Performance Enhancement

[sneufeldt]

I'm looking for some advice. I would like to improve the performance of my ‘94 4DR 4WD XLT. I am no do it yourself expert, but have started to do some of the basics myself. Can anyone recommend a few good first steps that are reasonably priced?

 

[Stephen S]

First off, I'd like to welcome you to the boards. You'll find everything you'll want to know right here. Welcome Aboard!!!

Now onto your question: There are quite a few things that you can do to improve performance. The most common things you'll find around here to start off with are things like upgraded intake and exhaust. I opted for a K&N drop in filtercharger. But you may want to look into the K&N FIPK or the KKM True Rev intake kits. They replace your entire intake plenum and filter element for improved air flow.

On the other side, upgrading the exhaust will help with performance plus give you some better sound. You might look into a Flowmaster, or if your a little richer, a Borla cat back system. Both are popular here.

Finally, I notice that you have a 94. Have you ever thought of cleaning your Mass Airflow Sensor (MAS) to regain some of the performance it had when it was new?? I cleaned mine when I added the K&N air filter and man was there a difference. You can try a search for any of the things I've mentioned above and find much information on them. I hope this helps out a bit.

 

[espnfreak]

Get a High Performance Air Filter (K&N) and then go for a Borla Exhaust. They are more than flowmaster and provide a lot of benefits. they increase the mpg by about 2-3. They add major horsepower. they are made of stainless steel and keep their finish and they are also warrantied for 1,000,000 miles! They are about 330 from truckperformance.com a great buy! Get a SuperChip also those will add about 16hp to your truck and they are a rather simple mod. Some chips like superchip require premium fuel. The jet chip which is a lot cheaper can be ran on 87 octane.

 

[sneufeldt]

Thanks for the quick response guys. One thing I've learned while trying to do more work myself is that you need a specific tool for everything. Will these jobs require many special tools?

 

[aldive]

My recommendations are similar to my colleges. Yet somewhat different.

First and foremost start off with a complete fluid change ( engine, tranny and rear end ); use a full synthetic product. Next do a complete tune up and replace the plugs with Bosch + 4 and new HP wires ( 8mm ).

Now you can add some goodies. I would start with the intake side. I recommend the KKM Tru Rev system for under a hundred bucks.

Next step is to do a cat back exhayst system replacement. Many recommend the Borla system, but I have found equal results with a custom made system at your local exhaust shop ( and for 2/3 less the price ).

This should get you thinking….

Good luck in your quest.

 

[Stephen S]

No special tools required. If you've got some basic sets of metric and standard wrenchs and socket sets, and a little mechanical ability you can handle the basic mods discussed above. Have fun!!

 

[Diablo3305]

Does anyone happen to know if having the KKM intake will create problems with inspection in NY or NJ? I don't know how strict they are about that stufff..

 

[aldive]

I don't know how the inspection would go, but it is simple enough to remove the KKM and replace with the stock air box/filter at inspection time.

Good luck....

 

[jsdean]

A LOT of states don't allow open element air intakes, keep in mind it generally depends on the year of the car. it's not that tough to just pull the k&N or KKM and stick in the factory airbox for the inspection, just make sure and save one of the paper elements to stick in it. I have a borla, it's really nice. Also, removing the old exhaust is a PITA I recomend liquid wrench. and if you don't have an impact wrench (like me) try using your legs on the ratchet to get the exhaust bolts off, that's what I did (on accident I was pissed and crawling out from under the truck, left the wrench on and said hmmm....) putting the new one on was about a 10min job.

 

[Robert]

All states allow an open air filter element as long as it has a California Air Resources Board (CARB) sticker. That is the reason the KKM is so much less than the K&N. K&N spent the money to have theirs certified, KKM didn't. Functionally, they are probably no different (haven't seen a KKM in person). Any performance equipment that has a CARB exemption sticker is legal for use everywhere in the country. Without the sticker, then depending on the item may not be legal to use on any highway. I'm not sure if the KKM includes a warning something to the affect of "for off-highway use only" similar to the fine print on all of the headlight/tailight blackouts. I wouldn't be surprised if the KKM did though. Of course KKM could always pay CARB to certify it, but then the price would probably double. If it costs anything like getting CE Mark approval, then it isn't cheap. Our company had to have some things approved for sale over in Europe.

 

[espnfreak]

yeah i was thinking about getting the kkm but decided to keep my K&N and stock air box in. most of the tools you'll need to put on an exhaust are simple. a few wrenches and such. To put my borla we had to use wd-40 to loosen old bolts and unbolt them and the hardest part was trying to get the holders off. the 96 has 4 holders which was a pain in the butt. travis who has a 1995 which has 3 holders who already had installed a borla helped me. it was a pain in the butt because i had to take off the spare, take off 2 tires and a shock. but it was well worth it!

 

[sneufeldt]

Well, the KKM is in the mail, and my wife is ticked that I found this site. I have put on the full court press for a Flow Master. Thanks for all the advise, and soon I hope to be able to contribute to the KKM vs. K&M debate.