Intro
The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi’s second-generation (2G) Eclipse platform, which ran from 1995-1999. Born from the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) partnership between Chrysler and Mitsubishi, the Eclipse emerged as an affordable sports coupe that delivered impressive performance through advanced all-wheel drive technology and turbocharged power.
In JDM culture, the Eclipse GSX holds a unique position despite technically being built in Normal, Illinois. Its Japanese engineering heritage, turbocharged 4G63 engine shared with the legendary Lancer Evolution, and appearance in 2001’s “The Fast and the Furious” cemented its status as an honorary JDM icon. The GSX variant specifically represents the highest-performance model, featuring full-time AWD and the coveted 4G63T powerplant that made it capable of substantial power increases with relatively simple modifications.
This particular GSX build stands out for its meticulous preservation of the platform’s authentic performance characteristics while incorporating tasteful modern upgrades. As clean, unmodified examples become increasingly rare, this build demonstrates how the 2G Eclipse can be thoughtfully enhanced while respecting its significant place in import tuner heritage.
Builder Profile
Takashi Nakamura’s journey with the Eclipse GSX began after emigrating from Osaka to California in 2003. A mechanical engineer by trade who works for an aerospace firm by day, Takashi has applied his precision-oriented mindset to transform his ’99 Eclipse from a neglected project car into a meticulously balanced street-track weapon.
Known in Southern California’s import scene as “Drift King” (a nickname that amuses him since the AWD Eclipse isn’t a traditional drift platform), Takashi approaches tuning with a philosophy that respects the car’s original engineering while enhancing its capabilities. “The 4G63 is already a masterpiece,” he often says, “I’m just helping it reach its full potential.”
Takashi has been an active member of the DSM Owners Club for over 15 years and frequently mentors younger enthusiasts at local meets and track days. While his Eclipse boasts impressive power figures, he’s equally proud of its reliability—having driven it on multiple 1000-mile road trips to tuner events across the West Coast.
Why We Love It
The 1999 GSX sits at the apex of Mitsubishi’s turbocharged ambition—a final declaration before the Eclipse badge surrendered its rally-bred soul. Its 4G63T powerplant, shared with the legendary Evolution series, delivers boost with a character impossible to synthesize in modern drive-by-wire setups. That unmistakable surge at 3500 RPM creates a visceral connection between machine and pilot that today’s clinical turbocharged offerings simply cannot replicate.
What truly separates the ’99 GSX is its mechanical honesty. The Active Yaw Control system permits aggressive corner entry while the viscous-coupling center differential manages power distribution with an analog intelligence. There’s a rawness here—a conversation between chassis and tarmac—that disappeared when Mitsubishi pivoted toward mainstream appeal.
Beyond its technical merits, the final-year GSX represents peak DSM culture—a rolling showcase of the tuning possibilities that defined Japan’s engineering philosophy of the era. With fewer than 1,000 units produced in this configuration, finding an unmolested example today approaches impossibility, as many succumbed to modification excesses or were sacrificed to the gods of neglected maintenance.
The ’99 Eclipse GSX isn’t merely nostalgic—it’s historically significant, marking the end of Mitsubishi’s golden age before economic pressures forced the company’s retreat from motorsport-inspired street machines.
Mods
Engine & Drivetrain
- HKS 264° camshafts
- AEM cold air intake system
- GReddy T518Z turbocharger kit
- TiAL 38mm external wastegate
- FIC 850cc fuel injectors
- Walbro 255lph in-tank fuel pump
- Magnus 7-bolt cast manifold
- Full-Race front-mount intercooler
- ACT HD pressure plate with 6-puck sprung disc
- Fidanza aluminum flywheel
- Mishimoto radiator with slim electric fans
- Samco silicone hose kit
- ARP head studs
Suspension & Brakes
- TEIN Super Street coilovers
- Cusco front and rear strut tower bars
- Whiteline anti-roll bar kit
- Energy Suspension polyurethane bushing kit
- Brembo 4-piston front calipers
- StopTech slotted rotors
- Goodridge stainless brake lines
- Project Mu NS400 brake pads
- DSS Level 5 axles
Wheels & Tires
- Volk Racing TE37 17×9 +35 offset
- Toyo Proxes T1R 245/40-17
- Project Kics R40 lug nuts
- 5mm H&R wheel spacers (rear)
Exterior / Aero
- Voltex Type 2 rear wing
- C-West front bumper
- APR carbon fiber side skirts
- JDM Eclipse/GTO fog light conversion
- Seibon carbon fiber hood
- VIS carbon fiber trunk lid
- JDM clear corner lights
- PIAA Super White headlight bulbs
- OEM optional rear spats
Interior
- Bride Zeta III driver seat
- Bride Brix passenger seat
- Takata 4-point harnesses
- Personal Neo Grinta steering wheel with Works Bell hub
- AEM digital wideband air/fuel gauge
- GReddy Multi D/A gauge
- DEFI boost gauge
- Alpine IVA-D310 head unit
- JL Audio W6 subwoofer
- Rockford Fosgate amplifiers
- Nology HotWires ignition wires
- AutoMeter boost controller
Electronics / ECU
- AEM EMS Series 2 engine management
- Zeitronix wideband O2 sensor kit
- Innovate LC-1 lambda controller
- HKS turbo timer
- Apex’i VAFC II (V-AFC)
- Blitz SBC i-D spec R boost controller
- MSD Digital 6 Plus ignition
- DSMLink V3 ECU reflash
- Split Second PSC1 boost controller
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The 1999 Eclipse GSX build harmonizes performance modifications into a cohesive street-tuned time attack package. Each modification works in concert to enhance the AWD platform’s capabilities without compromising daily drivability.
The moderate power upgrades through the upgraded turbo, intercooler, and exhaust maintain reliable street performance while providing enough thrust for occasional track days. The suspension modifications—coilovers, sway bars, and chassis bracing—create a balanced handling package that remains compliant enough for regular street use while delivering precision during aggressive driving.
What makes this build particularly effective is its focus on balanced performance rather than chasing maximum power. The upgraded brakes complement the power increases, while the subtle exterior modifications enhance cooling and aerodynamics without sacrificing the Eclipse’s iconic styling.
This GSX embodies a purposeful street-biased time attack philosophy—potent enough to challenge purpose-built track cars on weekend events, yet composed and reliable enough to serve as daily transportation. It’s a meticulously balanced build that respects the platform’s capabilities while enhancing its performance envelope in measured, thoughtful ways.
FAQ
How reliable is the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX?
The 1999 Eclipse GSX offers moderate reliability when properly maintained. These vehicles require vigilant care of the 4G63 turbo engine, including regular timing belt service every 60,000 miles. With meticulous maintenance, many GSX models have surpassed 150,000 miles, though crankwalk issues can affect some units manufactured before mid-1999.
What is the tuning potential of the Eclipse GSX?
The Eclipse GSX offers exceptional tuning potential thanks to the robust 4G63T engine. With basic modifications (intake, exhaust, boost controller, ECU tuning), owners can achieve 280-320hp. More extensive builds including upgraded turbos, forged internals, and fuel system modifications can reliably support 400-500hp while maintaining driveability.
What are the most common issues with the 1999 Eclipse GSX?
Common issues include crankwalk (particularly in early 1999 models), transfer case failures, synchro wear in the transmission, brittle plastic components in the cooling system, and electrical gremlins. The factory clutch is also a weak point when power is increased, and turbo seals may begin leaking at higher mileage.
What are the best modifications for the Eclipse GSX?
The best modifications start with reliability upgrades: metal timing tensioner, upgraded clutch, and cooling system improvements. For performance, an ECU tune, boost controller, front-mount intercooler, and 3″ exhaust offer the best power-per-dollar gains. For serious builds, consider a 16G or 20G turbo upgrade, 720cc injectors, and supporting fuel system modifications.
Is the Eclipse GSX expensive to maintain?
Yes, the GSX demands higher maintenance costs than typical vehicles of its era. Parts availability has diminished, increasing prices for OEM components. The AWD system requires additional maintenance, and performance parts command a premium. Budget for timing belt service ($800-1,000), regular transmission fluid changes, and transfer case maintenance to avoid catastrophic failures.
How does the Eclipse GSX compare to other AWD sports cars of its era?
The Eclipse GSX offers comparable performance to the Subaru WRX and Audi TT Quattro while typically costing less on the used market. It provides excellent all-weather capability with its AWD system, though it’s heavier than the FWD Eclipse models. The GSX delivers a unique combination of 90s sport compact styling, turbocharged performance, and all-wheel-drive traction that continues to attract enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX stands as more than just a relic of ’90s automotive design; it represents a pivotal chapter in import tuner history that continues to influence car culture today. With its turbocharged performance, all-wheel-drive capability, and distinctive styling, the GSX maintains a devoted following among enthusiasts seeking the authentic JDM experience that defined a generation.
While modern sports cars offer superior technology, the Eclipse GSX delivers something increasingly rare: mechanical purity and driver engagement without electronic interference. Its tunability continues to attract those who value hands-on modification and personalization—core values of the import scene that flourished alongside the Fast and Furious era the Eclipse helped inspire.
As Japanese performance cars of this era become increasingly collectible, the Eclipse GSX stands as an accessible entry point to JDM culture. Its enduring presence at car shows, in online communities, and in the garages of passionate owners confirms what enthusiasts have long known: the Eclipse GSX transcended being merely transportation to become an automotive icon whose influence on tuner culture remains unmistakable today.