Hey gang!
So how can I get some more power out of my 89SSE?
Not being greedy here, but my other car is a street/strip Camaro toy. Going from the Camaro to the Bonnie is a horrifying experience. The Bonnie isnt all that bad, but there has to be more here.
I've done all the basics (tune up, compression test, yadda yadda) and the engine/trans are in fine mechanical condition. I've removed the MAF screen & it helped a little. Been looking for any kind of performance exhaust/ignition/air intake and have found nothing at all. I can make a air induction, but what about the others? I'd really like to find a better exhaust since it will need one soon anyway.
Any leads?
Thanks!

How much power and how much do you want to spend ? The "C" 3800 is pretty much matched: Intake-heads-cam-exhaust to what it does (165 hp & essentially bulletproof).

Best answer: a series two supercharged engine. Low buck: open up the intake and that terrible rear exhaust manifold but then you are limited by the small throttle body (91 up "L" engine wil flow 40% more air), 1.5" exhaust ports, and cam that makes max torque at 2000 rpm.

Have been looking into adapting an air filter box from a late Alero but have not gotten very far yet.

Just a cone H&N air filter & cold air induction plus cleaning up the outlet hole in the rear exhaust manifold can be done for under $100.

See http://6007.us/exhaust.jpg for a shot of the inside of the rear manifold (threaded hole is for the O2 sensor).

Thanks padgett!
Holy cow, that exhaust pic tells a lot. I've been considering running a true dual exhaust on there (got a friend that can bend pipe for me, I just need to figure out what I need). Looks like its very possible, however the converter will not be included. We dont have emissions testing here in Michigan, so its not a huge deal. If I pull it off I'll toss some pics up here.

Will the larger throttle body from the 91-up bolt right up? I was cleaning out the carbon from the intake/throttle body & noticed it could be enlarged if I did run across a bigger t/b. Hmmm........

I'm not looking for a ton of power here, just some more get up & go! This whole car has been low buck, so I dont want to spend too much on it (if nessasary )

The best bet is a turbo or nos. depends on your need.

All require a rebuild in the end.

The next best thing is a swap of a series 2 but then you are still looking for real hp gain and that leads to more money spent on modified sc and gadgets, nos, or a added turbo.

I say go turbo start small as to keep your engine longer and add psi as you are ready for a rebuild. Then build it for Nos and turbo and you will have a fast car.

For instant "power gain" go with ceramic coating your stock manifolds with a port and polish while you are in there. I would personally port and polish upper intake manifold as well as open up the intake with a K&N cone. Keep your exhaust somewhat stock. I would stay away from big exhaust pipes but a high flow cat will help a bit. There is a chip that can have your car pushing more fuel and taking more air. This will give you a few more ponies with the least headache or cost.

Ty