I've got a '95 SOHC 4-door, I'm in the process of replacing the engine so I figured that I would slap on some pacesetter headers, a V-2 intake, cut the cat out and cut a 3"/4" drop. I also got some bosch platinum +4s new wires valvoline synthetic, short shifter, and we've ripped out the interior except the door panels. I don't want to go the turbo route and I don't really want to dig into the engine right now- poor college kid and all- so what are some other Hp gaining mods? I already toast most other 4-bangers and alot of V-6s. Also how loud will my baby be w/o the cat? I don't want to be a cop-stopper. Thanks for any help.

 

Get rid of the Bosch +4 Plats first off. Get a set of NGK's. And steer clear of Platinum anything.

Second, I don't recommend removing the cat. A) you won't gain much if anything, odds are you'll lose power. And B) on emission controlled vehicles it's not a good idea since you'll more than likely fail inspection and C) it's actually illegal to remove the cat and carries a $25K fine if caught.

Third, your car has a single exhaust manifold so, you'll only need one header. If you are looking for a cheap exhaust mod then the Pacesetter is the best bang for the buck. If you want to see some nice gains off the exhaust then get a Kirk long tube.

And don't get eh V2 intake. It's not a CAI and you won't see any if any gains. If you want a true CAI you can get either an Iceman or a Caravan CAI intake. The Iceman is about $200 and the CAI from a Dodge Caravan is about $30. Or, if you are mechanically inclined you could probably fashion one out of ABS piping yourself.

A good HP mod would be a cam and valve springs. However, that does require the removal of the valve cover.

I also don't recommend cutting your suspension springs. A) it's stupid and B) well.....it's just dumb don't do that. They make lowering springs for Neons. Go buy some.

Why don't you want to look at turbo?

 

Quick question... You reccomended to me the K&N Fenderwell CAI over the AEM cold air intake... Would you also reccomend the K&N Fenderwell over an Iceman or Caravan CAI?

 

K&N is also very good. Comparable to Iceman. They are both in the same price range.

 

I'm not actually cutting the springs. I've got a set of coilovers on their way in as we speak. As far as the V2- AEM only makes cold air intakes. The V2 is a full length, harmonicaly tuned unit rated for a ten to fifteen Hp gain- check out Aem's web site. What's wrong with platinums? I had them in my last engine and coupled with an after market ignition they're great. I'm having one of the headers extrude-honed and ceramically coated to see if there is any real gain- might as well get some credit hours out my car. Turbo's are just to expensive, adn I'm a little nervous about them. I love to rag my cars out, even if it means there constantly in my garage/ shop. I'm afraid of really killing my engine, it seems I have some self controll issues when it comes to speed. NE way thanks for your help even if we dissagree on some points.

 

Plats foul out too quick, especially the +4's, they have a tendancy to cause the car to run rich. In fact I just came home from my buddies where I was helping him with his Blazer which he had +4 plats in it. They were only in the truck for maybe 3 months, we pulled them and every single one was fouled out save for one. They really aren't that great of a plug. Besides, the Neon isn't designed for the added heat produced by them. You are better off with a good set of NGK's.


Where does the V2 run? Over the top of the engine and does the filter sit above the exhaust manifold by the firewall? If so, it's an HAI and you won't see any gains. The car will have a nice tone but otehr than that, no change.

And what rumors or stories have you heard about turbo's on Neons that need to be debunked? Cause I'll be glad to set you straight on the myths of turbo charging Neons.

 

after thought... cutting your springs is a cheap way to do. slaming them by heating them up is a bad idea though, it ruins the tensile strength of the spring. Why do you recomend anything ovr AEM> AEM continues to post the highest gains on the market (generally). My only beef is the price the charge. Iceman was great but way to many better products have poped up over the last few years. I've dynoed every car that I ever tinkered with and the AEM always ends up the best bang for the buck pushing gains of ten- fifteen ponies.

 

I just pulled the +4s from my last neon they had been in for about six months and thy're fine. I like to run my fuel/air richalmost thirty percent richer infact. The v2 I ordered runs to the fender and has a dual chamber vacume design the cmpletley insulates incoming air. I havent heard any rumors. I ran a Supra JzA80 twin turbo set up on a completley reinforced tercel engine. It was pushing nearly 12 psi and blew the engine at about one sixty goin down the interstate. You can imagine my trpidation at hooing up another blower set up.

 

That's why. YOu were probably pushing 12psi on stock internals. Of course it's going to blow.

 

That's just the thing they weren't stock. I had the cylinders bored out to .35 over stck, new forged je pistons, connecting rods, and crank. I don't know what went wrong but that engine should have been able to take a lot more than twelve psi. The local speed shop rated it at nearly 46 psi. A little outrageous, I know but they are professionals. It doesn't matter much now though does it?