[blkbrd_8]

I'm a bit of a new guy to cars don't know much but willing to learn....basicly i just want to make my car run a little better/faster/louder. My first plan of attack is to get everything tuned, then i'm thinking about putting on a flowmaster exhaust system. right now my car is just stock but i'd like to change that. I just replaced the O2 sensors like 6 months ago, the car just got repainted due to a detour i took through a bean field due to some knuckle head lining the road w/ nails....the engines a 4.6L V8 in my '94 Thunderbird aka Thunderchicken which ever name you prefer. I've been helping my car fix up his enduro car he plans on racing ('85 grand prix) but i've found few similarities so what ever i've learned i cant really use to benefit my car so if someone could help me out i'd appreciate it. I also was told that there are Hi-performance chips that you can add to the computer in some cars, would this be the case for my car if so what would you suggest. I've been nosing around jegs.com and summitracing.com alot lately but unless it says useable for a '94 tbird i really don't know if i can use any of the products. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Jon

[bncrzy]

u could upgrade the exhaust for some more hrsepower and sound. i'm not to familar with newer engines though

[Unity_Jon]

first of just do the basics, DO NOT GET IT TUNED until you have done these mods or the money spent on tuning will be wasted, first off get the exhaust done, get a less restricted one than you have already, but beware the less restrictions you have the louder the exhaust will be so you need to find a compromise that suits you/your surroundings. Now that your car has a decent exhaust it will benefit from an aftermarket 'performance' air filter, these allow more air IN to the engine, but its useless unless you can get it OUT efficently - hence doing the exhaust first. K&N filters are rated and come with a million mile guarantee. The next thing is make sure the air going into the filter is COLD as cold air is more dense you'll physically fit more air in, more air better combustion = more power. Try to fit the airfilter either away from the engine heat or feed a cold air pipe to it.

Now get your car tuned as it will be running a little lean due to the extra air so your mechanic will richen up your mixture.

This works for 99% of cars and is considered the 'basics'

chips are available for cars with EFi and they basically remap the engine for performance, the factory chips are mapped (programmed) for economy !
As youdo more you will need to service your car a little more thoroughly at more regular intervals to make sure everything is at its best.

[ July 24, 2002: Message edited by: Unity_Jon ]</p>

[blkbrd_8]

Well I need to replace a spring on my car which isnt gonna be that bad it'll cost probly 100 bucks i guess, after that i'm going to get those flowmasters....anyone buy stuff like this online or do the majority of you just go to like an autozone? what else do you suggest doing after the tune up? if not i may look into some new rims or something....keep the ideas coming.
Thanks
Jon

[Unity_Jon]

you can get some decent plugs fitted and have the injectors 'sonic' cleaned then when the engines running its best you need to start work on the suspension components like bushes, and dampers (if you're after performance ?) or just go for looks (rims, paint, trim etc) if you're building a Low you'd be better off spending out on juice/air.

[OrangeCounty58]

i dont know what you are attempting? a lowrider or do you want to do both? when i built the daily driver, 95 impala SS. i put more money into the engine then i care to admit too. i agree with not tuning it until you get all the mods you want done. for a v6, a k&n filter, exhaust ( i hate loud exhaust, not efficent), flow master or dynamax, a perfomance chip and thats probably all you need. a nice paint job, some rims, some tunes and youd be on the streets pretty straight.

[blkbrd_8]

My cars a V8 actually but i assume your suggestions will stay the same....whats the word on these performance chips...(like what do they cost, where can i get one, what do they do, is it dummy proof meening could i put it in myself or would i have to go somewhere to get it done...general stuff like that.) i think im going to go the flowmaster route so far i see they are priced right around $270.00 if any of you know where i can get them at a better price let me know. tunes is not a problem i got that one under control
thanks
Jon

[Unity_Jon]

Ok a chip is exactly that, its a replacement microchip which is programmed to deliver different fuel/air ratios depending on several different factors regarding driving, temperature, engine condition etc.

Normally these chips replace the existing chip in your cars ECU sometimes they just 'over ride' them or enhance them.

Replacement chips:

Does exactly what it says on the tin, you need to remove (unsolder) the existing chip and solder in the new one, best left to a pro.

Override:

These take the output (or input, depending on type) of the existing chip and then override that information, they're sometimes called 'piggyback' chips and often 'plug' into the ECU

the purpose:

Both types of chip discard the factory preset conditons which are set for best economy and make the engine work for best performance (see MORE PETROL ?) the chip (new and old) is 'mapped' or programmed for every eventuality regarding intake air temp, engine heat, cam position etc etc the aftermarket chip has a more 'aggressive' map

Its not really worth 'chipping' your car until your engine can deal with more fuel/air effeciently, so only bother chipping your engine if you are going to add high lift or race spec camshafts, otherwise you'll not really 'use' the chip to its potential apart from a few stray HP. A decent aftermarket Camshaft will put the engine dynamics out of reach of most factory 'maps' hence the need for a new chip.

You only need this when you're racing, not really when 'lowriding' or cruising.

[rlowride]

Damn unity, you got the ideas coming stong... good lookin out, thanks forr the info.

[Unity_Jon]

hey, if you got it, then share it.....