wanting cheap options to add more power to my 2003 tj magna?

Sorry, there is no such thing as "cheap" power, if you want to add power, you need to spend $$

You can do things like cams, exhaust which each on their own will cost under a grand each, other than that you need to be prepared to pay $$

There are those who will say CAI, K&N etc etc, these are not adding power just noise.

Free-flowing rear muffler is best bang-for-buck mod - it was the only difference between the sports models and the base models, in the later Magnas.

Like Madmagna said, anything else - you'll need to be prepared to fork out decent amounts of cash.

free-flowing muffler? thought bout new exhaust system but as its our family sedan i dont want anything too loud?

yes, just bought a few different parts from mitsfix ebay store as my mrs backed into a truck, thankyou

Buy a cheap Ralliart if you want power with minimal cash.
The amount you will spend on a stock model will quickly rise above the price of a Ralliart, yet have overall, less in the total package that goes with a car with a few extra killer wasps. Once you start messing with power mods you'll need to up the anti on brakes, suspension etc.
Good luck with your project mate. :thumbsup:

Rip out weight lol!

Other than that - free up a few kilawasps with a VRX/Sports/GTV(i) exhaust, 200cpsi catalytic converter and maybe some headers. This will set you back around $1100 total and you can expect a gain of around 5kw at the wheels or so. Throttle response will be significantly better.

Don't bother with crappy intake systems. K&N filters, CAI stuff all are as useless as tits on a bull! The ecu just compensates for the supposed "extra" air that gets fed to the engine. Can lead to problems with hydrolocking the engine if the filter is too low, as well as issues with oil covering the MAF sensor, not to mention legal issues. How useless this stuff has been proven multiple times. Sometimes you loose power!

After that it's time for a manual conversion (if you have an auto) to make better use of the power and have less loss. This is still a 1.5k-2k exercise.

We still haven't considered the cost of any real engine work.

Plain and simply. You want performance you go to pay.

If you're engine is on its way out or you truly want some real performance without going down the inducted route (which is incredibly expensive, time consuming, difficult for fairly minimal reward) then a 380 engine conversion from Mal is your next best thing. The TJS2 magna's came with 155kw from the factory, and when you put a 380 engine in the magna driveline you end up with 190kw at your magna's flywheel! That's a massive difference. You end up with a seriously fast car and it's actually quite cheap considering how much power you gain.

Cheapest way to add fastness to your car is to subtract weight.
Remove your subs+amp, spare, tools and replace the rear muffler with something smaller+lighter+better flowing.
Should subtract about .1-.2 off your 0-100 time.

After that, maybe some headers and a retune for 98RON.

Other than that, there's not much you can do to the 6G74 for cheap power. If you can find a Ralliart engine for cheap (maybe from a wreckers who doesn't know what it is) that would be the best way.
Other way is if you just want more power for the track, maybe a nitrous kit with a 50shot. Will effectively triple the wear your engine will undergo and your auto won't be happy with it, but it is cheap power.

Do you have a 4 speed or a 5 speed auto? Because trying to get a 4 speed faster is a pointless exercise. If you can do a manual conversion, that should free up to .5 on the 0-100 if you're a good driver.

Get pulled over by the police for speeding, they'll always tell you were going 5-10kph faster than you thought you were.

Instant faster car!

so added set of headers sports exhaust and more free flowing cat, and got the ecu chipped. and yep happy with the performance all for under $1500 bucks. as it is our family car and the mrs is a regular driver i think its much better than stock. im happy

so iv been reading a bit bout SKR tune? and can be done via mail, can someone pls explain how this works? and also putting 380 cams in gives quite significant power gain?

Simple, you take out your ECU and post it over to SKR, he does the flashy thing, and posts it back to you...instant HP!!

As for the cams, this has been covered here... http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94179&highlight=380+cams

Cheapest way to add fastness to your car is to subtract weight.
Faster? Unlikely. Marginally quicker maybe, unless you take out a lot of weight (you could deduct 50kg by driving around with a near-empty tank), but you're not likely to find any difference in top speed, where aerodynamics are almost the sole the limiting factor.

Faster? Unlikely. Marginally quicker maybe, unless you take out a lot of weight (you could deduct 50kg by driving around with a near-empty tank), but you're not likely to find any difference in top speed, where aerodynamics are almost the sole the limiting factor.

I think he means improved acceleration rather than top speed

to get real performance need to go the whole nine yards, i got a spare engine in the backyard with a bottom end blown, acording to the orinial owner which I found out was a friend of the brother in law, he spend 30k on the car, doesn't look it if you ask me but appeartly he also spend alot of $$$$ on the engine, I decided I will tear down the engine replace everthing thats needs it, add my own spin to it all. increasing the engine to 4.0 liters, adding better cams & headers, plus extractors & a big blower on the top possibly supercharger rather then turbo, new ECU, plus a manual convertion
still editing the list as I am new to this kind of work but once its complete this will be once fast car,
I planed in 2 years for this project, as I have other things to do first,

Michael

Get pulled over by the police for speeding, they'll always tell you were going 5-10kph faster than you thought you were.

Instant faster car!

hahahahahhahahaha

wanting cheap options to add more power to my 2003 tj magna?


Sorry, there is no such thing as "cheap" power, if you want to add power, you need to spend $$

You can do things like cams, exhaust which each on their own will cost under a grand each, other than that you need to be prepared to pay $$

There are those who will say CAI, K&N etc etc, these are not adding power just noise.

1000 buck equal this
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb251/RhysDaFool/LOUD1/DynoonLoud1.jpg
i use to be my own xr6 turbo... (which pulled a 13.8 down the quarter mile ) you cant get cheaper then that

What mods gave you 156kw at the wheels?

What mods gave you 156kw at the wheels?
Hey champ, it was a nitrous kit... And i get why people are affraid of nitrous, but its nothing like the movies... You can hold a naked flame to a nitrous bottle, while purging it and it isnt going to explode.... Its very safe, and the best "bang for buck out there"

Yes in australia its illegal, but its also illegal to have a supercharger, turbo, aftermarket manifolds etc.. And its a meth that you can get a huge fine for it, its just a yellow sticker/red sticker

This was a easy figure to get with nitrous, and torque was improved hugely...

My setup was a this

SINGLE WET FOGGER NITROUS, With a 10bl bottle with a bottle warmer, and purg kit..., i had a arming switch, and a full throttle switch.., so when the throttle body was fully open... Thats when the nitrous was injected, also had a nitrous computer that made the nitrous jump up in small precentage... But thats not really needed... Best thing is, if your not using it, the car runs at normal... And you still get good milage, honestly i dont understand if people only want 210hp out of there magna... Way not just do this,

Best thing is, if your not using it, the car runs at normal... And you still get good milage, honestly i dont understand if people only want 210hp out of there magna... Way not just do this,
I think that's exactly why people don't use it.

Spending $2k on an extractors and a tune - which would give noticeable benefits in 100% of driving - is a better proposition than spending $1k on nitrous which will only give a noticeable benefit when it's manually engaged.

I imagine a lot of other members would feel the same way, given that their Magnas are daily drivers.

Yes in australia its illegal, but its also illegal to have a supercharger, turbo, aftermarket manifolds etc.. And its a meth that you can get a huge fine for it, its just a yellow sticker/red sticker


Because it is COMPLETELY illegal to have a connected and functioning Nitrous system installed in a road-registered car. Please stop suggesting people install illegal systems to their cars.

The OP is from Tasmania. In the following PDF, it clearly states that turbo and superchargers can be complianced with the relevany authorities, making them legal. It also states that Nitrous Oxide systems are not allowed whatsoever.

http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/79695/Part_two_Pages_from_Light_Vehicle_Inspection_Manua l.pdf

Yes in australia its illegal, but its also illegal to have a supercharger, turbo, aftermarket manifolds etc..
Since when is it illegal to have a supercharger, turbo, aftermarket manifolds etc?

Since when is it illegal to have a supercharger, turbo, aftermarket manifolds etc?
If you dont get permits, and past emission its illegal.... Well in the states, im not sure about the territorys?

If you dont get permits, and past emission its illegal.... Well in the states, im not sure about the territorys?

Read my post above.

Please stop suggesting people install illegal systems to their cars.
I didnt realise i wasnt alond to speak freely, the subject was cheap ways of getting power... Nothing about if its legal or not... And i'm sorry but this is the CHEAPEST WAY TO GET HIGH POWER GAINS..., i think i'm in my right

wanting cheap options to add more power to my 2003 tj magna?
Sorry.... Looks like i started a fight, but i hope you got some good idea's from this thread,good luck for what ever you go for mate

If you dont get permits, and past emission its illegal.... Well in the states, im not sure about the territorys?
That has nothing to do with legality of the items per se. As you concede, they can be approved. You cannot get approval anywhere in Aus for nitrous and a car can be defected simply for having it, whether or not it's in use. Use it and get caught and you risk worse. Therefore, nitrous is not in the same league for legality.

I didnt realise i wasnt alond to speak freely, the subject was cheap ways of getting power... Nothing about if its legal or not... And i'm sorry but this is the CHEAPEST WAY TO GET HIGH POWER GAINS..., i think i'm in my right

You can speak freely all you want, but misleading people warrants a certain amount of comeback would you agree?

I didnt realise i wasnt alond to speak freely, the subject was cheap ways of getting power... Nothing about if its legal or not... And i'm sorry but this is the CHEAPEST WAY TO GET HIGH POWER GAINS..., i think i'm in my right
Would you mind replying to my post please? I think I raised a good point, and I would like to see your response.

That has nothing to do with legality of the items per se. As you concede, they can be approved. You cannot get approval anywhere in Aus for nitrous and a car can be defected simply for having it, whether or not it's in use. Use it and get caught and you risk worse. Therefore, nitrous is not in the same league for legality.

;) your on it, i couldnt of said it better... Okay now that my on my lunch break, i can answer without rushing ;), completely agree with macropods comment... ( if its the same, any nitrous fitting, hose, Gauges etc can end you getting stickered and/or a complete work ordered )

But in saying that... ( and dont take this the wrong way, ) As you can see, i have use nitrous on the road for years... i have been picked up a handfull of times, normally they dont look for something they cant see.., Anyway at the end i got told to take it off, and i did... Because i was planning on supercharging loud1 at that stage... (because i had some money saved up )
NOTE: i Didnt get a fine/ didnt get a sticker, just told me to take it off.. And that was the end off it.. I have a great respect for police and if you show that, they normally will show respect back

LIMIT PUSHERS
If you are the type of person that has a loud exhaust and you car is so low your foot doesnt fit under it.. And you just want to show that ls1 driver that he is completely wrong about your magna.. And show him that its got some poke as well, but sadly your wallet isnt as big as some of the people of this site, then nitrous might be for you.... Yes theres a risk you might get a yellow sticker.. But it only takes an hour to uninstall... REMEMBER, it takes alot longer to change your exhaust back to standard... Or get a quiet one welded on....lol:p

I'll repeat it is " illegal " but god dam it is fun... And its great at car shows, dyno days and street credit... If you get it install by a pro.. That can test your air/fuel ratio, to make sure its not leaning out.. Then nitrous wont harm your stock engine,...

If anyone wants info on nitrous you can email, add me on facebook( rhys fricker ) or text me 0439903478...

Would you mind replying to my post please? I think I raised a good point, and I would like to see your response.


I think that's exactly why people don't use it.

Spending $2k on an extractors and a tune - which would give noticeable benefits in 100% of driving - is a better proposition than spending $1k on nitrous which will only give a noticeable benefit when it's manually engaged.

I imagine a lot of other members would feel the same way, given that their Magnas are daily drivers.

Sure.... Extractors and exhaust with a tune is a great why to go, i thought it would cost alot more then 2grand...if you add dyno time? ( but you need the tune, otherwise its not worth it really )

HERES MY STORY
( back in 2003 ) i went down that track of changing my exhaust to 2 and a half inch cat back, 100mm intake manifold, throttle body, installed a cold air intake and extractors and only got 169hp@the wheels... And cost me ruffly anound 3300bucks... It felt different, and felt like it had go.. But i look back at it now, and think wow... Because when i slapped it on the dyno i only got 169hp

When i did the nitrous install, it felt like a different car... Completely, sometimes i wish i could just go back to that setup... It was just so simple, i used it as a daily.. And when i wanted the power( which wasnt very often ) it was there to use when ever i felt like it and sounded awesome

Did that answer your question?

Given that a set of headers can be bought for less than $500, I hardly think fitting and tuning is going to bring the final cost to "alot more then 2grand".

Given that a set of headers can be bought for less than $500, I hardly think fitting and tuning is going to bring the final cost to "alot more then 2grand".

And most nitrous kits these days are around the 500buck mark anyways... Heaps cheap from when i did it

And most nitrous kits these days are around the 500buck mark anyways... Heaps cheap from when i did it
Name a single Aus retailer of a street-legal NOs kit for under $2K, if you can (with or without installation). For a price reality check, see: http://www.horsepowerinabox.com/HPIAB2/category6_1.htm. I don't see 'most' of these illegal systems being capable of installation for under $1K.

FWIW, headers don't even require the 'permits' you referred to earlier for legality. Nitrous, OTOH is absolutely illegal for street use.

Please stop your NOs bs. The final cost, after fines and defects are taken account of, is liable to far exceed any other legal system for increasing power.

Hi guys, new here.... I am an old fart but I think best way to boost power if you have a standard Magna is trade on a VR limited or VRX/VRX Limited. Limited models have Ralliart suspension and the VR limited has same as VRX motor and ralliart suspension. A VR is usually very cheap alternative to buying a VRX. 5 speed manual makes a huge difference to driving pleasure. TL VR-X in 2003 was the fastest Australian normally aspirated 6 cylinder and it was only just pipped by the hsv Xu6 by a very small margin, otherwise it Would of been the outright fastest 6 cyl Australian production car.
VR get's the VR-X engine and exhaust, VR limited the ralliart gear as well and very cheap compared to the fancier models. Standard Magna's could easily be upgraded to the same power with using premium fuel only and good extractors and 2.5 inch system. Should be plenty quick enough for road use. Hope to see everyone in the future in some qld cruises :)

Wayne

Welcome to AMC

One thing, from the start of the TJ right through to the end of the TW ALL motors were identical, there were no internal modifications to any of the motors, they were the 6G74 with #6 cams, same heads, valves and comp ratio's. Only exception is of course the Ralliart.

Premium fuel makes no difference unless you have a tune as the Magna has no knock sensor so runs a low octane fuel map in its standard form. The 2 1/4" system is more than sufficient, on the AWD headers will make some improvement but are not a cheap mod as per the title of this thread, nor are adding 380 or Ralliart Cams due to the time and cost to install.

This thread is strange however as rarely in any car community would there be the request for "cheap" power as there is no such thing. You want more kilowasps it will cost you kilodollars, simple formula. What is most frustrating is you look at an evo forum, scooby doo forum or a reputable forum dealing in other cars, someone asks how much for xyz, response is $5k and everyone agrees is great bang for buck

On AMC you ask how much for xyz, a person replies will cost $5k (same as above), one person will demand you buy from Rockauto a no name brand, a bunch will scoff and state flatly that no way is this worth it and nor is the car and the rest will then take the thread into every other direction that the tread can be taken in......

So as stated, there is no such thing as cheap horspower. Yes a VRX muffler or a set of headers in the case of an AWD is a cheap start but anything above and beyond that costs $$$$

2003 TJ Magna piping is pretty much 2.5" apart from a few minor restrictions from bends.

- Muffler
- Headers
- Suspension
- Tyres

OR

- Headers
- Muffler
- Manual Conversion

People dont think about suspension and tyres when building a quicker car.. But for handling, launching etc - They're a great investment

SuFz :ninja:

2003 TJ Magna piping is pretty much 2.5" apart from a few minor restrictions from bends.

:

There shouldnt be any restrictions in the bends, i believe from TJ onwards all exhausts were mandrel bent

Or stick a Turbo badge on the bottom boot near the Magna badge. Hell, it won’t make it faster but other people will think it is when they see the badge lol

I don't understand why you would even consider stuff like Nos when you could put in a 3.8L and have a nice 150+fwkw car that you can use the power 24/7 :/

This dribble has more than run its course //closed