RE: Wheels & Upgrades

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

First off make sure your engine is running to spec.  50% of the 4kq's I have 
seen are not running properly.  95% of the ones I have seen do not have a 
working full throttle switch so start there.  This increases the mixture at 
full throttle so you can make a big gain there.  Also does the car run well 
when started cold?  If not you need to figure out why and fix it so you know 
where you are starting from.  NA motors are not good for major power increases 
but I will give you most of your options.

There is really not much you can do to the non turbo motor to make that much 
power.  A list of what can be done follows.

Exhoust.  1st thing to do.  2 1/2" will do just fine.  This adds ~10hp and 
much better throttle response.

Advance the timing ~10 degrees.  Makes more power up high with very little 
lost down low.  

Rework the airbox.  Some have drilled 1" holes in the side of it.  I am not a 
big fan of that because of drawing hot air.  I think slotting the bottom of 
the box and inner fender to get more air in box.  K&N is worthless in my 
opinion.

Get a black box from AVS that increases the fuel at full throttle.  These are 
less than $300 but will get you between 10-15 hp.  I do not like doing 
business with AVS but as far as I know they are the only ones who make this.

Cam.  Big HP gain but at a cost.  272 runs about $500.  The better 276 is more 
towards ?600.  These will give it about 150 hp but you are limited to about 
that.   150hp is pretty good for this chassis and will give you 0-60 in about 
6-7 seconds.   You do lose some low end and will get a lumpy idle.  For a 
cheap upgrade you can put a turbo cam in and it should give about 10-20 hp.  
Somebody on the list was going to test this but has not yet posted the 
results. 

Go hog wild and build a 2.5 liter engine.  Big money for ~175-200 hp.  But 
this is the high end so at that point you might as well have put in a MC turbo 
motor or even a 20v for 200 hp at the low end.

Do not waste your money on a "computer upgrade" as it will yield none if any 
for a lot of money.

Pat Martin
864000csq turbo, 2 1/2 cat back, H&R-Boge, MC and loving it.  Drilled rotors 
stopping it. Koenig Cobra 16x7 with AVS Intermediates turning it,  K&N and 
uh....
95 subaru legacy 
Bothell, Wa

Hi All,
I have an '86 4kcsq.  I'm looking to up the hp.
I read about many upgrades for the 5kt's but haven't found much for the
4k's.
Also does anyone know if the wheels from a 90 will fit my car?

Lajza =