Help needed! 2000 Solara 4 cylinder performance air filter!

[tcc17a]

Hi Guys,
This is my first ever post on any car forum! i just bought a solara. It rides very smooth although it has 165000 miles on it. The engine is in pretty good shape but not quite sporty as you would expect from a four cylinder high mileage car. I am looking at installing a performance filter or a cold air intake to get some horses from my engine. What do you guys suggest? Is it worth it?
Also I am a college student and can't afford to put in the expensive brand name products like k&n. I am looking at the most affordable options. Thanks

[fenixus]

welcome to forums!

start with internal engine tune up ... spark plugs (Denso Double Platinum or NGK Laser Platinum recommended), spark plug wires (NGK TE58 most optimal per price and quality), then get a new Purolator air filter insert for your air box, think about replacing the fuel filter (get a new OEM one from dealer online cheap) ... PCV valve and grommet (from dealer as well).

think about flushing ALL fluids with new ones.

maybe Sea Foam it inside out and/or put it on Auto-RX treatment. Performance filters will only make your Throttle Body oily dirty (e.g. Fram Toughguard or K&N does that).

here is a link to cleaning the TB & IAC inlet hole (it helps smoothen idle):
How to: Cleaning Throttle Body -4 Cylinder Engines- With Pictures

at that mielage you could think of replacing ALL oxygen sensors (upstream is actually an AFR sensor on Solaras) to help improve MPG and fuel trim reactions on ECU while driving.

think about installing new drive belts for alternator and power steering.

that should keep you busy for a while

CAI won't change much on this 4cyl engine, trust me, there is no hidden power in it
make focus on restoring it to factory specs and you are good to go with brake and suspension upgrades

[Zembonez]

If you are looking for a boost in performance, don't bother with a performance air filter / intake. You'll only get a boost in noise (which many people equate with going faster).

[Bdub215]

agree with all said but if your auto magic and you have no service history on the car DO NOT flush the trans fluid. you will have wasted your money.

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by Bdub215

agree with all said but if your auto magic and you have no service history on the car DO NOT flush the trans fluid. you will have wasted your money.

ah ... the myth on keeping old burned slimy fluid until it dies on its own ... a good one, only one end to this one hehe

I would actually recommend to drain and refill the transmission and differential (it's separate on 4cyl model) as much as you can and as often as you can like every week or so. then replace the strainer and pan's gasket and think about getting it power flushed or DIY flushed via cooler line. it can still be saved if internal damage was not too bad (which would mean it will die anyways and rather sooner on old fluid than later).

[fenixus]

ah, forgot to add. also get a new Radiator Cap and Fuel Tank cap, if they are still original, get both from online dealer.

also you can think of getting the thermostat (get OEM from online dealer) replaced soon, can be easily done when flushing coolant

most of DIY's you will find in FAQ section of this forum.