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Performance Modifications
Michael Sommers
Start off with the basics,
you have to realize an engine and its accessories run as a system. If one thing
is changed another has to be as well to counteract the limiting reagent in the
formula.
Exhaust- I would recommend
starting off with changing the exhaust. My personal favorite is the Flowmaster
American Thunder 3" system, great sound great performance great look and
great durability. Also think about replacing the cat or removing it completely.
Sandy recommends the Random tech, a little expensive but great performance.
Headers- only do this if
your planning on racing your car, they are a pain in the ass to install and not
a must for everyday driving.
Now you have the exhaust
opened up nicely and are looking for more air in the other way. This is when you
start opening up the Intake system.
Intake- Start here with
the air filters, K&N are the way to go here. Second remove the mass airflow
screens (not the fins, they are there for a purpose, they cool the circuit in
the Mass Air Flow Sensor). Third get an airfoil, any brand will do they all do
the same thing. Fourth get a ram air system from either this site or Andris
Skultes' site, this really improves throttle response and top end speed if done
correctly (and if sandy is reading this I have a great set up you might want to
see, I had it custom made from a plastic, no metal, no hoses, no flex and a
perfect fit, big performance gains if done right, and the best thing is it looks
stock
52mm throttle body- this
is a great additive to do when you have all the other stuff is done.
Now that you have the
intake and exhaust done, its time to look into getting more fuel to your
cylinders.
Fuel System- Get a high
quality aluminum adjustable fuel pressure regulator from either TPIS or Summit.
These make an incredible difference when the intake and exhaust demand more
fuel.
OK Fuel, Exhaust, Intake,
what else? Ignition, with all that extra air and fuel, you need a more efficient
way of burning it.
Ignition- Get an MSD 6A or
6AL ignition and use it in combination with the blaster 2 coil and MSD 8.5mm
spark plug wires, this will give you a smooth power delivery throughout the
entire rpm band, much more efficient and reliable than the stock setup.
Spark Plugs- Bosch platinum
4 for me, expensive but every little bit helps.
One more thing: You now
have the Exhaust, the Intake, the Fuel, and the Ignition. With everything all
working together now, a more aggressive computer program would do wonders.
Computer Chip- Hypertech
all the way here, the people know what they are doing. Get the Thermomaster chip
and the thermostat to go with, I did this and almost got .2 off my quarter mile
time and .15 off my 0-60 time, this is a great finishing touch.
O yea almost forgot, if
you don’t live in the city, and don’t have to worry about extremely hot
days, get some underdrive pulleys - they free up about an extra 9 RWHP!
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