SOHC Performance Mod's

I've recently been wondering if it's worth my while to purchase a
new(used) and more powerful car other than a saturn, or get an
SL2/SC2... OR take on the challenge of tweaking the SOHC I currently
own.
What are my options for a '97 SL?...
The simple things are new intake/freeflow exhaust... but that may gain
5hp at most...

Any thoughts?

 

There are a few site's you can explore for saturn tuners...you should
go to http:\\www.saturnspot.com and sign up and talk to the's guys,
you can find ALOT of great info on how to mod your car and you'll get
plenty of help. The guys are great, i've been there since it started.
I'm there everyday posting and asking questions when i need help.

 

I haven't see any dyno charts of SOHC vs DOHC engines. But based on
seat of the pants feel, the SOHC & DOHC engines both generate similar
amounts of torque. But the DOHC engine's better breathability allows
its torque "peak" to be extended for another 500RPM before falling
off. Thus giving it more HP.

In other words, both the SOHC & DOHC engines hit its powerband at
4000RPM. The SOHC engine's power band drops off at 5000RPM. But the
DOHC drops at 5500RPM. I believe this extra long power band is what
gives the DOHC it's extra 20 horses.

That said, I'm interested in validating my seat of the pants feel.
Can someone point me to any dyno charts? Better yet, how about pre
2000 and post 2000 Saturn dyno charts? I strongly suspect the air
pump in the post 2000 Saturns improved emissions but messed up the
power curve. My 2002 feels weaker than my 1998 and the engine idles
rougher.

One wonders how Saturn take a tried and true SOHC engine that earned
it many loyal customers and make it worse and worse over the years to
the point that I will not buy another one?

 

That said, I'm interested in validating my seat of the pants feel.

Isn't your '02 heavier than the '98? That would make the car slower with the
same HP...........