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1989 performance

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Old Jul 17, 2008 | 10:55 PM
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Default 1989 performance

I have a 1989 convertible with 121k mi on it. I bought this car specifically to hot rod and have fun with. I really want to build something that will handle a little better than it does now, and has lots of power. I plan on pulling the motor this winter, and am trying to decide which direction to go. I've built lots of high perf motors, but never one with a computer that runs it. I want to keep it reliable, and try to maintain some sort of gas mileage (keep it above 15 when driving easy). I don't want to go with nitrous, I am not opposed to some sort of forced air system (turbo/supercharged). I have been looking at a bunch of posts, but am a little confused, as this is new territory for me. Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated.

Mac
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Old Jul 17, 2008 | 11:04 PM
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More cubes...Stroke it, good cylinder head/intake. Dont have to get too wild to make reliable power. 500 is pretty easy and still us the factory ECM.
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Old Jul 17, 2008 | 11:16 PM
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If it's an A4 you can really enhance performance with a 2,400rpm stall TC and TransGo shift kit.

The engine can be boosted to near 400chp with cam, heads, moded intake and exhaust.

If you need more power stroke it.

Once the intake is modded change the A4 governor to raise shift points to near the 6k RPM range.

Does the car have either the Z52 or Z51 option (both come with quicker steering)? If not consider installing Z51 components along with ES sway bar bushings and/or stiffer sway bars.
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Old Jul 17, 2008 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by 65Z01
If it's an A4 you can really enhance performance with a 2,400rpm stall TC and TransGo shift kit.

The engine can be boosted to near 400chp with cam, heads, moded intake and exhaust.

If you need more power stroke it.

Once the intake is modded change the A4 governor to raise shift points to near the 6k RPM range.

Does the car have either the Z52 or Z51 option (both come with quicker steering)? If not consider installing Z51 components along with ES sway bar bushings and/or stiffer sway bars.
Forgive me, but what is an A4? ( automatic 4 spd)?

What about an increase in cubes, will the computer handle the added CFM? I was thinking more along the lines of 400 RWHP

As far as the suspension, the steering is a little less than 2 turns lock to lock, what are the codes for the Z5* options?
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Old Jul 18, 2008 | 01:59 AM
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Dont worry about what the computer can handle. If this thing is at all streetable, that wont be a problem. Just budget a custom chip in, because that will be required.

400rw is not tiny, but the computer can deal with it just fine. What we need to know is the routes you'd like to take to get there. My website has suggestions, click my name. Basically we need to know where you want to make the power in the RPM band and which intake system you want to run.

Z51 or Z52 would be the options to look for with the suspension.
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Old Jul 18, 2008 | 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by vader86
Dont worry about what the computer can handle. If this thing is at all streetable, that wont be a problem. Just budget a custom chip in, because that will be required.

400rw is not tiny, but the computer can deal with it just fine. What we need to know is the routes you'd like to take to get there. My website has suggestions, click my name. Basically we need to know where you want to make the power in the RPM band and which intake system you want to run.

Z51 or Z52 would be the options to look for with the suspension.
Thank you I appreciate any help. I will check out your website lord Vader
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