Increase 'oomph' in a 98 Saturn

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Less weight in the car may help improve mileage and acceleration. Rip out the back seats of your car and lose that gut.

I think I will pass on that idea, I usually drive when my friends and I go on long trips since i get the best range and my car has the most seating.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Your other problems aside, there's nothing cheap and easy you can do to increase power. The exhaust wrap and air filter will do great....if you want like 1 more horsepower. They will make zero noticeable difference. Same with throttle body spacers and the like.
I don't know of anyone making chips or reprogramming the computers on Saturns, but that's really the only non-invasive thing you can do to actually FEEL an increase...and doing something like that, if it's possible on your car, would make you HAVE to use premium gas. Just not worth it.

 

[nakedfrog]

The coolant leak could be coming from a leak somewhere around the expansion tank. That's what I'd check, based on your description. Go on a decent drive (20-30 miles, maybe more), park it, and stay by it and keep an eye out for the puddle. Pop the hood and look to see where it's coming from.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Your other problems aside, there's nothing cheap and easy you can do to increase power. The exhaust wrap and air filter will do great....if you want like 1 more horsepower. They will make zero noticeable difference. Same with throttle body spacers and the like.
I don't know of anyone making chips or reprogramming the computers on Saturns, but that's really the only non-invasive thing you can do to actually FEEL an increase...and doing something like that, if it's possible on your car, would make you HAVE to use premium gas. Just not worth it.

So you are saying that there isnt too much that i can do get get more zip out of my car. Well, I figured as much, just thought I would ask around since I don't know too much about the inner-workings of cars, computers are more my game.

Well then, I guess I'll just work on all the things that you guys have suggested for the other issues with the car.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: TheStu

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Your other problems aside, there's nothing cheap and easy you can do to increase power. The exhaust wrap and air filter will do great....if you want like 1 more horsepower. They will make zero noticeable difference. Same with throttle body spacers and the like.
I don't know of anyone making chips or reprogramming the computers on Saturns, but that's really the only non-invasive thing you can do to actually FEEL an increase...and doing something like that, if it's possible on your car, would make you HAVE to use premium gas. Just not worth it.

So you are saying that there isnt too much that i can do get get more zip out of my car. Well, I figured as much, just thought I would ask around since I don't know too much about the inner-workings of cars, computers are more my game.

Well then, I guess I'll just work on all the things that you guys have suggested for the other issues with the car.

Yeah, thats pretty much it. Forget about that exhaust wrap nonsense, I've never even heard of such a thing before today.

You might gain 5hp at best with a cold air intake at full throttle, but you'll lose at least that much on the low end just driving around town, so I'd hardly say its worth it.

 

[Arkaign]

Best way to make the '98 Saturn SC2 go faster :

Sell it, buy a V6 something-or-other w/manual tranny

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: TheStu
Well then, I guess I'll just work on all the things that you guys have suggested for the other issues with the car.

That's pretty much always the best option for any car. If you can get the engine back in shape, it's going to be the cheapest way to regain power and efficiency.

ZV

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Best way to make the '98 Saturn SC2 go faster :

Sell it, buy a V6 something-or-other w/manual tranny

I already have a manual transmission, and a 4cylinder can go plenty fast once you strap a turbo to it. Just look at the Audi TT or Saturn Sky (that is nice roadster, tiny little mirrors, but a nice car to drive)

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: TheStu
So you are saying that there isnt too much that i can do get get more zip out of my car.

Pretty much.

Ever hear of "polishing a turd"? That's what you'd be doing, trying to increase power.

 

[The Stigenator]

the 98 and 99 Saturn models have a really bad gearing.. its not the engine, its the damn gearing on teh manual.

There is nothign you can do execpt put a new final drive and new gear box.

Dads got a 99SW2, trust me, its gearing is horrid.. ugh!

smooth as butter as an engine, but the gearbox has much to be desired. Its gearing ratios are too tall.. and the throw is too long.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: TheGoodGuy
the 98 and 99 Saturn models have a really bad gearing.. its not the engine, its the damn gearing on teh manual.

There is nothign you can do execpt put a new final drive and new gear box.

Dads got a 99SW2, trust me, its gearing is horrid.. ugh!

smooth as butter as an engine, but the gearbox has much to be desired. Its gearing ratios are too tall.. and the throw is too long.

Tall gearing is better for mileage, and as for the long throw, it's a Saturn station wagon, not a sportscar. Horses for courses my friend.

ZV