2000 Solara performance upgrades

[rick31621]

Recently found your site and very impressed with all the knowledge regarding Solaras.
I have a 2000 2.2 4 cyl 5SFE 5spd with 45k miles.
The engine is very sluggish and I want to start with some simple and not very exspensive improvements that will improve the performance.
Give a list that I can do and then a list that requires a pro.
Feel free to recommend specific brands or web sites.
Appreciate your help.

I'm retired and disabled military so go easy on the high-tech terminology.

Thanks, Rick

[jazzlara]

Well, for starters, gosh bless you for protecting our country!

A cold air intake or CAI would be considered one of the first mod choices by many car enthuseists. It allows your engine to suck in colder air at faster flow rate than original manufacture equipment or OEM. This in turn gives the engine fresh air at a less restrictive rate, and is better compressed in the cylinder giving you better and more complete combustion.

this link may help get you started.


http://www.injen.com/application_intakes.html

[rick31621]

Thank you for the tip.
Any more ideas!

[rick31621]

Am I missing something?
I went to that site and they only list a IS system for Solaras, no cold .

[Astro]

Am I missing something?
I went to that site and they only list a IS system for Solaras, no cold .

You have to buy the Injen short-ram and an extension from UPFD.com There's a guy on here named RJ who works for UPFD and can get you both. Check here.

[SEsolara2000]

hey, i got the same year and engine solara as you. you have to get the injen intake and then find a custom made cold air extension for it that puts the filter into the fenderwell. i made a custom one out of a $10 ebay pipe and some other pipes i had around (some people wanted 125 for an extension HAHA). i didnt really feel much power difference between the cold and the short ram -- MOST likely because it winter and its cold already, but once summer comes it might give you 5-8 hp over a short one. RippModds makes a high flow header for the 2.2 4cyl solara and a supercharger thats like $3500 (not worth it to me, youll get around 185hp) u can buy any exhaust for a 6 cylindar solara because all the brackets and pipes are the same i've been told, ex: you can get a GREDDY Evo II that says its for a 6, but it fits 4s fine. other cheap mods include plugs, wires, the intake, and headers if u consider 439 cheapish. try flooring it a few times -- itll reset the computer making it give better acceleration, but it will change back once you dont go over 3000rpms for a while. good luck

[prowlerartist]

i just took off my muffler and installed a straight pipe. It cost hardly anything to add the pipe and the car sounds alot better. i also have a 2000 4 cyl solara

[Jon11582]

Same config
Injen + CAI...makes it a bit more revy, and makes it sound alot meaner.

Not gunna really get much power out of anything you ad to the 5S-FE engine short of a turbo or blower, but the intake will make you FEEL like you have more power, and you can DIY.

[jazzlara]

Same config
Injen + CAI...makes it a bit more revy, and makes it sound alot meaner.

Not gunna really get much power out of anything you ad to the 5S-FE engine short of a turbo or blower, but the intake will make you FEEL like you have more power, and you can DIY.

well put. the FEEL is what its all about. i have a V6 and it sounds real tough, especially goin around 50mph and then stepin on it.
...now only if that sounds translated into speed ..lolz

[Mole]

Recently found your site and very impressed with all the knowledge regarding Solaras.
I have a 2000 2.2 4 cyl 5SFE 5spd with 45k miles.
The engine is very sluggish and I want to start with some simple and not very exspensive improvements that will improve the performance.
Give a list that I can do and then a list that requires a pro.
Feel free to recommend specific brands or web sites.
Appreciate your help.

I'm retired and disabled military so go easy on the high-tech terminology.

Thanks, Rick

you go as far as your wallet allows you to.

[jazzlara]

Recently found your site and very impressed with all the knowledge regarding Solaras.
I have a 2000 2.2 4 cyl 5SFE 5spd with 45k miles.
The engine is very sluggish and I want to start with some simple and not very exspensive improvements that will improve the performance.
Give a list that I can do and then a list that requires a pro.
Feel free to recommend specific brands or web sites.
Appreciate your help.

I'm retired and disabled military so go easy on the high-tech terminology.

Thanks, Rick

you go as far as your wallet allows you to.

amen