1990 Toyota Corolla More Horsepower

Cold air intakes really do not do much for an engine in terms of horspower, they look good, but it is hard to beat the factory system. Most that are constructed out of aluminum actually conduct more heat and raise incoming air temps. A K&N filter would flow more freely, but they ain't cheap.

If dist. O ring is leaking, get a new one from Toyota, if you suspect shaft is worn, replace dist. With a rebuilt unit with module. It is actually cheaper to put the rebuilt unit in than the module itself.

Denso has a new plug on the market called "TT" Twin tip, very affordable and a very good plug.

The only way to make more horsepower is to get more air into engine, this is usually done in one of three ways, Nitrous Oxide, supercharger, turbocharger. All of which are expensive and you must be carefull about increasing cylinder pressure on a 19 year old engine with 125K on the clock.

Instead, keep the engine it top tune, replace plugs, wires, dist. (As mentioned above), carb rebuild kit.
If car is smoking on startup, change valve stem seals.

If you are really adventurous, remove head, valves, intake manifold, have head and intake hot tanked and cleaned, check valve guide clearence, replace seals and any guides that are bad. Re-shim the lifters to factory specs. Check all sensors, change trans. Fluid.

Probably the best idea is to wrap the intake tube on the factory tube with an insulation tape, a company called "DEI" makes a silver tape that insulates from heat.

I think I have seen headers for the 4AFE and 4AGE engine.
The 4AGE is the high performance version, it puts out 130hp as opposed to the 102 on the 4AFE.
Changing would be pretty straightfoward, but the wiring would be a difficult, major difference is the head.

Turbos are generally straightfoward installs, but YOU MUST reprogram the ECM and upgrade MAP sensor (2- BAR) to add more fuel to the engine or you will very quickly burn the engine up by running it lean.

You may be better off going to an FI engine from a 90-92 Corolla, get engine and wiring harness.
Lot of work, but fun to do.

Keep tube straight as possible. Bends should be mandrel bends.

Ironically, I did see a turbo kit on the internet the other day, but dog-gonnet, I can't remember the name of the co. That sells it.
Had turbo, intercooler, reprogrammed ECM, new exhaust, all bolts, hardware. I think it was around $3800.
Google "Toyota Turbochargers".

You could also investigate Nitrous Oxide, maybe a 35hp shot. If nitrous is your choice, have it tuned on a chassis dyno to get proper A/F ratio.

Another possibility is finding a 4AGE engine and complete harness, you would also have to change fuel pump to FI pump. As mentioned the 4AGE puts out 30 more HP than the stock 4AFE.

Go to local drag strip and see if there are any Toyota's there, talk to owner. They would probably have a lot of info on swaps, HP increases.

Remember, "the only substitute for cubic inches is cubic dollars :).

Almost all engines built since the early 80's are designed to run on 10% Ethanol (NOT METHANOL).

If you have a convertor the lead will destroy the O2 sensors and convertor.

Your owners manual should tell you if you can run E10.

But generally carb engines can run it.

Synthetic oils have a lower coeffecient of friction, are highly detergent and can withstand much more heat than conventional.

Mobil 1, Royal Purple, Castrol Edge are all good synthetics.

Good luck and keep us informed.

Sounds good!

If you go to a stiffer spring and shock setup, it will handle better at the cost of a smoother ride.

KYB shocks come it may combinations, but if you want to Rally the car you will have to go to a stiffer spring and shock rate, but check with the organization rules with regard to limitations on suspension rules.

I have seen headers offered for the 4AFE and 4AGE engines.

The tube size is important, generally match the exhaust port, do not go larger or smaller.

Just do a search for toyota parts or headers.

I have seen them online, just can't remember what the name of the company was.