Hi,

Having just done my first oil change on this car (at 4300 miles), I am curious about modifications which I (a reasonably handy but not highly experienced mechanic--all I've ever done is tuning up old cars--Fiat Spiders and Mazda RX2/RX3--and changing oil on a number of cars) can do which might have an impact on my car's performance. For instance, K&N claims that just using their filter in place of the OEM filter might increase HP by as much as 4%, and that certainly is an easy mod.

Also, is there a recommended shop manual for the car (MY04)?

Thanks.

--Mark

 

No help forthcoming?

Please....

 

shop manual can be purchased at www.helminc.com. $70 well spent. here's a direct link http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2.asp?c...SUGBLJW1C7WCDVB

a drop-in filter will not net you much gains. 1-2hp at most, and this can be attributed to dyno errors. you will save money down the road with a filter like k&n.

with this car, any mods you do will not make a significant change (relatively speaking of course). forced induction is the cheapest way to make more power, or a final gear swap will have you accelerate like you had more power.

 

I'm skeptical of 4% (10 HP) from an air filter change. A search on this topic will reveal this to be a pipe dream as well.

Of course anyone can couch their claims with such language as "might" so there's no fault if they don't really provide those gains.

 

Things I've done myself, all rather easy:

Intake, exhaust, suspension, hood, braided steel brake lines, Speedbleeders, new OEM pads and rotors.

What I did NOT do myself was the new clutch/pp/flywheel.

 

Just like their filtering efficacy, K&N's HP claims are outrageous.

 

I gained 210 hp from mine.....



Seriously, I only got the filter due to the longevity and good experience with oiled filters on motorcycles.

 

I put one on mine as well, because with the Spooned/gutted airbox, a few more CFM might help - I am watching the silicon in my oil carefully.