ok i know my winter beater 1995 grand am se 2.4L 5 speed can own my 1989 5.0L tbi firebird. wtf?!!!! over the winter i want to get the most affordable power out of the bird while its in storage. i dont want to spend too much and i dont really want to mess with the computer.


BUT COME ON A 2.4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!thats over half as small

 

what did you expect from a stock tbi engine, they are slow. period
im also guessing that your bird is an auto and if so has horrible gearing, and since it only has 170 horse to the 2.4's 150 and the bird weighing a lot more...well there you go

unfortunately, you are out of luck if you don't want to touch the computer, because that is half of the battle with these cars. sure you can throw some parts at it and it will help some, but until you get a custom tune(even the factoriy'stune has left some power on the table for you.
you need whole exhaust,
ult tbi mods
open element or cold air induction
and the list could go on and on
so if you don't want to mess withe comp, well, you wont' get much no matter what you do

 

Don't really think I need to explain this one..........

 

Just so you dont go home empty handed...

Some people have gotten lucky and made it into the 14's without touching the motor itself, which is what youd have to do if you absolutly refused to touch the computer. Things such as a full legnth 3" exhaust, headers, improved air cleaner, AFPR would be a good start. Also swapping in a WC T-5 and posi/gears would help tremendously. That 700-R4 is like towing an anchor with a low powered motor. In the end though, a full tune via the prom is the best route to take.