Okguys, I have used the info found on this site and have really learned how to do somethings on my own. I have replaced my upper, fuel pump, altenator, radiator,done a tune up for the first time, replaced a fender and front bumper with help from this site. I have become a junkyard dog in the process. I have a 96 SE pretty much stock and my daily driver. I want to do some mods but nothing major. I have read almost every post and it seems that that a new intake/exhust system is very popular. But would that be the case for me? I really just want to get the things that will keep the car running well. Somewhere in the low to medium range of mods. I would like to do most of the work myself since I have access to plenty of tools.

CAI with the K&N RX-4750 [that is the model number, right?]. That will yeild the best performance IMO. Somewhere there is the whole thread [I belive 5-6 pages] worth of info on the "rice pipe" <- search for that, w/o quotes. After that, a new catalytic converter [muffer too, if you want deep, throaty sound] will also help with fuel economy/performance. Some MSD coils/8mm wires/NGK TR55 plugs, will definatly help on the ignition end. Also, grab some seafoam motor cleaning stuff.. its like $5 at Napa, or Advanced auto.. that stuff is AMAZING! Also, while you are at it, flush the cooling system, and put in a 180F thermostat.. cheap insurance for longer engine life. Pretty much everything else is a little deeper into the modding.


-justin

Thank for the reply, Guy. I will start to look at those options(I saw something about a cheap rice pipe at AutoZone). With those mods would an INTENSE PCM put me in the mildly modded range? I ask because from reading the post on 180 t-stats it seems that some say it dosen't have the benefits unless the pcm/fan is set to 180. Sometimes I read too many post and get confused. Anyway your help is greatly appreciated. I don't post often but when I do I get great results. This will dfenitely get me started in creating my to do list.

The 180 t-stat will be effective without the fan set to 180. With that, the intake and muffler, you will be in the lightly modded range.

If you want to be in the mildly modded range, I recommend 1.9:1 rockers with the PCM. Smellbird has a similar setup.

A PCM won't yeild better results without some internal work [porting heads, rockers, cam, etc..]. Bolt on stuff won't yeild the best results.


-justin

Thanks again. Now I know what to start checking into. I will stick with the lightly modded range and maybe dress it up a little inside and out. No need for me to get too extreme since I drive it so much.