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first mod?

Old Jun 15, 2003 | 11:05 PM
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ok im broke right now but when i get some money i want to use it on a performance mod for my bonne what do u guys think a good first mod would be? the t-stat? or something else? i havent really done anything to the engine so im open to anything thanks
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Old Jun 15, 2003 | 11:12 PM
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also btw what exactly does the 180 t-stat do?
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Old Jun 16, 2003 | 12:19 AM
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Good-ole Doc J pulles through for us:
Are you sure they're transmission lines and not oil? The setup on my '93 SSEI is coolant and oil are cooled in the radiator and the transmission has its own cooler. This won't matter anyway because the thermostat only controls when the COOLANT (only used on the engine) is let back into or out of the block. This whole thing is a cycle. Your coolant starts at your radiator and at a certain temp your t-stat opens up and lets that coolant in. In the meanwhile you have coolant that was in the block warming up to that temperature. As the t-stat opens cold coolant from the radiator comes out and the hot stuff goes in. Now that the block has cool fluid the t-stat closes again and the cycle repeats. Now if you don't give that coolant in the radiator enough time to cool down below the t-stats temperature your t-stat will just stay open and it will flow in a loop slowly warming itself up until your fans kick in and cool the whole thing down. Thats why your car still runs at normal temps when you sit still and runs cool when your moving. Your radiator doesn't cool it unless there is air blowing across it. No air and it gets hot and holds the t-stat open and now you've got a cycle that would overheat your car if not for your fans. Hope that clears a few things up
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Old Jun 16, 2003 | 02:21 AM
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Yeah I'd say the t-stat is a good first mod, and EASY to do. After that the most popular would be some kind of intake, which will range in price depending on how creative you are. Taylor plug wires are usually $50 and are also easy to change and help performance. NGK-V plugs, or ACDelco performance plugs, MSD coils...seem to be common pimary mods that aren't difficult to do.
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Old Jun 16, 2003 | 02:24 AM
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Okay you have a 94 SSE too. A second tranny cooler for extra protection is a good one too. You already have one. http://www.grandprixstore.com has one for around $40.
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Old Jun 16, 2003 | 11:56 AM
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I would definatly say a ram air hose running from your bumper to your air box. THis is a great first mod especialy if you dont have the money for a cold air intake... Also you could try taking your MAF screen out, this works for some people but not as well for others I would try this and see how you like it.
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Old Jun 16, 2003 | 01:02 PM
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so basically the t-stat makes the engine cooler with the coolant right? because it lets it in sooner
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Old Jun 16, 2003 | 04:29 PM
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The t-stat will keep it cooloer as long as you're driving so air is flowing through. It should be at 180 then. But if you are at light after light, especially in hot weather, it will go above 200 still.
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Old Jun 16, 2003 | 08:00 PM
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Since you already have a K&N filter, my suggestion would be to gut your stock airbox. Install a Drilled 180 degree Thermostat. Then some plugs and wires. I would leave the ignition coils the way they are, aftermarket ones aren't any better than stock. I wouldn't install a tranny cooler if it were me, and I have said why in other posts, but some people like to install them and just say it is extra "insurance" for them, and thats good too.
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Old Jun 18, 2003 | 09:10 PM
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thanks for ur help guys ....could i get some more info on how to gut the airbox and install the 180 t-stat?
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