Repair Topics / High Performance Parts

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Question: 2003 Toyota Camry mileage: 59,000. Not really a repair question, but would really appreciate your advice. My mother's 1993 Camry was just totaled. We're looking at a 2003 which has 4 cylinders. Mom's Toyota Camry was 6 cylinders. They're telling her that 2003's with 4 cylinders have as much power as old 6 cylinder Camry's. I found that the 2003 4-cylinder has 157 horsepower. I can't find how many horsepower the 6-cylinder 1993 had. So--how many horsepower did the 6-cylinder 1993 Toyota Camry have?

Answer:  It is obvious from your question that you are concerned about performance. Comparing 1993 vehicles to 2003 vehicles regarding horsepower is like comparing apples and oranges. Because of advancements in the engines and transmission designs of newer model cars, the performance will more likely be the same or possibly better when comparing the 1993 6-cylinder to the 2003 4-cylinder. Gas mileage will probably improve also in the 2003 model. We suggest that you drive the 2003 and see if you are happy with the performance.

Question: 2002 Ford Mustang, mileage: 66,000. I have a Mustang that is really wimpy. This engine was rebuilt at 85000 miles because it was downright done when I bought it. Original mileage and the body is in good condition, but after I bought it, the engine went to crap in about a month. I pulled the engine and got a summit kit for it. Without boring, I honed and rebuilt the engine replacing the rods, pistons and bearings. My partner said the cylinders looked ok to do this. Otherwise, we would have to bore the block. Since in the interests of money saving, we decided to try it w/o boring and this is the result. The car runs...but not like I think it should. It is smoother in operation, but lacks the horses it should have. Apparently, the 92 Mustang GT has only a weenie 157 horse@4200RPM's. Does this seem right? My car is a dog and it doesn't compare to the 96 GT I had before, that only had a 302, not even a HO. What can I do to beef this thing up and make it comparable to the later 90's Stangs that have horse of 250 or more? I need your help to guide me in what to do with this car! I love this car, but it isn't as powerful as I thought it would be. I've thought of getting a later engine and trying that, but is that really the way to go or can I beef this one up just the same? I'd appreciate any advice you have for me on what to do with this weenie car! Thank you.

Answer:  First thing you can do is purchase a Hi Flow Air Intake System from eAutoPartStore.com as an example.

Question: 2002 Dodge Neon 4 mileage: 71,000.   I have a Dodge Neon and I would like to pep the motor up a bit.  What would you recommend?

Answer: First thing you can do is purchase a Hi Flow Air Intake System from eAutoPartStore.com as an example..

Question: 2002 Honda Civic, Miles: 45,000. I have a street racer and I need more braking power. My friends told me to upgrade the brake pads and brake rotors. Is that true?

Answer: Yes, today's after market high performance brake pads and brake rotors are just the ticket for a little street performance.

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