97 Escort with 5 speed.
Car runs fantastic, but it really could use more power!! I know most CAI's are useless, so I want something that actually works!!!

Any suggestions?
P.S. I run all synthetics (engine and trans) as well as 1 oz of Acetone with regular gas (makes the car run silky smooth!!!!)

TIA

 

Look into a wideband O2 and possibly an EGT, then use something like Megasquirt or MS&S to do fuel or fuel/spark control. You might be able to "tweak" your way into some gains that way. Finding some undersized pulleys and the like might free up a smidge of power as well. Lightened flywheel? Also, have you looked into force-feeding the engine, either with a small blower or a turbo?

 

The only ways to get real noticable HP gains are basically like turbo or NOS or something. But for a lil cheaper you could open your exhaust up with racing headers and a 2.5" cat back. Also, a new cam could help w/ gains. Basically everything that is simple to bolt on(cat back, intake, headers, etc) won't give you much of a huge gain in power, but the power increase is slightly noticable.