I just got my lil wagon it has the 2.2 in it so if I want more power out of it where should I start? I have a friend that said he could dyno tune it for me but not sure if that should be my first option. Ive read a ton of post and just getting confused at this point. Mine is an auto if that makes a difference. I would love to get it up to around 180hp so Im asking all the pros on here. Thanks in advance
Raymond

 

Exhaust would be the area where you could net the biggest gains

 

besides a shot of nitrous, bolt ons aer only going to net you about 25-30 hp with a tune max. and you got to remember its 143 hp at the motor, you get about 118 at the wheels, so to get it to 180 at the wheels you are talking a hefty shot of nitrous, and thats not all the time, or some type of forced induction, either a turbo or a sc. if i were you this is what i would do, GMPP intake, 2.4 intake manifold conversion, header( cobalt addiction header is a good one) downpipe with freeflow cat(or catless if oyu want to be a rebel but in reality its for a minimal gain), good catback exhaust, and a trifecta tune(they have a really good rep and know what they are doing). motor and trans mounts would make it a little peppier as well(the ride will vibrate a little more at idle so beware) all of this in my estimation would give you 135-150 at the wheels(155-170 at the crank)and 150 is being generous on the top end. on 4cyl motors HP cost a lot of money. what i have concluded is expect to spend about a grand for every 50 hp(except nitrous its a little less). ive done alot of research on the subject so if you have any questions feel free to pm me, i might be able to point you in the right direction.