eta lack of power depression

[mikejungle]

i've got an '85 eta and for a while i was contemplating an engine swap, but being in school just gives me NO time at all to work to get enough money for the swap and also no time to work on it once i do get enough money.

It's already been lowered on something and although the camber hasn't been adjusted (it's in the negative), i'm fine with that. Need to replace the shocks and struts. Already got brand new control arms, powerflex CABs, and tie rod ends, but what can i upgrade in terms of suspension to make the car stick to the road like gum in hair?

I'm contemplating the MarkD chip once I get a valve adjustment, but what else can I do to do improve performance a little bit? LSD? what kind?

I don't need the car to be a rocket ship, but it would be nice for it to not lose out to civics 'n stuff :T And as i've mentioned, i want it to handle better too...suggestions please?

[apexede30]

Nitrous oxide.

[Ray McCooney]

Drive downhill more.

[Eviltwin]

i've got an '85 eta and for a while i was contemplating an engine swap, but being in school just gives me NO time at all to work to get enough money for the swap and also no time to work on it once i do get enough money.

It's already been lowered on something and although the camber hasn't been adjusted (it's in the negative), i'm fine with that. Need to replace the shocks and struts. Already got brand new control arms, powerflex CABs, and tie rod ends, but what can i upgrade in terms of suspension to make the car stick to the road like gum in hair?

I'm contemplating the MarkD chip once I get a valve adjustment, but what else can I do to do improve performance a little bit? LSD? what kind?

I don't need the car to be a rocket ship, but it would be nice for it to not lose out to civics 'n stuff :T And as i've mentioned, i want it to handle better too...suggestions please?

the age old question remains...how much you want to spend..

basics to cover-
chip it.
don't run anything less than 91 octane tho...it'l have some sweet torque, and pull right up to about 4K, whereas it ran out of breath aroun 3K prior to chipping.
I had my 85 ETA chipped for about 1yr prior to swapping.
And of course getting a proper exhaust system helps...ensure you're properly tuned (plugs/wires) etcetc...Valve adjustment will free up some fun.
Keep in mind tho, that these ETA engine are naturally a little clackety.

handling wise? a set of GOOD springs/shocks aka lithuwanian amortizors (jk) obviously will help it stick to the road- remember it's only as tight to the parts it's attached to- if you have the patience/know how, replaced your subframe bushings, as they're probably rotted/soft..front/rear strutbars stiffen the chassis up too.


good luck!

[AndrewBird]

An exhaust system is a waste of time unless you have a highly modified engine. You will see no gains other then noise.

Plug and wire upgrade you won't see much either, HOWEVER, replacing old worn out components with new stock items will show an improvement.

A MarkD chip is going to be the best bang for your buck. It's a great chip that really brings the eta alive (somewhat at least lol). Be careful not to pick up a knock off one as they have been around recently. My suggestion is to spend the little extra and get a new one straight from MarkD.

[Eviltwin]

An exhaust system is a waste of time unless you have a highly modified engine. You will see no gains other then noise.

Plug and wire upgrade you won't see much either, HOWEVER, replacing old worn out components with new stock items will show an improvement.

A MarkD chip is going to be the best bang for your buck. It's a great chip that really brings the eta alive (somewhat at least lol). Be careful not to pick up a knock off one as they have been around recently. My suggestion is to spend the little extra and get a new one straight from MarkD.

I recomended exhaust as, if he's still running a 23 year old exhaust,it could be time for upgrading.
Agreed- won't see any gains, if unless your ass dyno says so.

Plugs and wires etc etc....otherwise known as "stage zero" mods...make sure it's running A+ prior to doing aything performance oriented.

[AndrewBird]

Unless there is a rust hole in his exhaust system, he doesn't need to replace it. It's a waste of money. An exhaust system is not a normal wear part.

[e30pwr]

To make myself feel better about my eta I just prey on slushbox econoboxes. But MarkD it for some fun and thats about the extent of it really.

[mikejungle]

there were holes in the exhaust...in the flex joint from one of the exhaust manifolds, and in the resonator. i got a new flex joint and replaced the resonator and just got a straight pipe welded in...but it's not as rumbly as before. however, it doesn't really backfire like before. it was never anything severe, but it was noticeable.
I have a momocorse exhaust. came with the car. The single pipe runs into the muffler and a dual pipe runs out.

yeah...the control arm bushings, the arms, tie rod ends, patching up the exhaust, shifter linkage replacement, leaky radiator and oil pan replacement, and clutch replacement were all part of the stage 0 mods. anything else you can think of that might need replacing? I replaced the spark plugs too with regular autolites or something...there were platinums in there but i hear it's not optimal for the m20?

keep the suggestions rolling. please! thanks.

-EDIT-
LSD suggestions for the eta?
thanks