Was wondering what would be the cheapest ways to increase performance? I have a 1987 Maxima. I was looking around and saw that people were doing the cone air filter mod so I decided that I would try that, but what are some more ways to increase hp without huge mods like a new engine/turbo/super/etc?
Thanks.

zellix

 

You can get some noticeable gains from adding a new performance exhaust and free flowing catalytic converter. Even a drop in K&N air filter will make a little difference. I also had my throttle body ported and polished pretty cheaply (my mechanic did it for $100 b/c he loves my Maxi as much as I do) and that has helped a little. I haven't replaced the exhaust yet b/c mine is still in good shape but the K&N and the TB have made quite a noticeable difference and only cost me a total of $160. I can't wait to get a flowmaster put on b/c then I should see some nice gains.

A basic rule to follow (what my mechanic told me): the 2 things you want to do to an engine are get air in as fast as possible and get the exhaust out as fast as possible. Those are the easiest ways to get power from an engine besides doing some major work to it.

 

Do our cars this old have any known performance chips? I was planning to use a K&N cone filter for my mod, which should be 2 gains in one, since ill have the air intake away from my engine heat, and K&N's are known for better performance. Also, what about our stock Mufflers? Are they effecient or are there much better ones out there that arent too too pricey?

 

The CAI will only net about 5 HP, on average, and this will be in the upper band...

As for exhaust, the best bet truely would be a custom bent setup, using a good quality muffler - and avoid the typical fart cans everyone is using now...no better flow, and a ton more noise - and besides, who'd want a Max to sound like some ricerboy's Honduh? This still won't provide much more performance...maybe just enough to feel in the seat of your pants...nothing more...

Performance chips do not exist. However, there are companies that claim they will reprogram your ECU...starting at about $400, and going up...