So, you're looking to inject some extra oomph into your Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross? Awesome! You've come to the right place. The Eclipse Cross, while stylish and practical, sometimes leaves enthusiasts craving a bit more under the hood. Whether you're after enhanced horsepower, improved handling, or just a more personalized driving experience, tuning can unlock the hidden potential of your ride. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross tuning, exploring everything from basic bolt-ons to more advanced modifications. Let's get started and transform your Eclipse Cross into the ultimate driving machine!

Understanding the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Engine

Before we jump into the exciting world of modifications, let's get acquainted with the heart of your Eclipse Cross: the engine. Generally, the Eclipse Cross comes equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This little powerhouse is designed for efficiency and everyday drivability, but it also has some untapped potential just waiting to be unleashed. Understanding its capabilities and limitations is crucial for making informed tuning decisions.

Delving deeper, this engine typically produces around 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers are respectable for a compact SUV, many owners find themselves wanting more, especially in terms of acceleration and responsiveness. The engine's design incorporates modern features like direct injection and a turbocharger, which are excellent starting points for performance upgrades. However, it's also important to be aware of the engine's limitations. The stock internals, such as the pistons and connecting rods, are designed for a specific power level, and exceeding that level without proper reinforcement can lead to reliability issues. That's why a well-thought-out tuning plan, considering both performance gains and long-term durability, is essential. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding your engine is the first step towards a successful tuning journey.

Basic Bolt-On Modifications

Okay, let's talk about some easy and effective ways to boost your Eclipse Cross's performance without tearing the engine apart. These are often referred to as "bolt-on" modifications because they can be installed with basic tools and don't require extensive mechanical knowledge. These modifications are a great starting point for anyone new to tuning or those looking for a mild performance bump.

Air Intake

A popular first upgrade is a cold air intake. The factory air intake system is often designed to be quiet and efficient, but it can restrict airflow to the engine. A cold air intake replaces the factory system with a less restrictive one, allowing the engine to breathe easier. This results in a noticeable improvement in throttle response and a slight increase in horsepower. Plus, many cold air intakes add a sporty sound to your engine, making the driving experience more enjoyable. Installation is usually straightforward, involving removing the old intake and bolting in the new one. Just make sure to choose a reputable brand and follow the installation instructions carefully. Also, consider that some aftermarket intakes may require a tune to run optimally.

Exhaust System

Another common bolt-on is an aftermarket exhaust system. The factory exhaust is designed to be quiet and meet emissions standards, which often means it's restrictive. An aftermarket exhaust, particularly a cat-back system, replaces the exhaust piping from the catalytic converter back to the muffler. This reduces backpressure, allowing the engine to exhale more efficiently. The result is a gain in horsepower and torque, especially in the mid-range and top-end. You'll also get a deeper, more aggressive exhaust note. When choosing an exhaust system, consider the sound level and quality of materials. Stainless steel systems are more durable and resistant to corrosion. Installation can be done at home with basic tools, but some people prefer to have a professional install it to ensure proper fitment and alignment.

Performance Chip

For those seeking a bit more power without extensive modifications, a performance chip or tuner can be a great option. These devices plug into your car's computer and optimize the engine's parameters, such as fuel delivery and ignition timing, to increase performance. A good tuner can provide noticeable gains in horsepower and torque, as well as improve throttle response and fuel economy. Many tuners also allow you to customize the settings to suit your driving style or specific modifications. However, it's crucial to choose a reputable tuner and use it responsibly. Overly aggressive tuning can put stress on the engine and reduce its lifespan. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and monitor your engine's performance after installing a tuner.

Advanced Tuning Techniques

Ready to take your Eclipse Cross tuning to the next level? These advanced techniques require more in-depth knowledge and may involve modifications to the engine's internal components. If you're not comfortable working on engines, it's best to consult with a professional tuner or mechanic. Remember, safety first and always prioritize reliability over chasing maximum power.

Turbocharger Upgrade

One of the most effective ways to significantly increase horsepower is to upgrade the turbocharger. The stock turbocharger is designed to provide a good balance of performance and efficiency, but it has its limitations. A larger turbocharger can flow more air into the engine, resulting in a substantial increase in power. However, upgrading the turbocharger is not a simple bolt-on. It often requires supporting modifications, such as larger fuel injectors, a higher-flowing fuel pump, and an upgraded intercooler. You'll also need a custom tune to optimize the engine's parameters for the new turbocharger. A turbocharger upgrade can transform your Eclipse Cross into a true performance machine, but it's a complex and expensive modification that should be approached with caution.

Intercooler Upgrade

The intercooler's job is to cool the air after it has been compressed by the turbocharger. Cooler air is denser, which means it contains more oxygen, leading to more power. The stock intercooler can become heat-soaked under hard driving conditions, reducing its efficiency and limiting performance. An upgraded intercooler is larger and more efficient, allowing it to keep the intake air temperature lower. This results in a more consistent power output, especially during sustained periods of acceleration. An intercooler upgrade is a great complement to other performance modifications, such as a turbocharger upgrade or a performance tune. It's a relatively straightforward modification that can be done at home with basic tools.

ECU Remapping

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is the brain of your car's engine, controlling various parameters such as fuel delivery, ignition timing, and boost pressure. ECU remapping, also known as chipping or tuning, involves modifying the software that controls the ECU to optimize engine performance. A skilled tuner can adjust these parameters to extract more power from the engine, improve throttle response, and even increase fuel economy. ECU remapping is a crucial part of any serious tuning project, as it allows you to fine-tune the engine's performance to match your specific modifications. However, it's important to choose a reputable tuner with experience tuning Mitsubishi engines. A poorly executed ECU remap can damage your engine. There are a number of options available, from off-the-shelf tunes to custom tunes tailored to your specific modifications.

Suspension and Handling Upgrades

Let's not forget about handling! More power is great, but it's equally important to improve your Eclipse Cross's suspension and handling to match. Upgrading the suspension can improve cornering ability, reduce body roll, and enhance overall driving feel. Here are a few popular suspension upgrades.

Lowering Springs

Lowering springs are a relatively inexpensive way to improve your car's handling and appearance. They replace the factory springs with shorter, stiffer springs that lower the ride height. This lowers the center of gravity, reducing body roll and improving cornering grip. Lowering springs also give your car a more aggressive stance. However, it's important to choose springs that are compatible with your car's shocks. Too much lowering can negatively impact ride quality and suspension travel. Installation is relatively straightforward, but it's best to have it done by a professional to ensure proper alignment.

Shocks and Struts

Upgrading the shocks and struts can significantly improve your car's handling and ride quality. Aftermarket shocks and struts offer better damping characteristics than the factory units, providing more control and stability. They can also be matched to specific spring rates for optimal performance. There are many different types of shocks and struts available, from basic replacements to high-performance adjustable units. Adjustable shocks allow you to fine-tune the damping to suit your driving style and road conditions. Installation is similar to replacing the springs, and it's best to have it done by a professional.

Anti-Roll Bars

Anti-roll bars, also known as sway bars, connect the left and right wheels and resist body roll during cornering. Upgrading the anti-roll bars can significantly improve your car's handling by reducing body roll and increasing cornering grip. Aftermarket anti-roll bars are typically thicker and stiffer than the factory units, providing more resistance to body roll. They are a relatively easy bolt-on modification that can make a noticeable difference in handling. Installation is straightforward, involving removing the old anti-roll bars and bolting in the new ones.

Brakes and Wheels

Don't forget about stopping power! Upgrading your brakes is crucial, especially if you've increased your car's horsepower. Larger, more powerful brakes can provide shorter stopping distances and better resistance to brake fade. Also, upgrading your wheels can improve both performance and appearance.

Brake Upgrades

There are several options for upgrading your brakes, from simple pad replacements to full big brake kits. Performance brake pads offer better friction characteristics than the factory pads, providing more stopping power and better resistance to brake fade. Drilled and slotted rotors can also improve braking performance by dissipating heat and reducing brake fade. For the ultimate in braking performance, a big brake kit replaces the entire braking system with larger rotors, calipers, and pads. A big brake kit can significantly improve stopping power and provide a more confident feel.

Wheel Upgrades

Upgrading your wheels can improve both performance and appearance. Lighter wheels reduce unsprung weight, which improves acceleration, handling, and braking. Wider wheels allow you to run wider tires, which increases grip and improves cornering ability. When choosing wheels, consider the size, weight, and offset. It's important to choose wheels that are compatible with your car's brakes and suspension. You'll also want to choose tires that are appropriate for your driving style and road conditions.

Conclusion

Tuning your Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to personalize your car and unlock its hidden potential. Whether you're after more horsepower, improved handling, or just a more aggressive look, there are many different modifications to choose from. Start with basic bolt-ons and gradually work your way up to more advanced modifications as your knowledge and experience grow. Remember to always prioritize safety and reliability, and consult with a professional tuner or mechanic if you're not comfortable working on your car. With careful planning and execution, you can transform your Eclipse Cross into the ultimate driving machine! So go ahead, start wrenching, and enjoy the journey!