Best mods to get 150 hp for cheap

[acoolguy]

Hello, I am a new saturn owner, and the model I have chosen is a 1998 Saturn sc2 (dohc). What is a cheap mod that will get me to 150hp? Is there any body mods that would make it look like the SCx concept car?

Thanks,
acoolguy

[Pitcher]

Hey, welcome, and I have the same car with a 5-speed.

Do you have an automatic or a 5-speed?

First things first, get all the basics right.

- NGK Spark Plugs, even if your current ones have 10,000 miles or more on them.

- Plug Wires.

- 5w-30 Syn oil & quality Filter.

- PCV Valve

- NAPA Gold or other higher flow K&N Air Filter.

- A bottle of Redline SI-1, Amsoil PI, or Techron Concentrate in a tank of gas.

Also have quality Tires, Brakes & Suspension, mandatory for control & braking.

Then see how you like it. Maybe a shot of Nitrous if you like.

[fetchitfido]

Originally Posted by Pitcher

Hey, welcome, and I have the same car with a 5-speed.

Do you have an automatic or a 5-speed?

First things first, get all the basics right.

- NGK Spark Plugs, even if your current ones have 10,000 miles or more on them.

- Plug Wires.

- 5w-30 Syn oil & quality Filter.

- PCV Valve

- NAPA Gold or other higher flow K&N Air Filter.

- A bottle of Redline SI-1, Amsoil PI, or Techron Concentrate in a tank of gas.

Also have quality Tires, Brakes & Suspension, mandatory for control & braking.

Then see how you like it. Maybe a shot of Nitrous if you like.

Out of that entire list literally the only thing that'll give him more than stock HP you dismiss

[Pitcher]

Originally Posted by fetchitfido

Out of that entire list literally the only thing that'll give him more than stock HP you dismiss

Oh my... HA! You misunderstood. I KNOW those won't give him more than stock HP, LOL!!!!!

He should get it running right with normal maintenance items first, before he does anything else like Nitrous.

[ErikTande]

Originally Posted by fetchitfido

Out of that entire list literally the only thing that'll give him more than stock HP you dismiss

lol this


A shot of nitrous is the cheapest, easiest way to get there. In fact, it's probably the only thing under $1500 that will get you there.

[SC2Sick]

You're not going to hit 150 WHP w/o nitrous or forced induction on one of these unless you are willing to give up any daily driver comfort like ability to idle

[Pitcher]

Originally Posted by ErikTande

lol this


A shot of nitrous is the cheapest, easiest way to get there. In fact, it's probably the only thing under $1500 that will get you there.

Right, lol. Where on earth did I dismiss it? HA!

[acoolguy]

I have already done a used car checklist, and checked everything on the maintenance. This has the automatic. Is there any body mods that make in look nicer? And unfortunately, nitrous is not an option.

[fdryer]

The S-series cars were never designed for power. It's a daily driver with better than average fuel economy. Despite any hearsay in discussions, if you increase power from stock, you increase fuel consumption (more power = more fuel needed). Remember, you bought an economy car, not a ricer (that use more fuel). Trade offs. Extreme example; A Cadillac CTS-V using a Corvette 550hp supercharged engine requires 93 octane gas and gets 10-12 mpg. Even in daily driving mode. Want more power, buy a better car but expect trade offs. Anyone foolish enough to believe they can buy a 150hp car and have great fuel economy is lying. Who drives a 150 hp car in granny mode to get fuel economy when the power is there for stoplight racing or getting up to speed when entering highway on ramps? Use the power and and fuel economy dwindles. Don't use power and fuel economy may be achieved from EPA estimates.

[trottida]

Originally Posted by fdryer

Anyone foolish enough to believe they can buy a 150hp car and have great fuel economy is lying.

That's a blanket statement that I have to call out. The Ford Focus I picked up recently is rated at 160 HP and is tracking better mileage than my SL1 and SL2 at 31 MPG over 3K mi driven to date. My SL1 tracked at 29 MPG over 16K mi and my SL2 is tracking at 28 MPG over 21K mi. The Focus is EPA rated at 26 MPG city and 38 MPG on the highway. I'd say that is pretty fuel efficient.

[fdryer]

Oh well, I tried. And drew out at least one person to negate my statement. I stand corrected. I need reminding from time to time.

[alordofchaos]

Modern cars are impressive. Was looking at the 2020 Honda CRV mpg numbers not long ago.

From an older car, my 2009 Caravan with 255 hp (191k miles on it at the time) - I was pulling this mpg for most of the hwy trip, took a picture shortly after I exited the hwy and was approaching a light so my speed was dropping

It's pretty good mpg for a big box with an auto transmission (my usual hwy mileage is lower, but I can reliably pull 25-27 hwy)

[choc citysaturn]

You bought a car that's over twenty years old and during it's heyday had modest aftermarket support. (SPS and SMS were my favorites) I've got a 1st gen and have gotten parts from 2nd and 3rd gens to strengthen my car. ( tie plate and antenna come to mind ). A deebs build and nitrous is the cheapest way to get there if you're financially unable to do that then your wasting everybodies time. Saturn owners are notoriously cheap. Welcome to the club.