First the good news.

1) I replaced the choke! Woohoo! Boy, the dash is a bitch to take apart, but i did it. Its not adjusted right so it goes up to 3000 rpm when out all the way, but i just push it in a bit.

2) Car passed inspection, it was the ACV valve

3) I think ive convinced my dad to let me put the oil pan on, and my friend has jackstands and is willing to help me.

Now, ive saved up some money and was thinking of some performance mods. All the guys on the football team have like 68 Cameros, 70 Chargers, or suped up 240Z's or 300ZX's or freakin rice v4 DOHC thingys. (Damn V-tec stickers EVERYWHERE). Now, as it is now I get pretty much raped by all of them. I can hold my own against some of the Hondas and ****, but I want more power and acceleration! I was looking for little things i can do, and I remember people RAVE over these MSD ignitions. I went to the msd site, read over it, and it seems pretty straight foward and easy to install. So...

1) Is it worth it for a first mod? I know everybody says exauhst, but I cant afford that right now.
2) How much? Anybody got a used MSD box they want to unload?

Just to let you know, the car is now in great shape. New oil and water pump, emissions were ZERO Hc, compression is ok for the milage on it. And, no rust So, your thoughts? Or should I spent my money on something else at first? 84 GSL BTW, stock everything.

I dont expect like 50HP or even 10. All I want is a little bit more pep and a better chance of whipin some honda *** (yea, I finally gave in to the fact im not beating the 550HP Dodge Charger or the dudes 68 Camero, not on the strip anyways, lofl)

 

Sounds right to me

Exhaust

Seriously, it's the first worthwhile mod. I'm not sure MSD would be that much cheaper (than a used RB system anyways), once you factor in the unit itself, new blaster coils and wires. Besides, exhaust will get you way more power than MSD will.

Look around for used RB systems - they're out there. They last pretty much forever, it doesn't matter if they look a bit rusty.

 

The MSD doesn't give you more power as much as it gives you better driveability esp. when cold. For that, it's worth the $250.

And yes, 3000rpm on cold start sounds about right... I usually manually trim the choke.

 

Ok, thanks on the choke advice. Here is the deal about the RB exaust... I got to pass emissions. I tried the bribe thing, the only person I know cant get away with it so he says. Could i get a used RB system, then cut out the presilences and put MY cat back in? I know the cats are restrictive, but would that be a good enough improvement? I went to the maztrix webpage, and they have what appears to be a header, cat, and cat back system for first gens. Would this work also? I could get the header, save up some more and get the cat, then get the muffler later.

 

A quality converter is not restrictive.

Dave Coleman did exactly what you describe. In fact Mazdatrix sells that setup as a "Grey-Area" legal header/converter package. Very pricey from them, though.

 

I know. I saw the prices..
So, how much would a used RB setup cost? Where would i go about finding one? Once I got one, I can always go from there. I know some buddies who got welders, prehaps i can take my current exaust off and "store it" untill next inspection time

 

I think the cat does add some restriction versus the presilencer setup, as SCC (Dave Coleman) saw significantly less power gain than everyone else does with the full RB setup. Could depend on what cat you use I guess. The best thing, from a power perspective, is probably to just swap in your stock exhaust and emission gear setup when it comes time for inspections. Another issue with the cost effectiveness is that cats are pretty expensive compared to presilencers.

If you did it that way, you wouldn't need to buy the presilencer/presilencers at all - they are separate from the rest of the system and don't need to be "cut" out.

Something you should remember is that the RB system, while very quiet if used all together, is extremely loud without that muffler and presilencer combination. The system works together, and if you sub other parts results may vary.

 

If MSD is too expensive for you, you could try out DLIDFIS should be pretty cheap for you. Just need an ignitor and coil from the junk yard. maybe some wires, and your set. Then as ya get more money get the blaster coils, better wires, and the box should you decide to. But, exhaust first :P

 

why dont you look for someone with a used racing beat setup?
they dont go bad.

the msd setup will run ya aorund $250.00

bet you can find a rb setup,maybe minus a muffler for that price used.

msd isnt worth it till you get exhaust,
just like a carb

 

Replace the cats with a straight pipe for now until you save up for hte full exhaust. I did just that and love the new sounds. Not too loud, but I can hear it. Get a new K&N air filter and do a cold air setup also. Go for as many cheap/free thnigs you can while you save up. Take off the a/c belt and the air pump belt also.

 

i'm not speaking from experience yet but this is what im hoping to do as some quick, cheap, and easy things to get a little more power.

1) remove a/c and air pump belts.
2) k&n filter and cold air intake
3) when i get the money --> full racing beat exhaust

i've done a lot of research in my free time about best bang for the buck things to do since im kinda strapped for cash too. the general idea i've gotten is that intake and exhaust the two best things for easy hp gains. a stock motor doesn't need much more spark. new ignition will help, but not as much as a new header or intake for the same price.

 

your on the money,
were all strapped for cash,
isnt that why 90% of us own 1st gens???