Easy mods
 

What are some easy and quick mods for my 12a that will help increase hp and what are the approximate prices and hp gains?

Thanks Joshua

1st easy mod: Do a good tune up.

Make sure that all the components are up to par. This includes the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. Change the tranny and rear end to a synthetic lubricant. Make sure the carb is cleaned and adjusted and buy an aftermarket performance air filter. Check your timing. Change your oil. Do the ATF trick.

That said the best bang for the buck horsepower upgrade is a performance exhaust. With a about a 20hp increase it is hard to beat it without some serious cash. If you need a catalytic converter look to spend a grand, about $600 to $800 on a non-catalytic equipped system. Or you could go the custom route for less money, buy the Mindtrain or Racing Beat header, and build yourself a system.

The first performance upgrade I would recommend is a new set of high performance rubber. It is the most important part of the car; it is the only part that touches the pavement. Better rubber will allow you to accelerate faster, brake better, and corner more.

Good luck

Hey thanks.

I was wondering what width of tires would be the best. Someone told me to put 12s on the back and 10s on the front and ill be able to take any corner at very high speeds. I was wondering how wide you would go without it looking stupid or having to get a wide body kit! thanks

Well, with the lack of wheel availability, I would think that 215's would be one of the widest that would fit without sticking out although you would probably only want a 205. I would put Yokohama AVS Intermediates on a 15 inch, Khumos on a 14 inch, and I would look at the Sumitomos for a 13-inch application.

I am working on a custom exhaust i bought a racing beat header used for $100 and a high flow converter threw summit for $60 and i bought a stainless steel dual 3'' outlet muffler for $60 on ebay, I also bought 10 ft of pipe at local parts store of 2 1/4 in and some flanges and curved or bent pipe so i can route it around my rear! It was cheapper for me cause i bought it slowly peice by piece and it sounds nice brur,brur,brur,brur, I gained about 20-25hp and my next project is electric fan!

the jury's still out on the electric fan thing, but the exhaust was a nice start.

You don't need anything bigger than 205s for this car; anything wider will just rub in front anyhow, and narrower tires actially increase the psi of your contact patch (better traction with the rubber that touches, though less rubber touches)

you might also want the RB front sway bar - makes a big difference with anti-roll in corners.

ANother good one is a drop-in K&N filter. I can't say if it actually gives you HP but it does seem to increase throttle response and is cheaper in the long run as you never have to replace it.