I'm considering a scion xA but I'm wondering what kinda power you can honestly get out of the Echo engine and still make it drivable. I'll be going from a 1.8T VW and I'm not expecting much from the scion, but i figured if I can get 120-130 (engine power not at the wheels) out of it I'll have the same power to weight ratio as my VW. anybody know what the engine is capable of and how much it would cost to make it a honda killer. lol. thanks for the help

 

I recommend buying a different car if you want to go fast. Scion's aren't built to race or go fast, they are a fun, economical, commuter car.

 

i don't wanna go fast just have some pep to it. I commute an hour to work each way every day, i just wanna have fun on the way. my friend has an automatic echo and its a great car. i meant no disrespect to the echo engine.

 

It'll be about the same as his Echo.

 

get an xA then get a "Stylis manifold back" then you could have fun! :D

 

120-130 hp is pretty opimistic for these cars. There has not been many performance parts developed for them yet. In a year of 2 things will be better, I'm sure. I have an Xa and it's pretty zippy but not a power house by any means.

Intake pipe/exhaust system (not axle back) may get you 10 more hp. The headers I have seen so far are a small improvement to the stock header (yes, it comes with a stainless header from the factory).

ken

 

you should be able to achieve those numbers with exhaust, intake and headers with a manual transmission. i don't see that happening with whp, but you are being realistic looking at it the way you are.

 

I can't emphisize a test drive enough. I finally got to drive an xB today. I will also say this is NOT a car you'll be going fast in. I knew it wasn't going to be fast, and it wasn't. I think it's too slow for my liking. (Too bad I love the looks so much). WHen it comes to buying, I think I might wait and see if they bump up the power in the next year or two.

Reagardless of my opinion, you need to test drive this car.

 

Exactly,

If you have read enough of these posts about power, before taking a Scion for a test drive, then you'll know that speed isn't what it was built for. But again, I know I would love the power of a Mustang, but I bought a Scion for many other reasons. If you like the looks of an XA or XB but want the thrill of speed, then DON'T buy one!