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Mr 5 0 · 05-03-2002, 01:08 PM

First, remove the air silencer if it's still in place. Advance your initial timing to about 14 degrees (use 92 octane gas). Perform a total tune up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, gas filter, PCV) Total cost: about $80. - $100. Install a K&N air filter if possible (about $45.), and if not, at least replace the paper filter and do so every 5,000 miles or so.

3.73 gears are expensive ($400. is about right - including installation) but a 'must-have' to see 13's without big engine mods.
You may need to replace the Traction-Lok discs, too. Depends on how the car you ultimately buy was used and what the mileage is.

No need for a whole exhaust system right away, as they are expensive. Just remove the catalytic converters (install an H-pipe- about $100.), where all the real exhaust restriction is. That'll free up some HP. Add some pulleys (another $100.) and learn how to drive it (launch without going up in smoke, mainly) and you've almost got it for about $700. dollars or so over the initial cost of the car.

Not unattainable if you have a full-time summer job or even a part-time job in the fall that pays anything above minimum wage. 'Speed cost money' and that's a fact of automotive life we all have to learn and live with.

Headers and other mods will continue to help lower the et, of course but this should have you well down in the 14's and possible 13's if you really learn how to drive it right, which takes time.

Good luck.

05-03-2002, 01:08 PM	#4
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Hello 13's! First, remove the air silencer if it's still in place. Advance your initial timing to about 14 degrees (use 92 octane gas). Perform a total tune up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, gas filter, PCV) Total cost: about $80. - $100. Install a K&N air filter if possible (about $45.), and if not, at least replace the paper filter and do so every 5,000 miles or so. 3.73 gears are expensive ($400. is about right - including installation) but a 'must-have' to see 13's without big engine mods. You may need to replace the Traction-Lok discs, too. Depends on how the car you ultimately buy was used and what the mileage is. No need for a whole exhaust system right away, as they are expensive. Just remove the catalytic converters (install an H-pipe- about $100.), where all the real exhaust restriction is. That'll free up some HP. Add some pulleys (another $100.) and learn how to drive it (launch without going up in smoke, mainly) and you've almost got it for about $700. dollars or so over the initial cost of the car. Not unattainable if you have a full-time summer job or even a part-time job in the fall that pays anything above minimum wage. 'Speed cost money' and that's a fact of automotive life we all have to learn and live with. Headers and other mods will continue to help lower the et, of course but this should have you well down in the 14's and possible 13's if you really learn how to drive it right, which takes time. Good luck.