Just got the VX cam and IPD 2.25" exhaust installed on my 242 GT. I already had a K&N filter. I want to give my honest thoughts on these upgrades for anyone who is considering increasing the power of a b21f. While this trio does not provide a neck-snapping increase in power, there are many significant benefits to the upgrades. First, the camshaft. The most noticebale difference is how efffortlessly the engine revs up to 5,000 RPM. I'd say that most of the power gained from the VX cam is between 3k to 5k rpm. There is no noticeable decrease in power below 3k rpm. 1st gear power is improved significantly. 2nd gear is a bit flatter than I expected, but it is still an improvment. 3rd gear is where I notice the biggest difference, especially when downshifting out of 4th gear at about 2750 rpm, the car really pulls along nicely in 3rd. Freeway driving is improved greatly. Passing is no longer a struggle because there is plenty of torque available when you disengage the electronic overdrive at about 60 mph. The downside of the cam is the cost. I paid $170 for the cam from IPD (it's price went back up to $189 this week), and instalation cost around $240. Next, the exhuast. I was dissapointed that there was a section of the 2.25" pipe that was flattened out for proper fit, but I must say, the sound the system makes is sweet! It's an understated, deep rumble, kind of like a pissed of dog would make. Since I had the exhaust installed at the same time as the cam I can't really give an informed opinion of the exhausts stand-alone power enhancement. The exhaust makes the car feel like its able to breathe a lot better, and wants to be driven hard (the only way to drive in my book). I would recomend this product just for the sound alone though - it's really great.
On a 1 to 5 scale:
Actual performance enhancement: 4
Cost: 2
Fun factor: 4
Total: 10/15
P.S. If anyone in the greater Portland OR area would like to drive the car, drop me a message. Peace and Love.
On a 1 to 5 scale:
Actual performance enhancement: 4
Cost: 2
Fun factor: 4
Total: 10/15
P.S. If anyone in the greater Portland OR area would like to drive the car, drop me a message. Peace and Love.