Help me optimize my Achieva

AchievaPride · 10-24-04, 06:42

2nd post already w00t ^^;;

About a few months ago is when i Bought my 92 Achieva 'S' (58k miles. brand new feul injectors and battery) This car replaced my old 94 Astro (may she rest in peace) after she had a right hand turn and her suspension collapsed. I love my car granted maroon isnt my fondest color and I recently have been looking into maybe giving my car some attitude per say.

Im not that knowledgable yet on what its good and what isnt when it comes to modification. Personally I'd like to get some news wheels, new exhaust/muffler and maybe new suspension. Basically making the car ready for some form of an engine upgrade before actually doing it (if even possible). And with that comes my list of questions.

1. On a list of upgrades what comes first, second, third and so on?

2. What should i definately consider and what should I avoid?

3. Is the Achieva even upgrade friendly?

4. How much can i expect to be spending piece by piece?

Anyone that can help will be greatly thanked. I just wish for my car to be enjoyable for as long as i can own it. Hopefully that'll be another 100k maybe even longer.

Scottwax · 10-24-04, 06:49

I doubt there is much beyond a K&N drop in air filter and you can get a muffler shop to make you a more free flowing exhaust. Other than that, you are probably out of luck. Try a google search to see if there are any Achieva boards.

PrinzII · 10-24-04, 07:11

The main question is what motor you have in that car. Do you have the 4 or the 6. If it's the 6, is it the 3.1?

AchievaPride · 10-25-04, 02:30

ah my apologies its the quad 4 DOHC engine. i think its about 130-140 HP not 100% sure though

PrinzII · 10-25-04, 02:41

I thought the Quad 4 was around 160-180.

joburnet · 10-25-04, 02:42

Mechanic's say very bad things about those engines and Achieva's in general. I would suggest to not try to upgrade it at all.

To be specific they are supposed to be very bad about blowing head gaskets. I know this from expirence because I had one.

joburnet · 10-25-04, 02:45

From edmunds.com

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 9.6 sec. Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 144 ft.
Road Holding Index: .79 g Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 150 hp Max Horsepower: 5600 rpm
Torque: 155 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 4400 rpm
Drive Type: FWD Turning Circle: 35.3 ft.

AchievaPride · 10-25-04, 07:25

Quote:

Originally posted by joburnet
Mechanic's say very bad things about those engines and Achieva's in general. I would suggest to not try to upgrade it at all.

To be specific they are supposed to be very bad about blowing head gaskets. I know this from expirence because I had one.

Hmm i see. Not exactly the news i wanted to hear ^^ but, good to keep in mind. Anything else i should be looking out for thats notorious with Achievas?

O and about the horsepower issue. I thought it was 160 too but, when i looked at car reports it said 140. I know the SCX is 190 but i read 140 on the 'S' model. Maybe the 'Sl' has 160. I may have to double check what i read.

Maybe i may just avoid engine work. I'd still love to maybe get some good wheels for the car maybe a better exhaust system or just maybe a new muffler to get a little sound but, I definately don't wanna sound like those damn civic drivers ^^.

thanks for the help so far

saling4 · 10-25-04, 07:35

THey are also known for their bad brakes.. My daughter has one (Don't ask me why..grrrrrrrrrr) and I just replaced the rotors /rear hubs...wheel cylinders.

Kanchou · 10-26-04, 02:00

if its a quad-4 and you're a serious tuner. . .there's a guy who's turbocharged his beretta GTZ over on beretta.net

http://www.beretta.net/behind_the_wh...bo_project.htm

He's beaten stock WRXs with it.

Aurora40 · 10-27-04, 10:28

Any pictures? I still think owning a 1992 Achieva SCX W-41 would be cool...

AchievaPride · 10-27-04, 03:50

Quote:

Originally posted by Aurora40
Any pictures? I still think owning a 1992 Achieva SCX W-41 would be cool...

I like the SCX its very cool since there were only about 200. I was thinking about possible just turning my 'S' into an SCX. Once i find the digital camera ill try and get some photos.