Originally Posted by
bluegtp91
Not really, this is where the discrepancies lie.
Can you run a 3.4" with plugs/t-stat/canned PCM/downpipe? Sure.
Can ALL cars? Not in any reality.
Most of these cars are getting older...and can't handle what they could off the showroom floor 10+ years ago.
Infact, many people here still get knock with headers and a 3.4"...and a CUSTOM wideband tune...
Which is why I say...valvetrain mods are key...and a tune > pulley envy; I'd run a stock pulley with headers and a leaner AFR + higher timing and running a piggy AFR and stock timing or less with a 3.4".
That's the main reason behind my Safely Modding thread. It points people in the SAFE direction, not like all the vendors that just say (Let's take ZZP for example)..."BUY OUR STAGE 1 OR 2 OR 3 PACKAGES AND GO SUPER FAST WITHOUT SCANNING THE CAR".
First things first should be maintenence.
Second, a way to scan the car...ALA tuner...or aeroforce.
Third, address the exhaust issues...you want to get rid of: AT THE LEAST the crappy front manifold, downpipe, and the u-bend...which can be easily done with a cheap set of headers...which are about, if not less than the price of a downpipe now days.
Fourth, then think about a pulley system...like an MPS...try a 3.6", then a 3.4"...then if that works for you...then re-tune for it...buy a wideband...make it spot on...
Tossing crap on a car and hoping for the best isn't the best route to go about it.