Does anybody have any recommendations for simple and cheap performance modifications or any performance boosting modifications? (1996 850 Base Sedan)

 

Is this an N/A engine? Honestly, not much you can do. Sorry. If you get a turbo a whole new world opens up.

 

a complete new exhaust, everything new from a new exhaust ported manifold matching exhaust ports, hi-flow cat and then a less restrictive muffler would boost performance slightly but just not worth it. It would be louder and the gains are not worth the money or effort

 

...and at best put you at the base HP of a turbo.

 

I wouldn't go up that high Boxpin, really.... all that extra work would probably get 10 more hp? The turbos I believe are around 220hp base (240hp on the R type) and our N/A cars are around probably 170hp?


Supercharging might get our N/A cars that kick in your pants turbo feel, but again not worth it.

 

The BTCC 850 with all its work was 290hp.

 

I'd leave the NA engine alone and invest in the handling and braking of the car. One of the most fun cars I've ever owned was an 84 Audi 4000Q with all of 130 HP. It was all about how it drove - certainly not its 10 second 0-60... IPD sway bars to start, 16 or 17 inch wheels, 300mm brake rotors and caliper brackets, H+R springs and fresh rubber bits in the suspension and mounts will keep a smile on you. After that its the big amp/speakers...

 

Sell the car and buy a turbo 850.

 

^This. Fun factor increases with really good suspension and tire upgrades, its not always about adding power.

 

We shall see.