i need some help with mods on svx

[Red94Svx]

Right now my svx is very stock lol, and i wanted it to go faster for my money and i was wondering where to start and ect. i am going to be putting 1.5k on it in 1 week so i just wanted some ideas on what to do, bang for my buck so to speak.

thank you very much for your time.

[Nevin]

It's always a good idea to start with a good tune up.

Change your plugs, (NGK Iridiums!!) change your oil, (don't use a fram filter)change your fuel filter, clean your MAF sensor (with MAF sensor cleaner) air filter, check your tires.

You could remove the stock air intake in the fenderwell known as the "saxophone." This increases torque but robs a bit of hp. and the sound increase is also nice. If you feel like doing a bit more, buy yourself some 3" silicone connectors and some 3" piping and make yourself a fenderwell cold air intake. In this case, you'll also need to buy a new 3" inlet air filter of which any off brand WILL work, but remember the age old adage "you get what you pay for."

Performance-wise you could get an ECUtune 1v7 ecu upgrade. I and many others are happy with theirs. This is on the cheap side of performance mods for our cars (of which there are FEW) and will generally make the car more enjoyable to drive.



That should get you started, and I'd say a large portion of cars on this forum are somewhere around this level.

[ensteele]

Another good thing to do is add a transmission filter and cooler. It will be worth it in the long run. :)

[Gamesy]

ecutube 1v7f is a nice investment for power, maybe get one of nevins swaybars for handling. you could get bigger injectors but not sure if the stock maping with adjust for it.
something that would help would be weight reduction
fiberglass hood might help, you could maybe do nitrous i wouldnt recommend it

[Freeman]

There's always the option of a 4.44 tranny swap. You'll get some amazing torque out of her if you go that route. Also the ecu tune performance chip as stated above.

[Gamesy]

i think the 4.44 swap falls outside his price range atm :P

[1986nate]

i think the 4.44 swap falls outside his price range atm :P

How's that??? OT charges $1200 including parts and fluid if I remember correctly. If he can do it himself, it should only cost about $500 +fluids...

[Green1995SVX]

How's that??? OT charges $1200 including parts and fluid if I remember correctly. If he can do it himself, it should only cost about $500 +fluids...

Is it true that it's only $1200 including parts and fluid from OT? Just curious. My trans is starting to flare, so I'm figuring im going to have to do something in the next year or so.

Mike

[Freeman]

Is it true that it's only $1200 including parts and fluid from OT? Just curious. My trans is starting to flare, so I'm figuring im going to have to do something in the next year or so.

Mike

Depends on what tranny you buy.. But yeah, OT is an amazing mechanic at a reasonable price.

[1986nate]

Is it true that it's only $1200 including parts and fluid from OT? Just curious. My trans is starting to flare, so I'm figuring im going to have to do something in the next year or so.

Mike

Yeah, I actually just talked to him about it when I was out picking up my pearlie...

[Bonestock]

These cars are way too heavy and outdated to try and get any serious performance out of them. Parts are scarce and what few performance bits that are out there isnt going to make a huge difference. Even less with a $1,200 budget. I know this isn't going to go over well but its true.

You'd be better off using the money to repair, refurbish or knock out some scheduled maintenance. If you are on the original struts, they are WAY past due to be replaced.

BUT, its your money and your car, do what makes you happy.

[Green1995SVX]

These cars are way too heavy and outdated to try and get any serious performance out of them. Parts are scarce and what few performance bits that are out there isnt going to make a huge difference. Even less with a $1,200 budget. I know this isn't going to go over well but its true.

You'd be better off using the money to repair, refurbish or knock out some scheduled maintenance. If you are on the original struts, they are WAY past due to be replaced.

BUT, its your money and your car, do what makes you happy.

^^ Best post! ^^

[Red94Svx]

Bonestock i agree with you very much and i just want to make the car run better, and maybe get some hp out of it, and i would go with a different car if i was looking for some serious performance, i was just trying to make the car my own so to speak, so on that note what are somethings i could do the help fuel econ.

thanks for the help i am glad that i consulted with you guys before i went farther with this and regret putting lots of money into this car. (LOVE the car btw)

just for the record its a 1994 subaru svx FWD, red
i like the ecu tune idea tho how much are thoese?

what is OT?

[1986nate]

Bonestock i agree with you very much and i just want to make the car run better, and maybe get some hp out of it, and i would go with a different car if i was looking for some serious performance, i was just trying to make the car my own so to speak, so on that note what are somethings i could do the help fuel econ.

thanks for the help i am glad that i consulted with you guys before i went farther with this and regret putting lots of money into this car. (LOVE the car btw)

just for the record its a 1994 subaru svx FWD, red
i like the ecu tune idea tho how much are thoese?

what is OT?

OT is Old Tom or Original Tom aka svxfiles... also, for converting from FWD to AWD would be a little more for him to do since its a bit more work.

I would also invest in just maintenance items at this point before spending money on mods...

[Lookin4SVX]

Here are links to the ECUtune Upgrades

Subaru SVX Stage One Performance Module
http://www.ecutune.com/svx-stage1.htm
Subaru SVX Stage 1Av1 = $219

Subaru SVX Remapped TCU
http://www.ecutune.com/tcu.htm
Modified US SVX TCU with updated ROM = $260

Performance SVX Camshafts
http://www.ecutune.com/svx_camshafts.htm
244-8.1mm intake profile with 256-9.1mm exhaust profile = $870 for set of four + $150 core charge

[Bonestock]

Bonestock i agree with you very much and i just want to make the car run better, and maybe get some hp out of it, and i would go with a different car if i was looking for some serious performance, i was just trying to make the car my own so to speak, so on that note what are somethings i could do the help fuel econ.

thanks for the help i am glad that i consulted with you guys before i went farther with this and regret putting lots of money into this car. (LOVE the car btw)

just for the record its a 1994 subaru svx FWD, red
i like the ecu tune idea tho how much are thoese?

what is OT?

A custom CAI and ecutne 87oct map would help with MPG as long as everything is in good working order. I keep saying I am gonna order the 87oct tune but keep putting it off. I am seriously considering an EJ25/6MT swap. Every time I think I am gonna do it, I think how nice it would be to keep as is and buy a CTSv.... :confused:

[Freeman]

As stated, OT is svxfiles. He is an SVX master tech that resides in WV. His website is at http://www.svxfiles.com/

As for being unable to get any real hp gains out of the SVX, well that's just a lie. If you have the money for it, it's absolutely possible. The thing is, you'd need around 12k for a decent engine rebuild with a nice supercharger..

[Cam]

I believe bonestock used the word performance, not horsepower. The EG33 is capable of large amounts of HP when built correctly, but the problem lies in the platform. The SVX is an old design, although I disagree that you cannot get performance out of them. I would say the average mechanic (myself included) will bite off quite a mouthfull attempting to unleash the potential. Weight issues, tranny issues, and overheating issues are all very real problems that performance SVXi deal with. Most of these have been adressed without having to spend your lifes savings, but it is not cheap, nor easy.

If you decide to truly chase raw performance, more power to you. Try to get the weight down first, make sure your transmission is in excellent condition, and learn the car and engine well. These things will prove invaluable for multiple reasons. Weight reductions will make the car lighter on its feet, and much more fun to drive for the least amount of money...just a lot of work. Also, the better you know your car, the easier it will be to diagnose problems you run into during your build.

Now, if your tranny is having problems slipping on the torque the current 13+ year old set up is supplying it would be foolish to expect it to cope with a boosted application, or anything with more than a 10 percent power gain. You would simply be asking for trouble.

I would agree with Freeman, in saying that performance gains are very possible on our vehicles, but not for the faint of heart. Good luck with your car, I truly hope you make it whatever will make you happiest. Just thought I would throw my .02 in. :cool:

[Freeman]

I believe bonestock used the word performance, not horsepower. The EG33 is capable of large amounts of HP when built correctly, but the problem lies in the platform. The SVX is an old design, although I disagree that you cannot get performance out of them. I would say the average mechanic (myself included) will bite off quite a mouthfull attempting to unleash the potential. Weight issues, tranny issues, and overheating issues are all very real problems that performance SVXi deal with. Most of these have been adressed without having to spend your lifes savings, but it is not cheap, nor easy.

If you decide to truly chase raw performance, more power to you. Try to get the weight down first, make sure your transmission is in excellent condition, and learn the car and engine well. These things will prove invaluable for multiple reasons. Weight reductions will make the car lighter on its feet, and much more fun to drive for the least amount of money...just a lot of work. Also, the better you know your car, the easier it will be to diagnose problems you run into during your build.

Now, if your tranny is having problems slipping on the torque the current 13+ year old set up is supplying it would be foolish to expect it to cope with a boosted application, or anything with more than a 10 percent power gain. You would simply be asking for trouble.

I would agree with Freeman, in saying that performance gains are very possible on our vehicles, but not for the faint of heart. Good luck with your car, I truly hope you make it whatever will make you happiest. Just thought I would throw my .02 in. :cool:

This post is MY favorite..

[Bonestock]

As stated, OT is svxfiles. He is an SVX master tech that resides in WV. His website is at http://www.svxfiles.com/

As for being unable to get any real hp gains out of the SVX, well that's just a lie. If you have the money for it, it's absolutely possible. The thing is, you'd need around 12k for a decent engine rebuild with a nice supercharger..

These cars are way too heavy and outdated to try and get any serious performance out of them. Parts are scarce and what few performance bits that are out there isnt going to make a huge difference. Even less with a $1,200 budget.

You need to work on your reading comprehension Freeman.;)

There are several areas that need attention:
Brakes
Transmission
Weight
Engine (lack of or VERY limited performance parts)
Proper EM
Scarce replacement parts

= not the best starting platform.

[Freeman]

These cars are way too heavy and outdated to try and get any serious performance out of them. Parts are scarce and what few performance bits that are out there isnt going to make a huge difference. Even less with a $1,200 budget.

You need to work on your reading comprehension Freeman.;)

There are several areas that need attention:
Brakes
Transmission
Weight
Engine (lack of or VERY limited performance parts)
Proper EM
Scarce replacement parts

= not the best starting platform.

Hey not fair. I took a placement test today for college. Scored best in reading comprehension. I just need to quit reading these posts on my phone and try it on a full sized screen.

[TomsSVX]

I had someone ask me for instructions and pictures on how I built my car... I honestly thought it was a joke...

If you want a performance SVX... buy mine... otherwise you will do as I did and waste years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars doing it like I did.

Tom

[Freeman]

I had someone ask me for instructions and pictures on how I built my car... I honestly thought it was a joke...

If you want a performance SVX... buy mine... otherwise you will do as I did and waste years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars doing it like I did.

Tom

+1 if you want a high performance vehicle, that's the one to get. Its a steal at that price.

[Cam]

I had someone ask me for instructions and pictures on how I built my car... I honestly thought it was a joke...

If you want a performance SVX... buy mine... otherwise you will do as I did and waste years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars doing it like I did.

Tom

You can't say it wasn't fun though ;)

[zaueugen]

so in conclusion trying to make the svx a high performance sports car is not worth the hastle... unless ur loaded with $$... i wanted to do a mt swap then figured it would be too much money an too complicated for how much i know now

[Red94Svx]

i think that I decided on
-raditor has crack in it...
-Oil change
- trans cooler (its fwd)
- cold air intake
- belts
-plugs
- left hand blinker cover
-may be window tint
- perfomance chip stage 1


Any other suggestions

[Crazy_pilot]

Start hitting up the local Auto-X circuit and see what's available for performance driving schools. Upping your own skills and learning how to get the most out of your car will get you much farther for the money than almost anything you can do to your SVX.

[Red94Svx]

I understand what your saying but I just want to put some basic stuff up on there so that I can just get some extra hp and faster off the line so I will end up doing a lot of mantince for the time being but still want ideas :)

[Nevin]

I know this sounds biased coming from the fellow that sells them, but you should really consider a swaybar upgrade. I would rank it very high on the "bang for the buck" as far as cost/improvement is concerned.

I've even been told (by more than one person) that if they had to strip every mod but one from their car, that this would be the one they would keep.

It just wakes up the handling in ways that you have to feel to believe.