time (and make you no friends in the mean time).

Now that your engine components are warmed up, you need to warm up your drive-train components. I always use my first run as a warm up for the drive-train. I will launch easier and hit my shift points a little lower on that first run, just to warm them up. Because I am non-turbo, I can hot-lap (do one run right after another) much easier because I don’t have to worry about the turbo components needing to cool down.

Now while the engine components are one thing, the tires and tire pressures are a whole different ball game. There is a lot going into choosing the right size tires, the right air pressures (for each tire) at the right times of the day etc. Suffice it to say, the tires are a constantly changing situation throughout the day.

What have you already accomplished with the Eclipse?
Along with racing, I need to hit the dyno for tuning my car (no way to street tune my car so I have to hit the dyno). Like many I’ve got a specific tuner that I use all the time (Matt at Dentsport in Norwood, Mass. I’ve done well over 100 “pulls” with him.) I use the same tuner, basically, because of his expertise in my ECU choice (it’s called Megasquirt) and his years of experience at tuning period. (Keep in mind I also have the current highest, naturally aspirated. horsepower “record” for our cars. Matt has it up to 219.4whp. To put that in perspective, the next closest known whp is in the 170’s!)

For some reason, the dyno can bring out the gremlins in your car. I have had quite a few goofy little things happen while on the dyno (almost like the gremlins enjoy the stress of you putting your car on the dyno). They usually tend to be electrical issues that you need to find quick, so you are stuck searching on the dyno, but there is one goofy thing that happened that I have not heard of with these cars.

Tell us about a time something stupid broke?
As my car is doing a pull, I will look at the front of it to see if any smoke or leaks develop during the pull. If they do, I will signal Matt and he will shut it down immediately. Well, during one pull (now this was on a 420a non turbo car, that I had turbo’ed), I was watching a pull and as the car reached right around 5000rpm, I saw an item roll out at me as the car was still pulling. It curved right toward me (I stand off to the side while the pull is going on) and rolled right to my feet. As I saw it, I tried to figure out what it was (keep in mind that my car is still pulling. It pulls to 8200rpm). I knew I could recognize it as something, but I just couldn’t put it into a category of recognition in my mind (now this is all happening real fast in my head). I’m thinking. “Is this a part off the dyno? Is this a part off my car?” I know I recognize it, but it seems like something is missing. Then it dawns on me what it is. It’s my water pump pulley! Huh, how could that be?!

Why so surprised? Because the water pump pulley is pressed onto the shaft of the water pump. It is not made to come off. But, more importantly, the timing belt is wrapped around the water pump pulley. There is no way for the car to run, if you don’t have a water pump pulley on! Talk about your gremlins!

So, (again, Matt is still pulling power out of the set-up during his pull without a water pump pulley on it) I motion for Matt to shut it down, but it is too late, he has finished the pull! Now we are all like what the F…?

Well, as we look at her after shut down, we see what has happened. Yes for some odd reason the water pump pulley fell off, but somehow the pulley popped out and the belt fell on the remaining stub shaft that the pulley fell off of and continued to ride on that shaft.

Yeah Gremlins.

When giving the car the final once-over before a race, what sort of things are you looking at?
What are your concerns at this point?
Make no mistake, for racers in the pits, it is MASH unit time. Unless you got loads of dough (for the crew and parts that you need), you are doing what ever you can do, as quickly as you can do it, to make it back out to the track in time to get your run in. You are not thinking about the beautiful weld or the perfectly sealed wire, you are thinking about getting the hell back to the track.

Walk our readers through what happens between when you get into and out of the Eclipse for a run and your concerns each step of the way.
Having raced for many years, a lot of what I do is like muscle memory. You’ll come up to the water pit, wet the tires, pull the e-brake, and let her spin a bit. I don’t go into big smoke shows like many like to do. My slicks do not need to be super-heated to be sticky so I just spin for some smoke and then ride it up to the line.

Once at the line, I pull up until I get one yellow light on the “tree” to show (let’s say we have a sportsman’s tree, not a pro tree). I’ll then wait for the other car to pull one light (it’s a courtesy thing) and then I creep up until I get 2 yellow lights. At that point, I creep up just a tiny bit more and pull the e-brake.  Then when the other car gets their two lights, I’ll pull her up to launch rpm (with he NA its right around 5200 now. This number is very flexible and will change from set-up to set-up. It can even change from run to run).

What are you thinking during the race?
From here on, my focus is on the tach and the lights. In a Pro tree, you will get a flash of all the orange lights and then a green to go. With a Sportsman tree you will watch the orange “work its way down” the tree to the green light. You try to time it so that you start moving as the light turns green. That’s your launch point.

Are there any DSM-specific concerns during the race?
My FWD launch is different than my AWD launch and my NA launch is different than my turbo launch. Its all about getting her to hook-up properly. On my NA launch I ride the clutch very slightly and as soon as she starts to move, I dump the clutch. The first shift comes very quick and I try to shift by 8200rpm (shift points are specific to each set-up. It depends on your power curve and where its peaking and your gearing and also, which gear you are in. I like to go past my power peak enough, so that when I shift, I will fall back down to where my torque is still pulling hard). I do not lift the accelerator when I shift. I keep her pegged down until the run is over. I actually start to move the shifter before I have even pushed down on the clutch. This requires a little re-learning, but it is very effective with a manual transmission.

From there, its just watch your tach, shift, and keep your line.

After the clock stops, any cool down procedures or self-evaluation en route back to the pits?
After I cross the line, I do a quick check of the brakes to be sure that they are working and nothing screwed up, and quick look at the gauges, and I also like to push the clutch in to be sure there is no lock-up. Then I coast down to the shack (while watching the opposite track driver. The driver on the inside track always has the courtesy of turning first. Depending on how far you are from each other the outside driver may go first, but generally the inside driver has the option.)

As far as mental preparation, well, I really don’t have any except to focus up as I get to the line. I’ve been racing so long that, as I stated before, a lot of it is just muscle memory. Once I get used to a new set-up (couple o’ few runs to find shift points and power range), I’m simply having a whole lotta testosterone-induced fun. In some sense it is simply go out there and give her hell. But because you do it for so long, it’s a controlled hell.

What does it take to go the distance?  Mechanically?  Mentally?
How is that mechanical/mental prep different from other forms of racing?
One of the problems that the new driver has is he has to think about everything. That’s where you run into problems. If you have to think about it, then you are not doing it as a natural motion. That scrubs time.

How have you tuned the car for what kind of powerband?  Flat torque curve?  Peaky?
As for tuning the car, of course, Matt at Dentsport has always tuned the car. I can build whatever needs to be built and I can design what I want, but I only tune to get her started, running, and smooth enough to work on the dyno. The rest I leave to the experts (I’m working on a tight margin with high comp and knock and all, so I feel its best to have someone with years of experience at tuning take care of the rest. Its called know your strengths).

But I do have input in how close to the edge we will tune. I always fall back on the old adage, “I don’t race anybody at idle.” Meaning I really don’t care about spending time down low. As long as she starts and runs, that’s all I need down low. I’m not below 5000rpm at the track, so that’s where I put my work. I always try to put on the proper parts that will allow me to have a nice high peak, but also keep the curve up after the peak. Because you are still running in the range. You don’t just go to your peak power point then shift. You need to pass your peak so you still fall back in power on your shift.

What has been your favorite event?  Why?
The best event to run at is what’s called the DSM/Evo Shootout that’s held at Summit Raceway in Ohio every year. It is like the yearly nationwide event for our cars. But its not just the racing that catches you, it’s a 3 day social event where you can shoot the sh*t with a bunch of different people that have the same interest as you do. People that you may have never met, people that you may see but once a year (at this event), or people that you talk to over the internet (through sites like 2gnt.com, the nationwide forum for our cars). It is a pretty big event that brings together a very interesting (maybe even eclectic) group of people for fun and shenanigans.

What’s next for the Eclipse? Why?
I had hoped to have my “new” project done by the Shootout, but it just didn’t work out to be ready yet. I was hoping to debut a 16 to 1, stock sized, 2.0 set-up that would be run on gas. Again, I do this because I’m curious. Just want to see “what will happen if…” Unfortunately, there was a mix up on rod sizing, so I haven’t gotten them in yet (there’s always something).

Is it easy to get into this type of racing?
Funny thing, this started out as “let’s drive the car down to the track and see how fast  I can make my slow daily driver” (and for a couple of grand and my labor I got her down to 13.9 as a daily), into “hey let’s put a 16 to 1 piston set-up in there.” (Where even with my labor and help from a great friends’ shop – Mike at Northeast Auto in East Hartford who also has the “let’s try this” attitude, this is working on maybe 8k in funds and development. For a guy who does all his own labor  and designs a lot of his own product, that’s a pretty high number.)

Which I guess is the beauty of this sport; anybody can run their car. They get to decide at which level they want to run it (meaning how much to you want to spend, ha ha). Hell recently I ran a bone stock automatic Eclipse 420A down the track. A big 17.7 but it was still a lot of fun.

Who has helped you the most along the way?
As far as people helping me, funny thing is, in the old days you had your small group of racing buddies to bounce ideas off and help you out, and that was it. You were limited by location (yes, that was back in the caveman days of no internet). Now, with the internet, there are just so many contacts who have helped me its incredible.

To name some would be to leave some out. But I’ll try anyway, I already mentioned my buddy Mike at Northeast and Matt from Dentsport, I also have another friend who has helped me design and machine, Steve Mastrianni. I met him on our local site (ccdsm.net) and he has helped me out enormously working hand in hand on various things. Mark Peachy, who has also helped me out in designing and making airflow items. Mike Frye (All Motor Mike out of  Surprise, AZ) and I have discussed various head and intake designs which he, in turn, made up for me. My buddy Mario (whose last name I won’t even attempt to spell), in working with design ideas that come up while we are hanging out “old school” style and bullshitting about concepts.

But here’s the funny thing, a lot of my work was done from searching the internet. With our cars there is the site that I mentioned (2gnt.com) that has been an enormous wealth of information for me to think about. Not to mention that inspiration you get when reading through the site and seeing the excitement generated.

Who do you look up to in the Mitsubishi community?
First one who got me going was Brian. [Aw, I'm touched, Mark! - B] It was his information digging and enthusiasm for his own quest that helped me out while searching through (and then helped me out while I did my own little journey). Dino Yancey and Terry Godfrey who gave me info that I wouldn’t get on my own until I had years of experience looking, checking, trying and failing. Not only did they save me a whole lotta of time, they also gave me support and inspired me to continue on the “NA way.” It’s kind of like having your small group of racing buddies, but then having an open phone to thousands of others  (you younguns’ don’t know how good you have it).

How do you pay it forward and help others?
How do you encourage other enthusiasts to get involved in legitimate racing?
And then I can help out like they did by answering the new guys questions or writing up “how to” articles in the site’s wiki. I always like to give back to people anyway and this way I give my little bit, but it can touch a lot of people. It also allows me just a little bit of leverage in helping those guys who just want to say how cool they are and race on the streets. That’s a very dangerous game. Its not about the danger to the racer though, its about the danger to the people around them. The sites give me a (for lack of a better term) forum for getting the idea across that street racing can take out someone’s mother, sister, daughter, brother etc. – and once that is done, there is no undoing. Not to mention that it has been my experience at the track that those “I’m so cool street racers” tend to get eaten up and spit out at the track; whole lot of talk until they run, then a whole lot of humble pie to feast on. The track is a great humbler.

Do you spend time on any Mitsubishi sites? Which ones?
So speaking of those sites there are a few that I frequent pretty much every day. 2GNT (where I am a moderator), DSMtuners (the national DSM site, where I am a 420A Wiseman), of course, my local site ccdsm.net, also neons.org (our sister car, has a lot of the same motor and transmission parts). Those are the sites I check on daily. Of course there are a host of other sites that I frequent but those are the main ones.

Current mod list for the car:

Trans Modifications
Quaife LSD
NON modular clutch set-up; Audi PP, T4 Dodge disc, Neon Flywheel
Polyuerathane motor mounts (sides)
solid roll stop (front) Energy suspension filled with pl-400 (rear)

Engine Modifications
JE 12.1CR pistons
Crower 3 cams
Stainless valves
.020 off head
5 angle valve job
AMM port and polish (intake and exhaust)
MLS Head gasket
Of course, full rebuild on bearing etc. (stock)
PT Cruiser lifters and rockers
Eagle rods

Outside:
AF/X pulley
MSnS
Mustang 450cc injectors
Mustang 65 mm TB
AMM Intake
AEM adj. cam gears
Mark Peachy air horn intake
Catch can
Mark Peachy LTH
2.5 modified downpipe back exhaust
No power steering /AC
Honda “race” radiator
Snowmobile battery
Summit heat wrap

Chassis Modification
Teins and ad.j KYB’s (1.8 drop) in front
Stock springs adj. KYB in back
Upper strut bar

Interior Modifications
Remove passenger air bag; replace with modified sheetmetal gauge panel
Remove rear seat
Remove passenger seat
Remove carpet
Gut door

Exterior Modifications
Remove wing
Lexan rear window
Carbon fiber hood
Fiberglass hatch

Mark demonstrates how fulfilling it can be to take the path less traveled. His Eclipse is one of the most sinister-sounding machines you will ever know. If you care to follow along to see what else may happen, you can follow Mark at 2gnt.com. His screen name is bullettdsm.

There was no way we could meet everyone in attendance, and we’re sure we missed a few cars and events, but we wanted to roam the lots and snap a lot of pictures to share with our brothers and sisters who couldn’t attend. It sucks that the little point and shoot Nikon we used to get these pictures added the date to all of them, but our resident photog is currently on vacation in Colorado so we had to improvise.

Note: Gallery displays 20 images in each batch. There are something like 150 here. Don’t miss the gallery pages beneath the following thumbnails to see more images.

[nggallery id=1]

MOD was a great time as usual. BIG TIME THANK YOU to everyone at Mitsubishi who gave up their Saturday (and likely many more days) to make such a special day for all of us. There are two more MOD events in the US this year – at the factory in Normal, Illinois (September 18), and at the Mitsubishi Motors North America Eastern Zone HQ in Swedesboro, NJ (October 16). Your fellow Mitsubishi owners want to see your Mitsu there. Plan on attending.

More info on MOD can be found on the MOD home page.
Are you a fan of Mitsubishi yet on Facebook?

Link to blog on DSMtuners.com.

Gearbox Magazine is all about bringing gearheads together.  This week, we feature an interview with DSMtuners founder, Chris Raymond.  Ever wonder why the biggest DSM site in the world was started?  What challenges they’re facing, or why they do it?  Read on!  What’s your real name?  (What’s your screen name?)
Chris Raymond (Ludachris)

Where do you live?
Lone Tree, CO.

What do you do for a living?
Web developer and community builder/manager.

What Mitsubishi(s) do you drive?  How long have you had it/them?
1991 Eclipse GSX – took it over from my wife around 1998/99.

What’s your build philosophy/goals for your DSM?  How do you use it?
My GSX is a track car mostly, as I enjoy doing NASA Time Trials/HPDE. I’d like to keep it somewhat streetable, but mostly just for weekend drives. My philosophy has always been to modify the car for performance and keep a relatively stock appearance. I like my modifications to look like they were done at the factory or by a race car builder. It doesn’t always work out that way, but that’s always the goal.

You started a Mitsubishi community.  What’s it called?  When did you start it?
DSMtuners.com – started in 2001 as a Parts Guide/Modification Guide resource for DSM owners to help them find all the aftermarket performance parts available on the market for their cars and give them more information to help them modify their cars the right way.

Who are your members?  How many are there?  Where do they come from?
Our site consists mostly of performance DSMers. We have over 100k members, though not all of them are active anymore. They come from all over the nation, and some from around the world. Since our site caters to the performance crowd with the content we offer, we tend to attract people interested in making their DSM faster. We’ve had several well known DSMers like David Buschur and John Shepherd participating in our Tech forums, just to name a few.

Why did you decide to start a Mitsubishi community?
I was tired of scouring forums and retailer websites trying to find out what parts were available for my GSX when I started modifying it, so I decided to build a resource myself. We launched a forum in order to promote a more friendly atmosphere than what was available at the time and it’s now the largest DSM community on the web.

Tell us about something really exciting your members have done or regularly do.
We have a really tight knit group of guys on our site, as well as in the DSM community in general. We’ve done a lot of fun things on our site over the years – we’ve put out a member calendar each of the past 6 years now, which is always fun. But I don’t know that anything compares to the recent support of Wendy and Brad Pate, through Wendy’s battle with cancer. It was something that has made me really proud to be a part of this community. The DSM community has always been a good group historically, with countless people willing to help others in the Tech forums, but this was something special. We had retailers, fabricators, and everyday people getting involved trying to make someone else’s life a little better in a time of great need. And though we all would have liked to see it work out differently, I know it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my days.

What’s the best part about running a Mitsubishi community?  The most challenging?
The best part of running a Mitsubishi community is probably no different than running any other car community – meeting new people and building relationships. The DSM market has always been about being innovative and doing things with minimal resources. And that’s essentially what I’ve done with DSMtuners. It’s challenging anytime you have different personalities coming together, but it’s easy when most people are there for the same reason.

What excites you about the coming year?  (Your DSM and your community)
Well, I just bought a welder this winter so I’m excited about doing some fabrication on my DSM. But I also have a baby girl due in late January, so I don’t know how much time I’ll have to devote to working on the car. As for the community, I look forward to another great year of innovation and passion from the members, sharing ideas and information like always. I’m hoping to get some more excitement built up around the idea of DSM road racing events. We’ll see how it plays out.

Do you organize any contests or face-to-face meets for your members?
From time to time, we’ll set up some informal contests but it’s been a while since we’ve done anything big. A few years back we gave away a driving seat system for console/online gaming. As for face-to-face meets for our members, I’ve been working hard on our regional forums lately, trying to incorporate some solutions to help locals build up more local resources and organize events more efficiently across the nation. I’ve found that many of the regional DSM sites do much to actually promote event organization and meets (they tend to just replicate the tech resources we offer), so I’m trying to do more to fill that need on our site.

How do you want your community to benefit Mitsubishi owners?  What steps are you taking to make sure that happens?
We want people to modify their cars the right way and to take the cars to the track. We’ve had a policy in place for quite a while that prohibits street racing discussions on our site, as we don’t think they should be glamorized. It’s one thing that we do differently than most car sites out there. We feel that we’re in a unique position to help shape young minds and foster a sense of responsibility in our community, and we’ve approached the effort in a way that we feel will have a positive impact. It might drive some DSMers away, but we’re alright with that. Not only do we disallow street racing discussions, but we offer unique programs to help DSMers who want to go racing get sponsorship in return for special content contributions. I personally feel that all site owners should have a “no street racing” policy. It will only help our hobby live longer and grow the right way.

How do you feel building a Mitsubishi compares to building a Mitsubishi community?
In some ways building a DSM and a DSM community is very similar. If you have a positive attitude, treat every person with respect, and do things the right way, the car (or the community) will respond the way you want it to. You’ll always have a few headaches along the way, but being passionate and committed will always yield positive results. At least that’s my take on it.

How has your DSM build benefited from your involvement in the community?
My DSM build has come a long way due to all of the information I’ve gathered and experiences that have been shared by other DSMers. I’ve learned so much from others, but I’ve also been extremely inspired by other DSMers’ projects, and I think that inspiration is what has driven my build the most. It’s all about passion and there is plenty of passion left in this community, even though the last DSM rolled off the assembly line over ten years ago.

Image courtesy of Performance Imagery.

What’s next for your DSM?
I wouldn’t want to take up too much space with all the plans I have for my car. Basically, I want to do a bit of fabrication to lighten things up and make the car more fun on the road course. But I’d also like to retain some level of streetability if possible. You’ll have to follow my blog on DSMtuners for the details and updates!

What’s next for DSMtuners?
I’m always tinkering with the site. We just implemented a number of new regional forums and new features and policies in those forums in hopes of helping spur more local DSM involvement and participation. We’re also revamping our Parts Guide and Classifieds to make them even more useful for the community. I have a long list of things I’d like to do, but it will take time. You can be sure that we’ll continue to introduce new features though, just like we always have. Our site was the first to offer many features that are now common for auto enthusiast communities, and we plan to continue that trend.

Who has helped you the most along the way with the car?  With the community?
I have some good friends, not all of which are DSMers but are car enthusiasts, who help out with the GSX from time to time. Not to mention all the people on the site who help answer questions here and there. As for the community, I can’t thank our site moderators and other leaders enough. It’s really the members who run this community, I just help them.

Were you inspired by any other Mitsubishi community organizer?  Who?  Why?
I can’t say it was a Mitsubishi community organizer that inspired me. If anything, it was a combination of other community organizers and online resources that motivated me and helped me see (and fill) a need in the DSM world. As I always say, anyone can open a car forum these days, but very few actually put in the work to build a complete website. If I had to pick an automotive website that helped inspire me, it would have been the old AudiWorld.com (now called QuattroWorld.com) that had the biggest impact on what I wanted to do with DSMtuners, back in 1999.

Who do you look up to in the Mitsubishi community?
I look up to people that not only have achieved some impressive stats with their DSMs, but specifically the ones who have done it and continue to take the time to mingle with the rest of the DSM community and share their experiences. It takes a certain type of person to build a powerful/fast DSM and then share with the entire community how they did it and continue to help the “common people.” We have a number of fast DSM owners on our site who have chosen not to limit their community interaction to a small DSM clique, but instead, continue to participate with the masses (the rest of us). I think that’s important, and it’s what keeps driving the DSM community. Those are the type of people I look up to.

Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?  Want to thank any sponsors?
We’ve got some great site sponsors and I always recommend them to people. We greatly appreciate those vendors who have supported our site and the DSM community over the years. Some vendors will come and go, but we have just about every shop worth mentioning in the DSM world involved on our site. I always tell people that they should support the shops that support our site – as those are the shops that support the DSM community.  Keep them in business and you’ll always have all the parts you’ll ever need for your DSM build.

Other than your own, do you spend time on any Mitsubishi sites?  Which ones?
Can’t say I do. I really just don’t have time. And I think I owe it to our members to spend most all of my time on DSMtuners, contributing there instead of other sites.

Are you on Twitter?  Facebook?  YouTube?  How can people find you online?
I don’t use Twitter, and only use Facebook once in a while to keep in touch with family. If you want to get in touch with me, DSMtuners is really the best place to find me. If I had time to tweet, I’d be getting nothing done.

Mitsubishi Gearbox Magazine would like to thank Chris and the several DSMtuners site team members for taking time from the community to contribute to this article. Gearbox Magazine is all about bringing gearheads together – around the world – to recognize what we have in common and to help each other out.  Community leaders like Chris, Scott, Dino and the many more we plan on interviewing believe in helping YOU to get the most out of your Mitsubishi. Are you a member of DSMtuners?  Why not take a moment to thank these guys or share a story about a time being a member saved your butt?

What’s your real name?  (What’s your screen name?)
Darren Thomas, I personally do not have a screen name, my girlfriend posts under OKDSMCHICA.

Where do you live?
Choctaw, Oklahoma

What do you do for a living?
I am a diesel mechanic for AAR Aircraft Services.

What Mitsubishi do you race (in which series)?
I race a 1990 Eclipse GSX in a series called Import Face Off.

How long have you been racing Mitsubishi(s)?
About 5 years

What got you into Mitsubishi?
I thought they were a great car overall. I liked the body, and thought the motors could be practically bullet proof, if you knew what you were doing.

Got a favorite story to tell about your Mitsubishi?
The first time I ever took this car to the track, it was bone stock with a manual boost controller and a cheap intercooler. I ended running a 12.6 at 108 mph! I was so excited!

What’s the stupidest thing that’s broken (or the stupidest reason why something broke)?
I don’t know if this counts as breaking but there was one race where I was in the final and up against a 12 sec car. Well somehow about 1000 feet off the line a vacuum line popped off completely slowing me down to a crawl and the other car won. It was a pretty stupid thing to happen.

What are your goals for the car and how close are you to achieving them?
My overall goal is to back half the car making it rear wheel drive and run somewhere in the 6 second range.

What was your favorite event?  Why?
My favorite event was a local one called Red River Shootout. It was a “TEXAS VS OKLAHOMA” type of rivalry race. I guess the promoters mostly advertised to the muscle car owners because when we pulled up everyone looked at us like we were lost. It ended up being me against Vipers, Mustangs, and Camaros. In the end, no one was really happy that I decided to take on the challenge because I beat most of them.

What’s next for your Mitsubishi? Why?
Next for my car is to try and run 8.50s keeping my stock suspension and drive train. Doing so would put us near or breaking the stock automatic records.

Who has helped you the most along the way?
My friend Andrei owns Abel Racing where he started out working on Mitsubishis. He has really helped me with getting the tune right for my car, and giving me advice along the way. Also our family friend Todd helps me with all my machine work, staying up really late to help me. Not to mention they feed me, since it seems like Im always going non stop!

Who do you look up to in the Mitsubishi community?
John Shepherd

Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?
I would like to recommend ABEL RACING in Midwest City Ok and T&T Industries in Midwest City Ok.

Do you spend time on any Mitsubishi sites?  Which ones?  If not, where do you get your tech info?
I actually do not spend anytime on any sites or forums, I find that most of the things people are talking about doing, or actually doing nowadays has been around for awhile. I usually look at the diesel projects I have at work, and think “I can make this work on my car,” and just do it. I’m really not into what everyone else says or does, I just do what I think will work!

Why the automatic transmission and what can you tell us about how you’ve got it handling 700+awhp?
I decided to go with the automatic because it is consistent; you can’t miss any gears. I’ve been able to adjust pressures, installing new clutches, and using a high stall converter.

How do you guys adjust pressures on the auto trans? Are the clutches that are changed out stock or somehow modified?
They are stock ones from NAPA. We up the line pressure and enlarge certain holes in the valve body and transmission.  ( I hope this isn’t too vague but we do race competitively, and don’t like to give out really specific info, I’m sure you understand!)

Why do you do it?  What’s the best part about racing?
I work on and race the car for the sportsmanship. Getting to meet all the new people at new tracks is always exciting. I like breaking my own boundaries when I race.

What’s the story behind traveling the country and how is it all funded?  Sponsors, maybe?
Unfortnatly I do NOT have any sponsorship help funding our travels. It’s solely funded by our full time day jobs. We decided to travel the country in 2008 just for fun, like a mini vacation. As the series decided to start the points chase we went ahead and kept with it knowing there would be a reason besides rest, relaxation, and fun in the end.

What’s the maintenance schedule like?
Well…I can say we have never come home from a race with nothing to fix. So if you look at it, we are fixing something everyday. Its usually small things like rebuilding the transmission every 30 passes or so.

How does the crew help out on the road?  At home?
At home my crew takes on different jobs. My girlfriend does all the maintenance and updates to my website. While my dad and I do all the maintaining on the car. My tuner makes sure that everything running smooth. On the road we all take shifts driving to make sure we all get a little bit of sleep. At the races we have pretty much mastered the art of unloading the trailer and setting up. My girlfriend makes sure I’m ready to be teched in with all my gear ready and lets me know exactly how much time we have left between rounds while my dad and I go over the motor and make sure nothing is leaking or broken.

UPDATE: With only one event left in the 2009 season (Import Face Off, San Antonio, TX, December 13th), Darren is currently far enough ahead in the points race, to be all but assured the championship. This will make two consecutive years Darren has won the Import Face Off outright!

For more information about Darren’s race program, visit his website.  Plenty of pictures and videos to check out!

What’s your real name?  Screen name?
Wendy Renee’ Pate  – Girlieracr4g63

Where are you located and what do you do for a living?
I live in Kure Beach, NC.  I have spent several years in the construction industry, providing new water and sewer service to new communities.  I have been fortunate enough to leave that industry and become a domestic engineer.

What Mitsubishi(s) do (and your family) own?
I have  my baby, the 91 Eclipse GS-T (turbo FWD) five speed. Brad, my husband, drives a rare 91 Galant VR4 (turbo AWD). #1707/2000.  Our oldest son Brent,  has a 91 Eagle Talon TSi (turbo FWD) automatic.

What originally attracted you to Mitsubishis?  How long ago was that?
I have been a fan of the Eclipse since its debut, that was almost 20 years ago.  The engine platform is just amazing.  The stock block can handle upwards of 500 hp, and that is just outstanding  to me!  Many people have dug deep in the 10′s on the stock bottom end of the 4G63.

We’ve heard that you’ve got some racing cred.  Have you set some records or something?
Unattractively and uncondoning, I started out street racing and have made many chalk ups for myself.  It has always been a complete rush when a man looks over and underestimates a female. Lets just say I have hurt a few feelings/ego’s.   Back in 2004 I set the unofficial record for the quickest big 16g powered FWD no nitrous.  The time was 12.1 @ 114.  I’ve also obtained a 1.69 60 feet in a FWD.

Why did you stop racing?  Did life end up getting in the way?
I stopped racing back in 2005 due to becoming pregnant with our third child.  I was really on a roll with the feel of the car and felt as if we were connected.  Of course, I went 9 months without racing, then Brayden was born.

When he was born we found out he was born with a cleft.  So the following race season consisted of trips to Chapel Hill to have many things done.  After Bray’s surgery we noticed that his head was flat on the back.  This condition is know as  plagiocephaly. The treatment was he had to wear a helmet for correction. So we had to take trips back to Chapel Hill every 2 weeks so they could shave out sections of the helmet for his head to grow in that direction. Time flew by with many thoughts of racing but was never possible due to unexpected circumstances like this.

Just when we thought we were in the clear and on our way back up, December of last year I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I spent the first 5 months of this year receiving radiation and chemotherapy.  On May 5th  the doctors gave me the green light. I was set up on a schedule of appointments for the year and on my way to having my life back. However, sadly my joy was very short lived. I found out just after the Showdown at Englishtown mid August that the cancer had metastasized to my liver. This diagnosis comes with a possible grim outcome. However, I am a fighter in everything I do, and I refuse to give up on anything. Having three beautiful boys and a wonderful husband is enough reason in itself. Currently I am receiving a series of chemotherapy and a wonderful trial drug that has had spectacular results.

It’s inspiring that, despite all you’re going through, you’re still focused on achieving one big goal.  Tell us about that goal.
I have always wanted to make a 10 second pass in my car for several reasons. Mostly, though, for personal satisfaction. I have used the car as something to focus on while times are down. Plus I know that it will always be there, and it could be done at my own pace depending on my health at the time. I just wish my father was still alive to see it come true, but the support from my mother and the rest of my family makes just as wonderful.

Many people have made jokes over the years that I drove a FWD, claiming the AWD was available for better times, and the FWD wasn’t worth the effort.  I’ve always loved the challenge of the FWD and the fact that it is a 5 speed. Call me the black sheep if you wish. Many people also have jumped on the automatic bandwagon to get better ET’s but not me.  I don’t want anything made easy.

How has the Mitsubishi/DSM community helped you towards reaching this goal?
My loving and fully devoted husband Brad posted my story on DSMtuners and DSMtalk. Soon my story spread like wildfire to numerous other sites around the country and the generosity and thoughtfulness of everyone out there just really made this build move forward extremely quickly.  He posted what we had to work with and they asked how they could help.  Complete strangers, friends, and vendors alike, just started providing their services and parts along with constant prayers and well wishes.  This has truly been a blessing which I could never even begin to repay.

Who, specifically, has donated to your cause?  Individuals, communities, vendors?
SPONSOR LIST:
* Wier Automotive Racing has donated their shop and labor to build the car. Jason and  Brian Wier, to include the Eagle Rods.
* The block is done. O-ringed, Eagle rods, and CP 9:1 compression pistons w/ upgraded wrist pins. Pistons donated by Majestic Motorsports, Richard Homer, owner.
* The head is also mounted. ARP Head studs, MLS gasket with Crower springs and retainers, and new BC 280 cams donated by JNZ tuning. They’re also doing all the powder coating work. (JNZ finishing)
* National Speed ( Jordan ) has sponsored all the dyno time to get the car dialed in.
* Turbo is a S259ET with polished compressor cover, new knock sensor, the phenomenal spark plug cover, AN fittings and lines donated by Wendy’s unofficial brother Steve S (Steve93talon).
* ECM tuning ( Thomas Dorris) donated Link V3, tuning software for a DSM.
* DSMTalk members Sean M, Steve S, Allen S, Christopher D, Adam H, Joe L, Ean K, and Paul P donated a FMIC 4″ thick, its huge, along with piping, couplers, clamps.
* JM Fab Race  sheet metal intake manifold donated my Jim, JM Fab owner.
* John Shephard ( Sheptrans) is building her a race transmission.
* Fuel Injector Clinic donated 1650 cc blue top injectors and Easy Tune, Jans, owner.

* Boost boys and girlz racing donated A1000 fuel pump, Shawn and Sandra.
* Carl donated, a 4″ intake pipe with filter.
* Joe S (DSMTuners) has donated a cutoff switch.
* Turbo Tony, has donated an Evo III ceramic coated mani and the o2 housing with external gate flange.
* Kiggly Racing, Kevin is Wendy’s inspiration, he sent her 2 T-shirts and a Hat and coilovers for her FWD.
* Matt B, Steve H, Cody R, Dave G, Brian (DSMtuners) donated  an Aeromotive FPR (Fuel Pressure Regulator).
* SS Studs (Jeff), has donated a full set of exhaust, intake and valve cover boltings.
* Anger890 (DSMtuners) donated a forward facing oil filter housing and turbo oil feed line.
* Punishment Racing (Tim) has sponsored an ACT chromoly flywheel and 6 puck clutch disc.
* Jay-Racing (Jay) has sponsored a Mishimoto aluminum radiator with dual fan shroud, Gates timing belt, and plug wires.
* Three Speed (Harry) has sponsored a FWD scatter shield that was specially made that they no longer make.
* Forced Performance (Aniel) has sponsored a FP race exhaust manifold.
* Extreme PSI ( Hung and crew) sponsored a Tial 38 mm waste gate.
* WAVETRAC LSD. This has been sponsored by many people to include: Patrick K, Sean M, Shane P, Matthew G, Michael H, BP E III, Jesse F, Will S, Kim S, Scott F, Eric R, Matt S, Jim M, Joe K, and Matthew B.
* Non cruise throttle cable sponsored by Matt Z, (DSMtuners).
* Zaklee (Rob) sponsored a clear timing belt cover.
* IAT and pigtail sponsored by Jackson E.
* Tuners Nation (Garfield) sponsored Fuel system (push lock) lines, fittings, and filters.
* Water pump donated by DSMTalk member Lonnie G.
* Import Evolution (Ryan) sponsored  Hot pink RJS racing harness.
* Driveshaft Shop ( Frank) sponsored level 5 axles, these things are insane.
* Craig S. has sponsored his catch can/ oil separator.
* Swift Racing Technologies Rob M. has sponsored a Norgren boost controller.
* DSMTalk members ( names coming ) sponsored the final fuel items: Aeromotive check valve, -10 AN plug, and -6 AN to -6 AN fitting.
*  AZAWD.ORG members: Chris H, Dustin P, Noah G, Rojas R, Kevin D, Antonio L, Ali A, Hunter G,  Robert G, and Thai L’s donations have provided stainless clutch line from master to slave, 2’ of stainless pipe to complete the bumper exit of the wastegate,  downpipe flange, 3 quarts of light shockproof  tranny fluid, remaining fuel items: 10 AN push lock hose 5 ft,10 AN straight fitting (blue),6 AN push lock hose 3 ft,6 AN 90 deg fittings times 2 (blue), and 6 AN straight fitting (blue).

As hard as we have tried to stay on top of things, please forgive us if we have forgotten to list anyone. Your time or generosity has not gone unnoticed.

How close are you to achieving this goal?
I would say we are a few weeks out to getting the car to crank.  Then off to the dyno to get the car dialed in.  After that it will be going to the welder to have the cage put in, then finally, to the body shop for body work and paint.

How are you, personally, doing these days?  How do you keep your spirits up?
I am hanging in there.  I have my good days, bad days, and really bad days.  I have had the phenomenal opportunity to get the clinical trial drug Avastin.  I have started that chemo along with the “big gun” Topetecan my last treatment.

I start treatment again Monday, November 16th and have 3 days of treatment. My course of treatment is every 21 days.  Following the three days of treatment, I receive an injection for 10 days to increase my red and my white blood cell counts.  I keep my spirits up knowing what I have to look forward to with the car and my family. Graduations, college, weddings and hopefully grandchildren one day.

Do you see any similarities between the healthcare industry and your DSM?  Is your doctor always on jack stands?  Does your DSM charge a co-pay for each drive?
First off, I have to laugh at this question. There is a large misconception about a DSM.  The way it should happen when people purchase this type of car is do all the general maintenance work first.  Change the timing belt, balance shaft belt, plugs, oil, do a compression test, and leak down for boost leaks etc.

What takes place, and why the DSM has such a bad wrap is this, and I have seen it a hundred times before.  A person buys the car and WOW, this car is great! They love the way it feels but its not as fast as their buddies.  So what do they do? Research? Buy a Haynes manual? Read? No…First thing they do is run out and buy a boost controller and turn up the boost or go as far as putting a larger turbo on it without supporting mods.

They bang and miss gears.  All the while not realizing what they are really doing to the car is tearing up their synchros and getting knock/detonation etc. and don’t even know it.  They haven’t taken the time to investigate or read and make themselves knowledgeable enough to make smart decisions from the jump start. I have been bitten before by not replacing a balance shaft belt @ over 100 mph at the track. Needless to say a hard lesson was learned. I bent every valve and actually shoved one through the top of a piston.  I no longer have balance shafts. ;)

I truly believe that if you buy one of these cars and do things as I stated earlier and read up, your DSM will serve you without having to take out a 2nd mortgage.  If asked what is the weakest link on a DSM, I would definitely have to say the manual transmissions. Or sometimes the driver if I am allowed to say that.  (lol)   I guess I can honestly say my relationship with my doctor/car has been pretty equal in personal treatment. However, I would definitely have to quit racing if it were as costly as my medical treatment.  That’s all I better give as far as my feelings on the current healthcare system though. heh

If you had one wish for the Mitsubishi community, what would that be?
To feel really worthy of all the wonderful things that have been done for me.

When and where can we all come out to watch you run that 10 second ET?
As of now this would be a tough question to answer.  The uncertainty of when the car will be finished in conjunction with my health, and my course of treatment.  I take many medications to control my pain at this time.  Which I hope to start weaning off of soon so I can get some seat time in the car.

How can we help you?
By continuing to support me with prayers, and good thoughts for my family. Also, please take the time to do the general maintenance  on yourselves as well. Like yearly check-ups etc.

Wendy, you are an inspiration to the entire Mitsubishi community.  It is amazing to see how we can still pull together to help out our brothers and sisters.  Thank you for allowing Gearbox Magazine the privilege of sharing your story.  We wish you a speedy and full recovery.  Please keep us all posted!

Despite the overwhelming generosity of the Mitsubishi/DSM community, the Pate family can still use all the help they can get.  If you would like to lend a hand, but aren’t sure how you could do so, please drop an email to Wendy and Brad.  Additionally, donations are greatly appreciated via PayPal at the same email address: BradRPate@aol.com

Where do you live?
Indianapolis, IN

What do you do for a living?
Assisntant Manager Deli Department (Grocery store)

What Mitsubishi do you drive?
1991 Eagle Talon Tsi

How long have you had your Mitsubishi(s)?
5 years

What got you into Mitsubishi?
My husband has 2 and I fell in love.

Got a favorite story to tell about your Mitsubishi?
It is always broken. The only stories I have are about being stranded somewhere. One time on Thanksgiving and no one wanted to come help me because they were cooking dinner.

What are your goals for the car and how close are you to achieving them?
I would just like to be able to drive it without worrying about breaking down.

What was your favorite modification? Why?
My favorite on is my very first I did on my own. It was putting on the new O2 housing with an external dump. I love hearing that turbo spool up.

What’s next for your Mitsubishi? Why?
Not sure. I don’t have a lot of extra money right now, so I haven’t even thought about it for a while.

Who has helped you the most along the way?
My husband.

Who do you look up to in the Mitsubishi community?
I look up to a few of the local guys. John Hopkins mainly. I could only hope to have a DSM as fast and as pretty as his.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the Mitsubishi community today?
The age of the cars. A lot of people aren’t interested in the cars anymore because the newest ones are 10 years old.

Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?
My garage. Everytime I’ve taken my car to a shop, they treat me like I’m dumb and tell me I’m wrong.

Do you spend time on any Mitsubishi sites? Which ones?
Usually just Indystars.org

Mod List:
O2 housing, downpipe, K&N air filter, hard upper intercooler piping, blow off valve, manual boost controller, boost and pyrometer gauges.

How about you, readers? Has your Mitsubishi ever left you stranded on a national holiday?  Do Mitsubishis run in your family?  Let us know!