Cascade Roundel Society

Tech Tips

100 Tips that will help keep your '02 happier (and safer):

PERFORMANCE:

1. Ignition upgrades:

Ignition upgrades such as the Pertronix Ignitor which eliminates the points and improves starting and driveability. The installation is very simple and after setting the timing there is no further need for adjustment because the dwell will not change. I use the Pertronix Flamethrower coil along with this to boost the voltage and get a better spark. In fairness, there are also other products sold to accomplish this too, but I have used the Pertronix a lot and have been very pleased with the results.
Bigger spark plug wires will deliver more spark to the plugs with less resistance; Also, 8-10mm wires work well.
The MSD or Crane ignition boxes can be a worthwhile add-on and will boost the performance as well.

2. Suspension upgrades:

Bigger sway bars such as 22-25mm front, and 19-22 rear. This helps reduce body roll, or lean, and will help keep power to the pavement.
Aftermarket springs (of which there are many) help lower the center of gravity to improve handling.
Urethane suspension bushings can help stiffen up the flex in front control arms, rear trailing arms, and differential carriers, although some people complain about squeaking, is usually due to inadequate lubrication on installation. Urethane bushings can also be used for the sway bar end links which adds to the anti-roll effect of the bigger sway bars.
Limited slip differentials are available and can be swapped in place of the stock open diff., to apply more power to "both" rear wheels, evenly. There are some minor modifications that must be made to do this swap but it isn't too difficult. There are several different percentages of slip that can be obtained, the most common being the 25% from the 320"is" Other differentials with more lockup such as the 40% and 75% are much harder to find and can be very $pendy.
Rear trailing arms on the "tii","ti" and turbo models are "boxed" to stiffen and reduce flex of the trailing arms. This can be done to stock trailing arms also to accomplish the same result.
Strut braces are available for the front strut, and rear shock towers, the front being the most important in my opinion. These help reduce body twist and noticeably stiffens up handling.

3. Common "go-fast" modifications:

Higher compression pistons, cams with more lift and duration, bigger valves, along with porting and polishing of the head.
Lightening of the flywheel.
Balancing of all spinning components.
Free-flow exhaust and header.
Bigger carbs, such as the Weber 32/36, 38/38, 40/40 downdrafts and the DCOE series in sizes from 38's to 45's. The most common being the 32/36, the 38/38 (probably the most effective for an otherwise stock motor) and the DCOE 40's.

More performance tips to come later...