Hey all. I'm in kind of a confusing situation here and need some info about my car. I have a '98 sunfire with the 2200 OHV. My problem is that it runs pretty good (for having 176k miles on it) but I'm really tired of only being able to run it to 3500 rpm. and at 4k the engine just sounds like it wants to explode! I want to know if there's a fairly easy (by this I mean without completely rebuilding the engine) way to make this engine be able to run up to the 5500 rpm (almost) redline I just don't enjoy driving this car anymore, and I have an opportunity to buy a 4 cyl. Probe, which in all honesty I find much more "driveable" than my car, but it needs alot of work and I'm not sure it's worth it. I don't have any specific power goals in mind, I just want my car to be a bit more fun to drive. I know the engine will respond well to breathing mods, but I'm not sure if this kind of powerband change will be a result of that or to what extent. I like this engine's uniqeness, as well as it's underdog status, and if I can get what I want out of it, I'd much rather keep it and work on it than buy another car and then have to dump a load of money into that. I can prob. get the probe for like 700, but it needs a clutch, front end work, and a load of body work (no rust just panel replacement and realignment), which direction would be more cost effective. Thanks for "listening" and for any advice.
If your engine sounds like it's about to explode, it's nothing aftermarket performance bolt-ons are going to fix. I'm currently driving a 2200, and it actually sounds very good at higher rpm. Chances are that you need a good rebuild at the least, especially with that kind of milage. You could fix one problem at a time, but more will just keep popping up.
I would suggest just buying a low mileage engine second hand (easy to find on ebay) and drop it in. I would definately consider that easier than buying another car and having to replace the clutch and half the chassis and body. Besides, you know that little Ford engine won't last anyway
fortune cookie say:
better a delay than a disaster.
Actually, probes are essentially mazdas. Everything aside from the looks was designed and built by mazda, including the engine, it just has ford badges. It seems like it runs really strong too. My car doesn't necessarily sound bad, but I can feel it really "tighten up" at 4000 rpm. and It just doesn't have any pull left after that. I'll look for it on my own in the mean-time, but how much would an engine go for, and what parts should I look into. I wouldn't be able to do a rebuild myself either, if that changes anything?
Well, How mechanically inclined are you? You should start with replacing the air filter; with a stock one, K&N Replacment, or and aftermarket unit, and maybe do the plugs and some decent wires... All that can be had for cheap... Also try running some fuel injector cleaner like that "Sea Foam" stuff. It can also clean the valves, and and loosen up some of the carbon buildup in there. There are many thing that you could do, it depends on how dirty you want to get your hands.
Is it an auto or 5 speed?
My Sunfire
I don't care about getting my hands dirty, I actually want to do it. I just don't have any place to do it. I live in an apartment and I'm not sure the parking lot is the best place to work on my car every weekend! I've also never done any real engine work before, not that I'm intimidated by the challenge, but this is my only car and can't be left laying in peices while I drive something else. I'll take your advice though, for starters. What would come after that, I know about starting with intake and exhaust and all that, but what would REALLY make the difference I'm looking for? The more I think about it, the more I begin to realize that I'm better off sticking by my car 'til I can afford something newer. It's been good to me, and it deserves it!
if your going to decide on rebuilding you engine getting a diff one or the probe, money wise get a motor from the junkyard with low miles i got priced for about 500. they are on ebay every so often for 200 + shipping. a rebuild kit from importperformaceparts.net it like 900 bux, but everything is forged, it ups the cr .5 but after that u could almost do anything to ur car and it will run better with more power and possibly longer that yours is now.
2.340 - 60,
16.591 @ 80.52 - 1/4
Guesswho69000@hotmail.com
I think before you start spending any money, figure out what is the problem now. If it's something internal, then do the motor rebuild. If you find that it's something simple like just getting a tune up, then do that and don't waste your money.
If you decide to go and do a motor rebuild, my suggestion is just have it all done "in house". Shipping a motor gets to be expensive and then you'll end up having to pay someone to remove your current motor for the new one...might as well have the place replace the internals for you. I understand you want to it yourself but if you don't have the time and the location to do the work then send it to the pros.
www.kronosperformance.com / 732-742-8837
I was surprised at the powerband shift with just the addition of an intake. My 2200 auto fell flat on it's face as soon as I hit 3rd gear when merging into highway traffic. I added a CAI, and the powerband shifted up about 500 rpm (starting around 3300 rpm) with increased top end performance. Trust me, it's no rocket by any means, but OHV's do respond well to breathing mods. It's a nice start.
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"The J's weren't designed to be sports cars, the suspension sucks, the brakes are tiny, and the target market for our car doesn't need to be able to do any more than 65mph." - Shifted
A more accurate observation has never been typed. These should be the starting points before any serious performance modification. What's the point of making a serious performer if you can't control it's power?
I take my 2200 up to 5900rpm with no prolbems.
NJHK is right i would first see what is really at fault before you spend your money. take it to a few shops and have them look at it and see what they recommend. If the motor is in need of a rebuild then i would consider getting a rebuild kit and a spare motor.
you could get a rebuild kit for not to much money. here is a kit from Howell automotive.
http://www.howellautomotive.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=19
and just get a spare engine to install the kit in and swap it out over the week end with a buddy and some pizza at their house or another available local. worst case scenario pay to have someone install it.
