| Tech Support - November 2008
Here's where we act like we know something technical about cars. Feelfree to ask us about your technical troubles. Write us at tech@superstreetonline.com or Super Street c/o Tech Support, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.
Question Of The Month
Q What's up, Super Street? I know everyone says it, but nice mag! Here is my question: I have a 2004 Lancer Ralliart 2.4 MIVEC and I would like to do a 4G63 swap. I don't know if it's even possible; I haven't heard of anyone doing a swap like that. If it is possible, what would it take to make it AWD? Would it just be easier to forget about that and get an EVO? I really like my Lancer and don't want to get rid of it.
Jason Proctor
Ottumwa, IA
A Not too many have gone in this area. Rumor is that the '02-'03 Lancer can be converted to AWD, but the '04-'06 can't. A 4G63 FWD swap is possible, but you might need a new passenger mount. You can even keep your original transmission. A few people have already done this swap into the Lancer. Of course, getting an EVO would be much easier, but if you love your Lancer you can do the 4G63 swap or build your 2.4L. If you don't do the 4G63 swap, the money you save could be put towards a nice turbo kit for that 2.4L. Boost and be happy.
Happy Ending Xoxo
P130
Q I have a 1996 Honda Civic with a D16Y5 VTEC-E engine. I recently installed an Unorthodox Underdrive Pulley Kit and timing belt. It started up good at the key, but when I drive it now, it takes longer to advance and pick up RPM. What do you suggest is the issue here? I am also planning on installing an AEM adjustable cam gear and I was wondering, what would be the best setting for my car to advance or retard and how many degrees? I currently have an aftermarket header, cold-air intake and MSD box with coil pack.
Stancy Cardenas
Indianapolis, IN
A The pulley kit should not be causing any sluggish problems like you're describing. But if the timing belt was incorrectly installed, this could definitely be a problem. Get a timing light gun and check the timing. And when you get the cam gears installed, the proper way to tune them would be on the dyno. This way you can get the most out of all your mods.
| Tech Support - November 2008
Q I picked up my dream car for a beastly project, a 1989 Toyota Supra. One night I was having too much fun and you can guess what happened next. So now I need another 7MGTE. I'm a Honda guy and don't know much about Toyotas. Is it possible that some parts from the 1JZ or 2JZ will bolt right up to the 7MGTE and maybe make life better for me by being any cheaper? Basically I need to know the cheap way to get my Supra on the right road to becoming a beast.
Robert
Rusk, TX
A Sorry, parts from a 1JZ or 2JZ will not fit on the 7M, nor be cheaper than the 7M parts. Although you could do a 1JZ or 2JZ swap and have a beast of a project, asked for an inexpensive solution. Fixing the your 7M-GTE is your cheapest solution with a good potential for power. There are quite a lot of aftermarket parts for the 7M-GTE, should you ever want to build that. 7M tuners have made over 700whp. Just rebuild your 7M or get another long block.
Q First off, I'll get my nose dirty by saying I love the mag. It's second to none; no wonder the guys at Project Car are broke. I have a '02 WRX with a cold-air intake and I have recently ordered an up-pipe. I am wondering if I should attempt to install it on my own or have it done professionally. I've read a couple of forums and it sounds like a bitch. Should I wait and do the whole exhaust at once? I'm a HVAC tech so I'm used to working in tight spaces and turning wrenches, but this is my first tuner car. What do you think?
Jrod
Omaha, NE
A If you typically work with your hands and know how to wrench, you will be able to do this yourself. There are quite a lot of pieces to remove, so count on a full day of downtime. And if you find that you don't have the right tools to finish the job, you can always turn back around and bring it to a professional. We say give it your best shot first. It's nice to save money on labor, and being able to say you did some of your own mods. Have a look at the instructions Perrin Performance has kindly posted on their website before starting, www.perrinperformance.com. You might want to consider a new downpipe, since that has to be removed in the process.
| Tech Support - November 2008
Q I just recently bought a 1990 Honda Accord EX, and it's on hoopty status right now, haha. But I got huge plans for it. As we know it comes with an F22A1 and at first I was planning to just do the H22 swap, but upon reading my first issue of Super Street (awesome magazine, by the way; best I've ever read!) I read about Bisi and his F22A. It gave me confidence that I also can fix mine up. The only thing is since I'm not that experienced, I need a little help on how and where to start the upgrading. So far I've done the basics like replace seals and oil change and brakes. But now what?
Danny
Via the Internet
A Bisi is definitely the F22 guru, as well as the man for any SOHC Honda motor. We don't expect you to build an insane F22 like the F-Bomb that we're doing for the Castrol Syntec Top Shop Challenge, but you can definitely build it for increased power. Before building your F22, try to figure out your goals and what kind of budget you want to work with. Maybe a H22 might just be the ticket for you. But if you decide to do the F22, you have several options, from naturally-aspirated to forced induction. Check out www.bisimoto.com to see how they can help your F22 build up.