those darn z24's

i've been browsing for a little bit now on the internet trying to learn a bit about performance mods. Now my intentions aren't to be any kind of street racer or what not, but i was lookin for some products that could help me still with speed, power, and performance (for example, just merging onto the freeway but having the immediate power to be able and pass infront of a speedy transport truck coming up fast as your merging lane is ending.

So i figure a new intake is probably the best way to get that little kick.
I've read about long and short ram (cold and warm) intakes. what i've picked up about them is basically they'll both do the same job since air is evenly circulated under the hood, therefore "intaking" the same temperatured air. So i guess my question is, where does the performance really come from then? cause i just can't justify it being in the tube really (except for an aluminum tube being lighter than the stock tubing/intake). So if i was to change just the intake filter, would that help give me that kick i'm striving for? if not, i've looked up intakes and noticed that k&n doesn't make intakes for the z24 (only the 2.2)...anyone know why that is?

i was also reading through one of those car buyers guide magazines and noticed that the breaking system for the 1998 cavalier was rated very poor. so what could be somethings i may look at to treat that?

final question for now, without having to lower my car, i was curious if a strut tower bar would help with turning?

thanks a lot for any input or advice you could give.

yeah, the power comes from the weight reduction. those damn rubber stock intakes are a lot heavier than the metal one you want to put in


use the search button!

well the Z24s and the 2.2s have the same intake box, so if you want to use a drop in fitler from k&n, just get the Z24. The way an intake increases performance is because its much less restrictive than the stock airbox/bong. On the stock air intake system, there are parts of it that get so small you could barely fit a finger inside of it.

The brakes, you can upgrade with some nice slotted rotors and titanuim brake pads. A strut tower bar will help a little with turning.

you siad you heard 98's have brake problems, ive never heard that before but i do own a 98 and am having brake problems right now, kinda a coincidence i thought i'd comment on

It's not 98's. All J's are prone to brake problems. I've had em on the one I have and the one I had.

Yep the rotors warped on my 01 about a month after the pads were changed. I use powerslot rotors and carbon metallic pads now. Haven't had a problem since.

yeah, the power comes from the weight reduction. those damn rubber stock intakes are a lot heavier than the metal one you want to put in


use the search button!
????
Why would a tube's weight, who's sole purpose is to flow air, factor into the ability to flow air? Why the hell would weight reduction factor into about a 1-2 pound difference? That's the difference between the driver taking a dump or not before they get in the car, it's nothing.

The power come from things like the filter and the actual flow path inside the intake. On a rubber intake there are bends, higher friction, and some form of restriction on the airflow (tubes is smaller, for example). These intakes also usually come with a K&N filter (or if you're smart, you get one for the intake) which is where a few extra ponies come out, as well.

He was being sarcastic.

alright, thanks for the info. the stock tube piping which can cause more air flow restriction makes sence. it seems so common sence now.

anyway, could anyone direct me to a cheap aluminum build intake? i really don't want to spend crazy dollars for just a brand name product, which i'm hearing, pretty much does the same thing as a homemade one.

i plan on purchasing the k&n air filter seperatly.

ebay is your friend

the problem with ebay is, i don't want to get scammed by buying something that doesn't end up fitting...or the buyer over charging me.... plus, since i live in canada, i don't know the additional taxes will end up costing when it's time to pick up the goods (i believe they're called tarrifs?)

anyway, i have a postup question:

I've noticed that some intakes claim that they'll only fit for Automatic transmission, what if i were to buy that product, but for a manual trany instead?