hey guys, i'm quite new so pardon anything you might deem retarded.

but anyways, i've recently decided i wanna start modding my xA, like intakes, exhaust, etc... but reading these forums has only posed more problems and possibly more conflicting responses.

in terms of the xA, i'm reading some people feeling raises in power after installing CAIs and exhausts, but others say that because of the engineering of the exhaust/intake/ECU the stock setup is the most desirable.

can anyone shed some light on this somewhat confusing topic for me?

 

does no one have any type of advice for me at all?

 

i could be wrong, but it seems like the ecu defeats these mods. but, not completely...i've seen a difference in power with my i/e setup...but it seems like i should have more power than i do...then again, maybe i'm just used to my car, i haven't driven a stock MT xA in a long time.

 

The ECU does adjust to changes, but with an intake and exhaust the changes made do result in more power. If you install a cold air/short ram the ECU sees more incoming air and cooler air temps, it then adjust the injectors fuel duration accordingly. So, more denser air ='s more fuel being delivered, to make the mixture right. More air, more fuel, is more bang in the cylinder, meaning more power is produced. Un choking your stock exhaust allows the engine to breathe better when disposing of the burnt mix, if your exhaust is choking it creates back pressure straight to the cylinder, inhibiting the amount of air/fuel the cylinder will suck in. Thats why you see gains with intake, header, and exhaust. The amount of the gain is determined by design and your engines capabilities. But, you will see gains and is worth doing. Start with an intake then a cat back, or vise versa, as a combo you will feel the difference. Add a header and it is enhanced. Then you can reduce drag on the engine, via rotating mass, by installing a light weight crank pulley, and for a manual trans, a lightened flywheel. The power can be further utilized by reducing the vehicles weight, i.e. carbon fiber replacement parts and for the serious few, actual body sheet metal removal on interior frame work. A tight suspension will allow less power loss due to energy being transfered to flexing parts of the car. An engine damper will reduce the amount of torque shifting your engine does on the motor mounts, usually resulting in firmer launches. All of this equals positive gains, its only up to what you want to do or can afford.