I own a 1990 NA, I was thinking of upgrading 3 components. 1) Hardpipes - I have read that these don't do very much in terms of performance (though they do look really slick) How much do these normally cost and are they hard to install? (also are they worth doing, as in would it have any "penalty" in performance if I leave them as they are?) 2) ECU - I have looked at a few brands out there. Is there any particular brand I should look out for or are they all the same? 3) Underdrive pulley - Erm... sorry for being a technical dumbo but what exactly would this do? I read some posts where they say it is lighter and all that, but does it do anything to increase power and all that? (according to the stage lists, this was one of the stages) Many thanks to anyone who can answer some of these questions. :zlove:
1) i think around $450. easy to install. wouldn't change performance in any measurable way. 2) most people around here go for the hitech. haven't got any personal experience with any to comment. 3) UD pulley is much lighter and smaller than stock. hence less energy is required to spin it up, and more energy is then at the tyres disposal. should get around a 10hp power increase on an NA.
few answers 1. hardpipes give no performance advantage, they are for looks only on an NA. For a TT they give extra security against the stock pipes splitting under high boost/big turbo aplications. prices vary, check out TTZ, UAS , group buy forum. 2. Upgraded ECU on an NA really gives little or no advantage over stock, although it does get rid of the speed limiter which can be handy. Forum member Trayns has had some good gains by advancing the timing and fitting an Apexi AFCR then doing some dyno tuning and adjusting the AF ratios to suit. Do a search on Trayns. 3. Underdrive pulleys are a great upgrade for a NA, they give extra power in two ways. Firstly they weigh alot less than the stock pulley, secondly they underdrive the alternator and water pump thereby taking less power away from the engine to spin those items. Generally worth about 15-20HP, there are some possible drawbacks though, again do a search.
Answers from an NA owner.... 1) Hardpipes are for looks only. See my profile for pics. They cost me approx $100 to buy. I bought them in the states as thats the only place I could find. The pipes do need to be modified (drivers side only), but everything is fine. I can help you with these as I have gone through the process. UAS also sell them, but they are a lot more expensive than buying from the states and the pipes still need to be modified. 2) Currently running a Hitec chip I can say that it DOES give a significant amount of gain in power, and have to disagree with those that says it doesnt. No where near as much as on a TT, but still good gains. Some will agree and some will disagree. It really comes down to the car, and bob can tweak the chip so you can get as much out as possible. Likewise, Trayns has had great results with advanced timing and the Apexi so the choice is yours. 3) Under drive pulleys are great and do give power, or free up power. But its the only mod I dont have on my car. Why??? Well do a search on the UD pulley debates and make up your own mind. Basically, there is potential risk to your engine which people will either swear to the death that it does or doesnt exist..
Hmm... so.... I can do a pass on the Hardpipes cos it does nothing. The ECU wouldnt do very much unless I have other stuff done as well. So basically the best thing I can do should be the underdrive pulley? Oh oh I read something about headers.... urm... what are these? :wacko:
well... Yes, hardpipes looks only Do you have exhaust and airfilter mods?? As for headers, they replace the stock exhaust manifold which are really crap. The stock ones are quite small restrictrive, wheras headers have larger openings and are designed so the exhaust gasses can exit quicker. Cheers
Many thanks Thanks Mark, I have to admit to being really dumb on the mechanical side of things, but I am learning, (thanks to the forum and the members) I have a pod filter which I know it isn't stock, then I have a straight through exhaust which is just legal (barely). All these came with the car as I bought it. (didn't do any mods by myself yet). Would it trouble you if I could meet up with you and see what I can do to my car and if there are any mods on the the car which I do not know about? Email me chaserone@hotmail.com Cheers Matt :zlove:
Not a problem..... Admittedly, this weekend I wont be home. Where do you live??? I live in hoppers crossing (out west), and I work at the Alfred Hospital (Prahran). Either of those 2 locations is fine. Let me know which one suits you best and what times are good for you. Cheers
Out in the east is where I am. Scoresby to be exact. Will see how it works out. My folks are here from overseas at the moment so I wouldnt be free till they have gone back. Email me your contacts and I will reply and email mine back to you. Will keep in touch and see how we can organise it. Many thanks. Matthew
Um... I have read somewhere that they are due to the fact that they can catch fire? However it is legal if it is put in a place away from the heat or engine or something (box it up?). I cant be sure cos I've read that some time back, but the whole idea is to put it in a place where it has less chance of catching fire to be legal. Correct me if I got it wrong anyone? P/S will pass you the painter's contact when I go home cos I dun have it with me at the moment....
Pod Filters I have been defected before for having a pod filter unboxed. The cop said if it was boxed...i would not have been defected. The defect was for fitting a less effective noise control item. (hmmm???) In NSW cost me $200
In Vic only oiled filters are illegal if you want to check on any other legallities there on the Vic Roads web site
