RE: 4000 CSQ performance upgrade?

["PAT MARTIN" <MARDKINS@msn.com>]

1st thing to do is make sure it is running properly.  Check all vacuum hoses 
and connections give it a good tune up.  Make sure the hoses around the 
manifold are in tact (common failure area).  Verify the ignition wires are in 
good shape.  Make sure your wide open throttle switch is operating.  Check 
continuity when activated.  This is a very common failure area.  At the last 
track event I attended 4 out of 5 cars switches were not working. Change the 
air filter.  You may want to change it to a K&N but don't expect much (if 
any)of a performance gain.  The main reason I did it was because of the 
maintanance aspect.  Changing the air filter is not an easy task so chances 
are yours is VERY dirty.  Check the archives on how this is done.  Check all 
the fuel filters and have a mechanic do a fuel injection check on it.  
 2nd thing you can do is advance the timing.  This will give you a lot more 
pep I the upper rpm range for very little loss at the lower end.  
Next the exhaust is a good cheap way to get 10-15 hp.  Go 2 1/2-3" cat back 
and you will immediately notice a difference.  I went custom but you can also 
buy the incredibly expensive scorpion system.  My custom system cost less than 
300 and sounds and looks great.  For specifics let me know. 
 There also is a fuel enrichment box sold by AVS here in Washington that 
claims to add about 10-15hp for <300.  This might be a good investment for the 
long haul. 

The next step is a cam.  The cheapest way to go is to use a cam off of a 10v 
turbo.  You should be able to get one from a wrecking yard for less than $100 
and this will give you some real gains like 15-20hp.  For a lot more money you 
can get a Schrick 276 that will give you a lumpy idle but much more power.  
But for $600 it better.

As far as getting real power it takes a lot of work.  With all the above mods 
you may get 150hp but for 150+ you get into some serious work like turbo 
transplants or stroker kits.  I am presently doing the turbo conversion but 
others have done stroker kits and been very happy with them.  You do get more 
hp going the turbo route but expect to spend at least 2500 to do this and a 
lot of labor.  The stroker will cost the same or more but gives you a little 
better drivability.

The suspension is also a great way to improve performance but that's another 
story and I have wasted enough space.

> Pat Martin
> 864000csq  2 1/2 cat back, H&R-Boge,advanced and loving it.  Drilled and
> stopping it.  Koenig Cobra 16x7 with AVS Intermediates, K&N. Turbo coming
> soon.
> 95 subaru legacy
> Bothell, Wa.
  


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From:  owner-quattro@coimbra.ans.net on behalf of Michael D. Nelson
Sent:  Wednesday, April 30, 1997 1:11 PM
To:  quattro@coimbra.ans.net
Subject:  4000 CSQ performance upgrade?

hi...I recently became the proud owner of an '86 4000 CSQ.  Although I love 
the car, it could use a bit more power.  Does anyone have any low cost ideas 
to up the HP a bit?
thanks, 

Mike Nelson

Past:
'83 4000 4E
Present:
'86 4000 CSQ