This may be a stupid question, but this is really the first car I've ever owned that has made me want to learn more about it. I know nothing about the workings of an engine or transmission so please forgive me if this is a stupid question.

My new Lancer is an ES with an automatic CVT. My question is this, will I see any benefits to adding any sort of after market performance parts such as an intake, new headers, new exhaust, etc etc (with the exception of a turbo) comparable to that of a M/t?

What are the ups and downs of adding these parts to an automatic vs manual?

Thank you in advance!

 

Yes, CVT or Manual, you will see just about the same benefit. The only negative to the CVT is that there is a 5% to 7 % self induced power loss by the CVT transmission. By design the CVT has a vibration to it when operating. To counter act this vibration there is a special programming that limits input tq enough ensure smooth operation. In the end this is what makes the 5 speed and the CVT the same speed in a drag race. If the CVT didnt have that special programming it would be fact Stock vs. Stock.

To answer your question about the CVT + CAI, this will help. CVT is great because you never have to let off the gas for shifting gears so you maintain the ram effect of the intake. An INJEN intake is the preferred intake for HP, AEM CAI for TQ - (note modification required)

 

the INJEN cai is great on the 2.4l engine, but I recommend the k&n SRI for the 2.0 engine, as the 2.0 engine benefits much less from an intake in general and there is no use risking any issues with having a CAI (hydrolock etc) when the CAI and k&n sri will yield identical results.

 

Awesome, thank you for the quick response.

Am I right in thinking that the CVT is able to handle most upgrades short of a turbo? (with some debate it would seem, but for the sake of argument lets just say it wouldn't work)

 

CVT will be fine with NA mods, i have drop in filter with ralliart intake duct, greddy se exhaust and RPW tune 3 currently running for the past 25k miles or so and have had 0 issues.

 

You'll have to forgive my ignorance, but NA = North America?

 

NA = naturally apirated, as in non-turbo.

 

I wasn't even close.

 

Dont sweat it. Research is your best friend, dont be scared to use the search button.

 

Intake and exhaust will improve the sound of the car but performance gains are very brief esp without a tune. Most peopls install them just for looks or sound. I havent gone thru one car yet that I didnt instal an injen cai lol

 

I have interviewed JATCO (CVT transmission maker) and interact with my racing counter parts in Japan. CVT Turbo (decent boost) is not a problem. heat is the only issue. The just recommend not using D mode its that simple. Fixed gear operation and oil fluids and the transmission is fine. It took them 4 CVT transmissions to figure that out Transmission number 5 is just fine with decent levels of boost.

 

fact Stock vs. Stock. <~~~? you mean fast stock vs stock??