I've had my 98 avenger for a few months now, and am more than comfortable with it. It's still stock, and I've been debating upgrades, but needs some help. My initial thought was to toss a CAI and Headers on it, fix any sensors to get rid of Check Engine light and call it a day. One of the mechanics at the garage I usually go to said I would be better off doing a CAI and reprogramming the computer for added performance and tweaking. He said I'd get more hp for my $. To me it doesn't make much sense to put a CAI if the extra air this thing is hoofing doesn't have anywhere to go.

Just wondering if you guys can back this up at all, or shoot it down. I've also heard what this car sounds like with CAI and Headers and I just about wet myself... so I'll probably get them in the end when they're available. Would just like some feedback.

My question was more along the lines of am I better off putting CAI and Headers... or CAI and reprogramming the comp. They're trying to tell me I'll get more hp for the $$ if I reprogram it. Headers are $600, plus a couple hundred more for labor to put them in considering I don't own a garage.

So... either way it's getting a CAI. With headers, I'll be getting better exhaust flow yada yada. With comp change, I will get immediate hp change. I think I will get more power with comp change, but lose alot of fuel effeciency. I want the car to move when I hit the gas, but $2.50 a galon hurts.

Just looking for a voice of reason here.

 

Any preferred brands of parts? I'm currently looking at CAI, Headers, and Exhaust. I'm assuming it would also be smart of me to put a Hi Flow Cat in there. I had understood that it wasn't required, but I run a chance of destroying the stock one if it can't stand up to the other mods. I drive on the highway every day to work, and depending on traffic I'm doing 80-100.

I've heard K&N is the best for CAI. Exileracing has AEM and Injen listed on their site.

For headers, it seems as though Wholesale Hyperformance is carrying BFD headers. I've buzzed through the forums here and have seen people talk about exile headers, but they're not on their site. Wondering if I could get some clarification on that, as well.

As for Cat and Muffler I'm all ears. I'd like a nice throaty sound to it. Let me know if you guys have any opinions.

I also have the AEM intake and a Flowmaster (50 series) exhaust, I likey. If you go with a CAI I recommend getting a by-pass valve also, prevents water from coating your motors inners.

Hey Ill keep you posted on this project Im doing but Ill pass this on for now,, Im doing some
experimental parts  and we had a guy who added the exzaust , air system and  some kinda
computor change.. Im still in the process of adding a dry shot NOS that Im plumbing up
by shooting to each cylinder individually to equalize the flow,(40 HP) however the preveious
mod was adding a set of quick change gears to the 604 trany and this one item easily 
shamed all his add on stuff by itself so when I add the NOS Im suggesting the 3.0
in my Dodge spirit will most likly out perform some of the high dollar turbo systems.
Ill keep you posted ...If you have any questions here is my E mail rreynold@nemonet.coml