Performance Modifications and maintenance questions:

Cold Air Intake (CAI):
What it does:
Replaces stock air box allowing for a less restrictive intake that also sucks in colder air.
Typical gains: 5-7hp on a stock vehicle

Which one is best?:
It is generally agreed that all of popular cold air intakes (K&N, Moroso, SLP) produce almost equal gains. The difference is almost negligible.

Substitutes/Options:
Ram Air
Make you own
Links to making your own http://projecttransam.com/projectdis...y&Value=Intake


Headers:
Links:
Installation:
http://members.aol.com/InjuneerZZ/Tech.htm
Headers Survey:
http://www.rit.edu/~jar5968/headers/headers_main.html

What is does:
Replace factory exhaust manifolds with tubular ports to allow easier exhaust flow.

Typical gains: 10-30hp

Shorty headers: 7-10hp
Mid length headers: 15-20hp
Long tube headers: 25-30hp

Which one is best?
It is also generally agreed that long tubes produce more power than shorty or midlength headers. The header chosen will have significant effects on your vehicles ability to pass emissions. Longer tubes also generally create more noise “Best” is relative to your needs.


Catback:

What it does:
Replace factory exhaust after the catalytic converter with a freer flowing muffler and larger intermediate pipe.

Typical gains: 7-10hp


Which one is best?
Performance wise- again almost all exhaust will perform equally as well. SLP’s Loudmouth exhaust may provide a less restrictive exhaust at the expense of sound muffling.

Substitutes/Alternatives:
True dual exhaust
Cut out


Spark Plug:
What it does: Provide a spark to ignite fuel in the cylinders

Typical gains: N/A Your car won’t run without them. No power gains in switching brands

Which one is best?
For Naturally aspirated engines
A platinum spark plug usually lasts the longest but costs more. AC Delco plugs seem to be trouble free but cost the most. Bosch spark plugs work well for some but not for others.

Vehicles with forced induction (turbo, nitrous, supercharger)
A platinum spark plug is a big no no. A copper NGK spark plug seems to be a popular decision.

Spark Plug wires:
What it does: Relay electrical spark from distributor to spark plugs

Typical gains: N/A Your car won’t run without them. No power gains in switching brands

Which one is best?
Any 8 or 8.5mm spark plug is fine. With headers, an “over the top” (over the valve covers) kit it’s a good idea. It routes the wires over the valve covers to prevent the headers from melting and grounding out on the hot headers.