Headers, front pipe, 2" exhaust and a cold air intake set-up are good things to start with. When I installed the CAI on my Corolla I noticed a definite increase in performance, but I see you've got a K&N filter in the standard airbox so if you want to stay with that then I'd go with your idea to run ducting to the airbox. I wouldn't use dryer hose however as it is generally far too easy to rip/tear due to the material it is made from.
A better choice would be to use hard plastic piping that has metal wire twined through it. Not only is it just as flexible as the dryer hose, it's also a lot more durable. The best choice would be to use metal piping as it will provide the least turbulence and would look a lot better. I have photos of the plastic flexible induction hose on my CarDomain page if you want to see them, just click on my signature below my post.
In saying that, a cold air intake is easy to make yourself. I can give you tips if you like as I made my one out of a couple of intercooler pipes (photos also on my CarDomain page). It will give you better gains than you'll ever see from a filter located inside the factory airbox. Hydrolocking due to rain or puddles is virtually impossible unless you literally submerge the filter underwater.
There isn't a whole lot you can do to the 4A-FE and 7A-FE engines without spending some serious cash, but the small mods listed above can certainly help. If you really want to make big power, then you'd have to look at putting in a 4A-GE engine or going down the turbo route on your current engine. Good luck!
1993 Toyota Corolla
Linear Mode
