By eliminating the restrictive factory air box, the chromed Powerstack intake and K&N; cone-type filter allow a higher volume of cooler air to enter the throttle body. The result is an increase in power and throttle response along with a wicked growl.

SPS

Spark plugs are a key part of the system. If your plugs cannot reliably ignite the fuel/air mixture, then you will not realize your full power potential. I have Bosch Platinum +4's in my SC2 and have experienced a slight increase in gas mileage.

(pictured Bosch Platinum +4)

Plug wires are an important link in the ignition system. The lower the resistance the better.

(pictured are Vitek Braided wires)

Sierra Performance

The greater capacity of the performance throttle body pumps more air into the engine, allowing it to take full advantage of the Powerstack, and other modifications. SPS claims to have dyno tested this product for a 14hp gain.

SPS

The Extrude Hone process polishes the surface of the inside of the intake. It also slightly widens the ports. Users have reported a slight power drop at low RPM's, but have gained power higher up on the Tach. Larger intake runners are good for more power on the upper end of the RPM range. Narrower, longer runners, place the power lower in the RPM range.

SPS

More air, means you need more fuel. Your stock fuel system may not be up to the challenge. Raising the fuel pressure helps your computer keep up with aftermarket intakes, and throttle bodies. This one from Stillen runs about $199.

Stillen

A ported and polished cylinder head improves the flow in and out of the combustion chamber. Shaving the head or decking the block increases the compression ratio. Higher compression ratio yields more power, however, it also increases chance of detonation.

SPS

In order for your engine to pull in air and fuel quicker, you have to get rid of all the exhaust gasses. A good set of headers can arrange the exhaust pulses from each cylinder in such a way that they help pull the exhaust out, and the fuel/air mixture in. This is called scavenging. The Hot Shot headers are shown at left. I have heard that the Hot Shots have a problem with cracking, and that they bang on the frame crossmember. I have also heard from numerous sources, that the Twin Cam 92-93 stock exhaust manifold yields approximately the same power.

Sierra Performance

#5122  Dry Manifold System for 1.5L - 2.3L Fuel Injection. $565.53

Nitrous Oxide is one of the most cost effective ways to make power. When used intelligently your engine will endure fine. If you get overzealous you may end up with a hole in your cylinder. Up to 50hp can be gained when using the stock computer. The system should be configured engage during wide open throttle. There are Dry Manifold, and Wet Manifold kits. Dry manifold injects nitrous only into the manifold. The stock fuel system must be able to support the nitrous shot, Otherwise the mixture will be too lean, and you will burn up your motor. Wet manifold kits inject fuel into the manifold with the nitrous. These kits are normally capable of more horsepower.

Nitrous Oxide Systems

Forged pistons are much more durable than cast, and are recommended when running Nitrous or Forced Induction.

SPS

High horsepower engines may put out too much torque for your stock clutch to handle. The Centerforce clutches provide more holding power without considerably more petal pressure. They make two levels for the Saturn. The Centerforce I and the Dual Friction. Centerforce I is an improvement over the stock clutch. The Dual Friction is for high horsepower applications such as Nitrous or Turbo.

SPS

A lightened flywheel decreases rotating mass. Less rotating mass allows you to accelerate faster.

SPS