ok, i'm sure this has been covered before so forgive me. after searching for 20 plus pages and not finding what i'm looking for its time to start fresh.

i have an 89 trooper 2.3l w/auto and i've got an exhaust leak. i'm wondering if its worth it to get a new header/exhaust system or just swap out my old tired gaskets?

also any quick and easy things i can do to squeeze a little more power outa this little engine? i know it wont be fast like my rallycar but a little more juice for towing is always nice.

thanks,

-b

Fix the exhaust leak as it will hurt your power.

Also there are a few little items that can be done to help your power situation.

Delta makes a torquier cam that you can install.

Calmini and Pacesetter make a header for the 2.3/2.6 engine.

Give it the once over, tune it up with new plugs, wires, cap and rotor. Put a fresh air and fuel filter in.

That should help you quite a bit in the power department. It's never going to be a powerhouse. You have a four popper in a pretty heavy truck that has the areodynamics of a brick. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

Joe

89 Trooper didn't have a 2.3 in it. Only a 2.6 (4) or a 2.8 (6).

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

thanks guys.. man i'm such a noob with isuzu's... if you have any subaru questions i'll all over that.... but is the header worth the money? anyone have one installed?

I hope you have the original 2.6 I was wondering if a 2.3 had been swapped in, not out of the question by any means.

Anyway the order I'd do things in would eb to do a full tune up and make sure everything you already have is in good working order.

Then I'd do the cam.

Then do the exhaust. If you want, seeing as you already have exhaust issues, either fix the exhaust leak, or add the header to fix it. Whichever.

All I know is that an exhaust leak can dramatically hurt performance. I blew out a header gasket on the way back from wheeling and had no power whatsoever.

Joe

^Calmini header, a quality part worth the money.

I did 2.5" exhaust after the header as well as the Delta cam - truck moves pretty well for 33's and stock gears.

there is also larger MAF sensor, intake tubing and throttlebody from 93+ motors that can be swapped over.

If your head ever goes south you can install a 1994 or newer 2.6 head. This will give you better flow and higher compression.

Joe

awesome guys, thanks for the help.. yeah, i'm not looking to drag anyone off the line, but i will be upgrading to 31's and i also tow a 1400lb camp trailer so a little more power would be nice. i think i'm going with a header, due to the fact i broke the egr pipe and i hear the nut is a ***** to get outa the stock manifold..

Make sure to fix that problem. Not only do you want the egr there working, but as it is, that's a nice big vacuum leak. Not good for power by any means.

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

yeah been waiting on some guys parting out 2.6's but i may have to start calling around for a new pipe.. or i read some folks just making them from pipe they got at home depot.

either way she's parked till i get that fixed..