1997 GA SE, 2.4 TwinCam questions!!!

[82-T/A]

Hey guys,

I've got a few questions. The first is, this has been my daily driver for quite a while. It has 114k miles, but runs like it was brand new. I've owned it since 38k miles.

I've only used synthetic, and I think this engine has a lot more miles left in it.

I'd like to improve the horsepower of this motor, as well as the fuel economy.

I'm thinking, intake, exhaust.

I'm more used to working with pushrod motors, and one of the modifications that I normally would do would be to replace the rocker arms with roller rockers of a higher ratio.

I don't want to replace the cams in the motor, but I wouldn't mind slightly higher lift / duration. Would replacement "cam-followers" do the job?

In the mean time, what would you recommend as far as improvements in the exhaust, headers, or intake?

I'm hoping this stuff isn't TOO expensive. After all, I can get a new intake for a sbc for $104 bucks.. is that the same for the TwinCam?


Also, what would you guess that the quarter mile is for an otherwise completely stock 2.4 twin cam grandam from 1997, base model, very little weight.

I'm thinking low 16s? Is this true? I've noticed that this car is actually much quicker than I originally thought it was. There aren't a lot of cars that can beat me (seriously). I'm not ignorant to what real performance times are, I've owned several TransAms, Fieros, an RX-7, Mustangs, etc. If I had to guess, I'd really say that this GrandAm feels like it's running about a flat 16. Tell me I'm wrong, and why.


Also, last question (I swear). I hear a grinding noise when I accelerate hard, or make a turn with my foot on the gas. I'm inclined to believe it's my CV joints. Where is the best place to get replacement axle-shafts, and now much of a pain in the ass is it to replace?

Do I have to remove the wheel knuckles to get them out?


Thanks!!!

[82-T/A]

Also, I just wanted to add that I don't want to change the appearance of my car. So, I'd like to keep my factory exhaust pipe. But if they sell maybe a muffler, or a free-flow catalytic converter that would improve flow, that would be cool.

Also, I wanted to ask if anyone has installed a cold-air intake in this set-up of a GrandAm. I noticed that in HPP this month, they said that they gained 20hp from a cold-air intake, and a new exhaust system. Of course, that was on the 3.4. But the same principles apply. If I can get 5 horsepower out of a cold-air intake, and free-er flowing exhaust and an increase of 2-3 miles to the gallon, that would be badass.


Thanks,

[SpyhunteR]

hmmm good things to do to this car...

simple things to do..

59mm throttle body from RSM *they modify a stock one from 52/53mm to 59mm*
RSM or AEM or Induction Dynamics intake
2.5inch exhausts the twin cam tends to like quite a bit... there's nothing bolt on exhaust wise for that model year however.
for the top end bits... you can swap out cams from a 1995 model year 2.3L quad 4. which would make the car a bit peppier in the mid to top end...
also a crank pulley from Unorthodox Racing makes things slightly better and frees a small amount of pony.


but that's all pretty basic from what I know that can be done bolt on wise..