To those with a '90...

[Thalomos]

I seem to have a problem, it's called NO TOP END!

I hear it's from the 90 exhaust cams?

But, could it also be from the stock intercooler? Heatsoaking midway through 3rd? Not to mention it's old and lost alot of it's effinciency..

My question is, if i get a Intercooler, and piping, would i notice a big gain in top end? Logic says yes...

I already have a 3" o2 Elim DP, 3" custom intake, and a fuel pump... i'm still on the 14b...

THx for the help.

 

[pneumo]

The first things I would look at are the old stock intercooler and the old 14b. Intercoolers don't loose efficiency as they get older, unless they are coated inside with oil. So check it and clean it. Also, the intercooler will heat soak by the top of third gear, even if it's clean and has good airflow to it. The 14b will run out of top end if you're running high boost, especially if it's getting old. Most original 14b's will have a few cracks in the exhaust housing, and the shaft bushings may not spin as freely. Fix that first, then think about the cams.

 

[abudobi]

I was thinking about getting a Big 16 and just using the exhaust housing on the 14b but how do I tell whether the exhaust housing I have is still good? You said they tend to crack . . .

 

[Thalomos]

Most original 14b's will have a few cracks in the exhaust housing, and the shaft bushings may not spin as freely. Fix that first, then think about the cams.

The 14b is nearly pefect for it's age... i havn't messed with the intercooler... but all the pipes are devoid of oil...

I'll prolly do intercooler before cams... *shrug* Intercooler seems less hassle...

 

[NOMIEZVR4]

my car was running like ####, i changed the intercooler and WOW. i dunno if my old intercooler was messed up, but it really woke my car up. before, my car would spin in 2nd, now it spins till redline. and yea, the 90 cams suck!

 

[echo]

just take out your intercooler now and flush it with gas or rubbing alchohol. i bet it is clogged really bad since it has never been cleaned.

 

[GBabyTSI]

i have a 90 with a stock ic but alot of other upgrades and my top is is pretty damn good as in walking away from c-5s on the interstate but a new inter cooler would not hurt