Dyno Run Complete

[ClapDaddy]

Took my 98 SL2 (Automatic) in today to have a new Dyno run, now that the Heads are installed. To see all three runs click here: <a href="http://www.iwaynet.net/~aclapsaddle/dyno/" target="_blank"><!--auto-->http://www.iwaynet.net/~aclapsaddle/dyno/</a><!--auto-->

Al

[Abe95SC2]

Way to go!! That is a very impressive HP figure.

[SpeedPlayer 97sl2]

Those are some *nice* numbers! I wish I had those mods on my car!

[SoCalSaturnsGuzzis]

Nice increase in power you achieved there. But this inquiring mind wants to know what was the cost (parts and labor) per hp to achieve those numbers?

On my Guzzi motorcycles, even minor hp gains are very expensive. In the motorcycle world, there's an old saying that "it's easier to make more power than it is to lose weight". Guess the equivalent in the car world would be "there's no replacement for displacement", or something like that!

Seems like you employed the tried and true hotrod tricks of intake, exhaust, and minor engine mods, and still have a very reliable car to drive every day. I'd still like to have an idea of what the cost per hp gained was. Just curious!

[Patrick_97SC2]

Very nice. I guess I need to get a head now to so I can keep up with ya lol. Is there more low or top end gain that you notice?

-Patrick
<a href="http://members.aol.com/~XtremeSaturn/index.html" target="_blank"><!--auto-->http://members.aol.com/~XtremeSaturn/index.html</a><!--auto-->

[2SL's&1SC]

This might be boring to the gearheads out there, but I would like to know how much your mpg changed.

[ClapDaddy]

Abe,

Thanks! One sort of bad side, is that I now have to use premium gas, but I knew this beforehand.

Al

[ClapDaddy]

SpeedPlayer 97sl2,

Thanks!

It has been a work in progress. The car will be 3 years old on "Three Kings Day". On my previous car 96 SL2, I also had the 21 hp package from SPS, but never had a base dyno run on it. So, I did not run it after the addition of the package. IMO, it would really not SHOW anything without the baseline.

Al

[ClapDaddy]

SoCalSaturnsGuzzis,

Good Question!

I will have to go back and check on things that I have bought from about 5 years ago. Some of the 21 hp package was moved from my former 96 SL2, shortly after I bought my 98 SL2 in January, 1998.

The labor costs will even be more tricky to figure out. I have used my skills in developing information products to barter some of the cost for the installation.

Will post what I can find on the prices, this weekend.

I do know if I had decided to do ALL this at the same time, I would not have been able to justify it.

An example of the appearance side, are the seat covers (used on the 99 Homecoming), they ran around $3,000 retail. Basically, I made my car (appearance) what "I" thought Saturn should have done, using the items that they included on it.

[ClapDaddy]

Patrick,

Thanks! You NEVEER want to try and keep up with me. I don't do things the way MOST people do. For instance, I NEVER changed the tires/wheels on my former modified Saturn (96 SL2), although I had SPS's Stage-one handling package. (:0

There is defintely a BIG seat in the pants feel from the line, but remember my car is an Automatic, so the difference probably is greater, as I can not control the shift points.

I have not had the kind of weather here to really check it our properly. Will be nice to have some clear, DRY (no salt residue) roads. Then I will be able to tell more what is happening.

I do feel more pull on the Freeway for passing. One thing, I wonder if my car SOUNDS as good as it did at the Dyno place. It REALLY has a strong sound to it.

When you decide to modify your heads, a couple of suggestions/comments:

- If possible, take your existing heads and have them modified.

- Ask if getting heads that were on another car, about the valve stems. If the heads come from a car that was a "oil burner" you could end up having "oil burning" issues from the get-go. One thing that a technical person from Saturn Corp. told me, is to run 1 quart of Marvels Mystery Oil to 3 quarts of regular dino oil. Then to check it at each gas fill-up for about 3,000 miles. IF ANY oil usage is noticed, fill it up.

After the 3,000 mark, then replace with Synthetic oil. It should solve the oil burning issue (unless it is a major burning problem).

- Also check to see how the place "shaves" the Heads. If they do it by hand or use a machine. It appears if done incorrectly, again could cause some leakage problems.

- The heads SHOULD come from the "right" year Saturn. In 1996, Saturn drilled a hole to allow oil to be sprayed on the timing chain. Also there is another hole that has to be plugged, if the heads come from an earlier year.

This is probably GENERAL knowledge, but I figured it may help when you get your heads. If you can ask the right questions, you should be able to eliminate fit problems.

I am going to watch my oil each fill-up and will psot what I see and observe.

Hope this helps!

Al

[ClapDaddy]

2SL's&1SC,

Good Question. When just the 21 hp package I used mid-range gas. On the Freeway, I still get between 34 and 37 mpg., as long as I don't go above 70 mph. It seems if I hit between 75 and 80, the mileage drops some but is still in the 30's.

In city drving, I have been as low as 20 mpg if heavy driving. BUT it averages around 23-24 mpg.

NOW the REAL test will be now with the Heads. I have ti use PREMIUM gas (was told about this beforehand). Will probably be a little while before I can report data that will be useful.

Al