Maybe I haven't looked hard enough but I don't see any baja performance mods mentioned in the forums
I have run across some ebay actions that claim to work by sending a continuous signal through a factory engine data sensor that your Factory Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors. This modified and continuous signal triggers your factory ECM to reprogram itself for a more optimum fuel mixture and timing curve, allowing the full benefits of an expensive power programmer but while retaining the complete safety of your Factory ECM.
Any truth to this ?
If its just a resistor then this should be a simple and inexpensive DIY mod. Buy it at Radio Shack and install it. Not sure where they are inserting it but . . .
Comments Please
Baja Performance Mods
Moderator: mikenmel08
Re: Baja Performance Mods
No scooby snacks for you
I found some info here ==> http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=665672
In a nut shell no don't do it Read the aboive link
I found some info here ==> http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=665672
In a nut shell no don't do it Read the aboive link
Re: Baja Performance Mods
I swear I've posted a very similar response before but here we go again.
For the N/A platform, there's not much you can really do to improve performance unless you go and start playing with internals and by then it's cheaper to just sell your current car and get a turbo model, or go crazy like and swap a turbo motor into your existing Baja. Basics are Intake (most for the 2.5rs will fit) and Exhaust (RandomTek(sp?) makes one and you can get a wide variety adapted by a competent exhaust shop), both will result in a more noise but when it comes down to it they don't actually change much in terms of performance. Because the sound is altered there's a placebo effect where it feels faster because it's making more noise. This can also result in better mileage because you're not pushing as hard to hear the motor in everyday driving. I'm not against them, I fully enjoyed having both before the swap, but just keep your expectations realistic.
If you go a little more involved, a lightweight flywheel can make the motor rev quicker, makes it easier to do quick shifts and results in less parasitic loss, lightweight pulleys are mostly just for show. Cams and a port and polish will actually net you some hp but then you have to worry about a piggyback ecu since there isn't much in terms of tuning for the stock N/A ECU.
As you've figured out, the eBay "chip" crap is just that, crap. Some do absolutely nothing while others fool the ECU into running the motor either rich or lean, both will result in engine damage in the long term (cooked cats and build up of carbon for the former, and possible piston and valve damage from the latter)
Once you get into the turbo world, there's a whole mess of different ways of getting more power, you just have to plan ahead rather than just throwing whatever parts at it. Tuning is required for most parts you can install.
Otherwise, Suspension mods (sway bars, struts, alk, bushings, etc) will make it handle better, and you can change the shifter (and associated bushings) for a nicer shift feel.
That should cover most of the basics.
For the N/A platform, there's not much you can really do to improve performance unless you go and start playing with internals and by then it's cheaper to just sell your current car and get a turbo model, or go crazy like and swap a turbo motor into your existing Baja. Basics are Intake (most for the 2.5rs will fit) and Exhaust (RandomTek(sp?) makes one and you can get a wide variety adapted by a competent exhaust shop), both will result in a more noise but when it comes down to it they don't actually change much in terms of performance. Because the sound is altered there's a placebo effect where it feels faster because it's making more noise. This can also result in better mileage because you're not pushing as hard to hear the motor in everyday driving. I'm not against them, I fully enjoyed having both before the swap, but just keep your expectations realistic.
If you go a little more involved, a lightweight flywheel can make the motor rev quicker, makes it easier to do quick shifts and results in less parasitic loss, lightweight pulleys are mostly just for show. Cams and a port and polish will actually net you some hp but then you have to worry about a piggyback ecu since there isn't much in terms of tuning for the stock N/A ECU.
As you've figured out, the eBay "chip" crap is just that, crap. Some do absolutely nothing while others fool the ECU into running the motor either rich or lean, both will result in engine damage in the long term (cooked cats and build up of carbon for the former, and possible piston and valve damage from the latter)
Once you get into the turbo world, there's a whole mess of different ways of getting more power, you just have to plan ahead rather than just throwing whatever parts at it. Tuning is required for most parts you can install.
Otherwise, Suspension mods (sway bars, struts, alk, bushings, etc) will make it handle better, and you can change the shifter (and associated bushings) for a nicer shift feel.
That should cover most of the basics.
Re: Baja Performance Mods
Thanks for the reply - I'm picking up a 2005 Baja Turbo Automatic today - we have a winter storm warning but heyNitro350Z wrote:I swear I've posted a very similar response before but here we go again.
Once you get into the turbo world, there's a whole mess of different ways of getting more power, you just have to plan ahead rather than just throwing whatever parts at it. Tuning is required for most parts you can install.
Otherwise, Suspension mods (sway bars, struts, alk, bushings, etc) will make it handle better, and you can change the shifter (and associated bushings) for a nicer shift feel.
That should cover most of the basics.
Where should I look for mods? I did see the DYI mod stickie but I don't really see performance mods in there
Re: Baja Performance Mods
NASIOC has this thread stickied: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=1990995
Looks like there should be enough there to get you started.
Looks like there should be enough there to get you started.