fresh rebuild, new tranny. performance from there?

[rocker_topper]

I know this has been asked a lot and I've done some research but haven't found any kind of standard for first performance upgrades so ill just ask for opinions on this. Ok I've got a 98 rs with a fresh engine rebuild (all factory) and new tranny and clutch. just recently put Megan racing tubular exhaust manifold and downpipe.where should I go from here for performance upgrades? Don't want to boost it either, I wanna go N/A and don't wanna go as far as another rebuild (just yet). what would you guys start with? And also, I got that Megan racing header and downpipe in a trade I couldn't pass up on. My factory cast iron had a crack in it so I kinda needed it anyways. Is it a decent header for this car? I believe its a 3" collector on it and the downpipe is 3". From the cat back is all factory though.

 

[bryanwheat]

You really won't gain too much with bolt on's. With a tubular header, full exhaust, and cold air intake you probably will gain 5 horsepower at the most. The best thing for making power would be higher compression, port work, bigger cams, and more ignition timing.

 

[rocker_topper]

I was thinking changing cams as the first thing but haven't decided on a set. I don't wanna shoot for any hp levels high high for this motor. Looking to put it up to around 175. Its a daily driver and I drive long distances to and from work. this factory 420a is slow!!!! Lol its kinda sluggish feeling when trying to pass cars at road speeds. the cars running right its just a low power issue. I can pass people just have to get on the car a little more than I want to. just really looking to make passing people not such a test for the car .

 

[glowryder]

good luck. Na builds are $$ for the power you end up not getting. Most of those guys go high compression, since you just rebuilt yours, you missed out on a good opportunity to do something to support/help make power.. IMO.. since everything is "fresh" leave it alone, mayb add a nice header, exhaust and Intake. other wise youll spend out the Ass for parts and will not gain much since your still stock...

 

[bryanwheat]

I was thinking changing cams as the first thing but haven't decided on a set. I don't wanna shoot for any hp levels high high for this motor. Looking to put it up to around 175. Its a daily driver and I drive long distances to and from work. this factory 420a is slow!!!! Lol its kinda sluggish feeling when trying to pass cars at road speeds. the cars running right its just a low power issue. I can pass people just have to get on the car a little more than I want to. just really looking to make passing people not such a test for the car .

I don't see you making anywhere close to 175 without higher compression. Bolt on's really aren't going to do anything for you. Also if you add cams you are going to need to do some tuning for the car to even run right which is not cheap on these cars. To properly tune the engine you will need megasquirt or another standalone ecu. For what you put into it you will not like the results that you get out of it. I would just keep it stock as a daily driver and pick up a cheap 1g if you want something with some power. A wet shot of nitrous or a small turbo are your best bet for making any kind of decent power with a stock compression 420a.

 

[glowryder]

^ Fact. No matter what anyone one says, its expensive to boost these cars right. Yes some have done it for 1500 by scavenging for deals on used parts. Its all luck at that point. To do it right , and build it properly with good parts is costly. Mostly because the Nicer parts for our cars are custom and not "off the shelf" like the GST/X guys.

 

[Black420RS]

Hi Flow Cat + 2.5" Cat Back + your Headers + header wrap + UDP + CAI + Cams + Bigger TB + ported IM + AFX Ecu

that would do a very nice and faster NA DD with stock comp

 

[glowryder]

Hmm. proof? i would love to see a dyno of that setup. Granted nice parts.. But break down the $ per HP.. That setup would yeild a better responding car, so quicker accell, but as for power gain.. mayb, mayb ~20 Hp (mostly from the ecu).

 

[perks563]

I know this has been asked a lot and I've done some research but haven't found any kind of standard for first performance upgrades so ill just ask for opinions on this.

There is a N/T upgrade path here:

Tech Guide - DSMtuners

 

[Black420RS]

There is a N/T upgrade path here:

Tech Guide - DSMtuners

and here

2GNT.com - Power_Stages

2GNT.com - Old_Power_Stages

you may also take a look of this

Non Turbo DSM Mods


you can build a very nice and funny DD NA

yes, you need money

yes, you need patience

yes, you wont get 300 WHP for $100

yes, turbo guys will tell you to sell/waste your car

yes, you would have fun with your car

yes, you would not have to deal with crankwalk and boost leaks

yes, is not gonna be THAT fast but you are not building a racing car; you said that you only wanna have a better and faster DD, that setup would do good for you

I have that setup (plus some other stuff) on my car and it is fun to drive, faster than any stock B and D honda engine and I still get good MPG