Easy modifications to increase SL power?

[Global Cortex]

Hi, I'm pretty new here... as in I just joined. Yeah, so, what are some simple modifications I could make to my car to increase its power? Simple as in inexpensive, heh. Its a 1997 Saturn SL, standard of course. I'm not worried about top speed as much as acceleration. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks, -King Stu.

[sierrap615]

just to confirm, its a SL not a SL1 or SL2?

[Global Cortex]

Originally Posted by sierrap615

just to confirm, its a SL not a SL1 or SL2?

To the best of my knowledge, yes. Standard tire size is 175/70R14. I believe SL1's and SL2's come with 15's. Is there a better way to tell?

[sierrap615]

the SL1 has 14s too,but the SL and SL1 are the same basicly, same engine but a few less options. you can do the basic intake/exhaust, but for any real power, you'll need to swap to a DOHC head. but for cheap and simple, reduce wieght, get a intake off ebay. then maybe get a high-flow muffler or cat-back, and bore out the TB. after that its gets harder. most importent of all, be sure you change the oil when needed (don't go over 3000 miles, saturn uses oil very quickly) and keep it up to shape.

[BLU CIVIC]

55 shot n20

[Global Cortex]

Oh, thanks! Hm... I'm kind of new to this... 'bore out the tb'? How do I do that? Sorry, I don't really know anyone else who is into cars, heh. Also, how much would this DOHC cost?

[BLU CIVIC]

u can bore out the tb with a dremel or do it for a long time w/ sandpaper

[sierrap615]

yeah, use a dremel and make a taper inlet and outlet, don't touch the plate area or it will mess you your idle. lots a saturn owners have done it, if you look around i sure someone has a how to or pictures. it will increase power on the top end, but you will lose a little on the low end.

[Global Cortex]

Originally Posted by sierrap615

but you will lose a little on the low end.

Oh, heh. I'm actually a little more about the acceleration, so thanks for throwing that part in. -Stu.

[Lucas1]

if you want your car to be fast, then buy a fast car!..............saturns arent fast, and no matter what you do to it, espically a SOHC, it will not be fast. you are just wasting your time and money.

[Global Cortex]

I've got loyalty to my car, I'm not going to get a new one. I'll do what I can with it.

[sierrap615]

Originally Posted by Global Cortex

Oh, heh. I'm actually a little more about the acceleration, so thanks for throwing that part in. -Stu.

when i say low end, i mean up to about 2000 rpm. your 97's horsepower peaks at about 5000. it works best at WOT, so it sould help acceleration and highway cruising, but doesn't help for stop and go.

[Global Cortex]

Originally Posted by sierrap615

when i say low end, i mean up to about 2000 rpm. your 97's horsepower peaks at about 5000. it works best at WOT, so it sould help acceleration and highway cruising, but doesn't help for stop and go.

Oh, right, right. Hm.. and this is something I can do myself? I imagine It'd be pretty screwed if I messed up. Is it an accessible area? -Stu.

[sierrap615]

http://www.qksltwo.com/tb.html

[Global Cortex]

Great site. Damn I need more free time. Some day... thanks, -Stu.