1990 Q45 catback exhaust?

[nader6972]

Hi guys, I'm new to this board. i just got my grandpas 1990 Q45 with 50k on the odometer.

however, the only parts I can find are stillens and that doesnt add up to much. Does anyone make and offroad pipe, catback or air intake, etc? I love the sound of this engine but it could be so much sweeter.

What are some common performance mods that you guys are doing? I tried searching for "Q45 exhaust" and didnt come up with much.

My dealer has forwarned me too about the trannies in these cars. They said that it is common for them to start failing around 60-70k miles. Any truth to that?

Were there any JDM spec cars that used the same powerplant? Was there ever a JDM Q45. I'm sure even a newer style cat would wake that baby up.

[Q45tech]

Kind of hard to wake a 4300 pound [you and a full tank] car up with only 4.5 liters.Almost every inexpensive thing you do just affects the 4,000-7,000 rpm range and does nothing [or negative] at low rpms because everything [intake system] is tuned to optimize power in the 1700-2200 rpm range for lugging and cruising.A 14 year old car with 50k, could turn into a nightmare [expense wise] if you suddenly change its driving style!You could trash it easily.

[elwesso]

It has been found that the early Qs exhaust is VERY low restriction....... So even a custom, really loud exhaust wont do you much......

You probably have much better chances with better power by making sure its in good condition........ Make sure its not running too hot (engine retards timing for too hot), make sure the plenum is clean, and make sure the knock sensors and o2 sensors are good....... If ALL those are in as new condition, you shouldnt want to make the car go much faster.........

[maxnix]

Welcome to the board. All of your questions have been discussed in previous posts. Q45tech's previous posts are a mandatory read. You will have a better understanding of your generous gift and how to maintain it once you have learned about it.

First search topic should be timing chain guides.

[QShip]

Buy a JWT style ecu from aaacomp. Short of adding NOS or spending large amounts of money for a custom supercharger, the JWT chip is the best bang for the buck.

[Q451990]

It's very possible that I'll have a 93 ECU/TCU combination available in the next few days as well. That'll give you the first gear start and matching ECU so the rev limiter won't be an issue. As far as the transmission, just have it flushed, do a pan drop/filter replacement, and then add an external cooler. Assuming it's not damaged so far (probably not) you should get it to last well into the 100K range. That's what I'm counting on for "Q2"

Give us some more details on your Q! What color, options, etc... We're starting to get a pretty good handfull of low mileage early Qs on here.

Heath