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Performance enhancement suggestions

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Old 03-11-03, 09:18 AM
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SC400-V8
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Default Performance enhancement suggestions

Hi guys, Ive owned my SC400 for about a month now. Its perfromance is already incredible, and all ive added is an intake kit which replaced the airbox with a K&N cone. It did improve performance a little. Now, I have a set of Iridium spark plugs on the way, they might add a little more, but I'm more interested in the smoothness they claim. Im considering three different options to increase performance right now:

1) dragon touque conveter ($900)
2) Lexuspros.com computer rebuild (+30 hp, +50 lbs/tq) ($1200)
3) Exhaust, possibly borla (600) or used for less, adds about 20 hp i think.

I'd love opinions from anyone who has any of these upgrades and some pointers on how to add power for less $$$ and improve acceleration.

Thanks.
Old 03-11-03, 09:30 AM
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RobSoVIP
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I have borla exhaust... its very nice, I still have the three stock resonators on- probably going to take off the two rear and leave the middle for the time being... I have a Rod Millen intake on the way... I hear both good and bad about intake mods... so we will see, but the exhaust upgrade is really nice, sounds great, and gave me a few ponies...
Old 03-11-03, 11:32 AM
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Keith13b
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I would most definately get the Torque Converter. Money well spent. Best bang for the buck I've found so far.


Keith
Old 03-11-03, 02:24 PM
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SC400-V8
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Default Torque converter: dragon

I think I'll go with the torque converter. Ive heard good things like an entire half second shaved off 0-60, but i've also heard it can cause of loss of hp, is this true? In any case, is there any place that sells the dragon TC for the 1UZ-FE that isnt lexuspros.com? Im interested in getting it, but $900 for a part that sells for like 200-300 for other cars is way up there.

Thanks again guys.
Old 03-11-03, 10:30 PM
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dunn378
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you can order that torque converter straight from Precision Industries. www.converter.com
Old 03-13-03, 09:54 AM
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JBrady
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Default Re: Torque converter: dragon

Originally posted by SC400-V8
I think I'll go with the torque converter. Ive heard good things like an entire half second shaved off 0-60, but i've also heard it can cause of loss of hp, is this true? In any case, is there any place that sells the dragon TC for the 1UZ-FE that isnt lexuspros.com? Im interested in getting it, but $900 for a part that sells for like 200-300 for other cars is way up there.

Thanks again guys.
There are MANY different TCs out there ranging from re-curved stock ones to highly refined ones... Precision industries makes the Dragon and it is IMO the best part available. $900 is the what THEY charge. Other vendors get a slight price reduction and sell it for $900 to $1200

I am about to have a stock TC recurved. This is primarily because of visual warranty reasons. The Dragon has a pink paint on it that Precision Industries uses on all their TCs and the paint is heat sensitive making it a tuning tool for those wanting to dial in the stall. If I like the re-curve I may offer TCs exchange for around $300.
Old 03-26-03, 02:29 PM
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mdfdsc300
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jbrady,
I for one would be interested in a more economical alternative to TC than the PI Dragon ones (at $900 each!). Pls keep us updated. I'm hoipin it's as easy as sending a modified unit to the customer w/ a core charge which will be refunded upon receipt of core. For $300, I'd be game as long as the TC was high quality and reliable.
Regards,
Thom
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