I’m posting this thread here because it covers a multitude of topics.
I need advice on what I should do to improve the performance output from my 2000 Elantra’s 2.0.
I would like to make it faster while not compromising the interior or ride comfort. Everyone I’ve spoken with in the import tuner world looks at me like I’m speaking Latin when I mention the 2.0 from the 2000 Elantra. I’m not trying to build a track car but I would like some increased HP and torque.
To give an idea of where I am now, I’ve put together a little history on my Elantra. Basically I want to show what has been done to the car already and what is in the process of being completed. Some of this content was posted years ago in a section of the forum that has been subsequently archived.
The story of my 2000 Elantra
History
I purchased my 2000 Elantra new on May 18, 2000 from Tuttle Click Hyundai in Irvine California. It had 4 miles on the odometer. It’s Sandalwood metallic pearl with every available option for that year. I needed a reliable commuter and the warranty sold me. The looks aren't bad either 
(4/2004)
Over the ensuing 14 years, this car has been commuting and road tripping for over 250,000 miles all across the western US.
Bodega Head Whale Watching
June Lake, Eastern Sierra Mtns
Calistoga, Napa Valley snow flurry
First series of modifications.
Around January 2012, at 220,000 miles, the transmission died. Additionally, with that many miles, the Elantra had definitely seen better days. I decided that if I was going to replace the transmission, I’d do a full refresh to the interior and exterior of the car as well.
Interior
Stripped out interior and completely covered interior surfaces with Dynomat Extreme . This took well over 15 work hours and countless cuts and bruises. Always wear gloves
Steam cleaned the carpet while it was out
Replaced factory speakers with Pioneer TS-A6964R A-Series 6"x9" 3-Way (rear) and Pioneer TS-A1304C A-Series 5 1/4" Components (front). I’ll take more photos next time I have the door panels off. The Pioneer tweeters fit perfectly into the stock tweeter location.
Replaced previous head unit with a Pioneer AVIC-X920BT double din navigation unit.
Installed Kansas City Custom’s Leather Interior Package (replaces cloth seats and door inserts with leather) If anyone wants to buy the original cloth covers I have them in pretty good condition. E-mail me. Also replaced the worn window buttons and interior door handles with new ones.
Recarpeted the rear package tray. The old carpet had faded to a pale green
Put in new factory floor mats and installed Elantra scuff plates
I also put in a new center console and console storage bin
Removed old tint and replaced with new 3M 50%
Exterior
Replaced worn headlight enclosures with new ones and installed factory Hyundai Avante fog lights in the factory locations. The American Elantra does not come with mounts behind the fog light covers so custom mounts were made. Lastly I installed matching PIAA 4100k bulbs in the headlights and the fog lights.
Replaced rusty windshield wiper arms with new ones
Installed Avante valve stem covers
Mechanical
Installed new struts, new engine mounts, had the transmission rebuilt at 220,000 miles.
As the Elantra looked in June 2012
In June of 2013 I purchased remanufactured 2009 Kia Spectra Sport package wheels. They're 16x6 with an offset of 43. One of the benefits of using a Kia product is that Hyundai used the same mold to make the Kia Spectra center caps as they did to make the Elantra caps. So, I bought a set of Elantra caps and they popped right into place.
taken Nov 16th on a road trip to Mt. Shasta to do some snow hiking.
That’s where everything stood until November 20, 2013.
On Nov 20 of last year (2013) I loaned the Elantra to a friend to run to the local CVS and back. Unfortunately it didn’t make it back in one piece.
So again it was decision time and I still could not bring myself to scrap it. The title is still clean and this could be the perfect opportunity to really finish it off and make the final modifications that I’ve always wanted to.
My friends and my brother in law were right there to help me out. First, we took out the motor and transmission, the radiator and core support, the front bumper, and remove the damaged hood.
The bulk of the hit was to the front drivers side apron and frame.
I grabbed a pristine OEM hood from a local Pick-N-Pull which for the time being will keep the non-damaged sensors and parts dry. Eventually I would like to go for a carbon fiber hood but this will do for the moment.
The Plan!!
SO, first things first, the Idea is to use this Cuper Elantra as the starting point for the new exterior look. I love the look of this body kit.
I would use the Cuper bodykit for the front bumper and side skirts. I didn’t like the rear bumper attachment that comes with the kit so instead I’ve decided to go with the Duraflex Evo rear bumper cover.
I also really wanted to swap in the 2.0T from a 2013 Sonata but after much adu, that would have required completely re-doing the chassis to the tune of $$$...not what I had in mind. So the plan has shifted to modifying/ rebuilding the current motor to increase performance.
The acquisitions
From December 2013 to around mid March 2014 I was in parts gathering mode. The Cuper kit and the Duraflex rear bumper cover eventually arrived as well as all the parts that would be needed to bring the Elantra back to life.
The Re-construction
At the end of March, the Elantra went to my friend Mark’s shop, Poggies Rods and Customs in Santa Rosa to repair the damage done to the frame, the apron, and the core support.
You can really see the damage to the apron here
By Mid April, the frame and apron repairs were done.
Mark and the repairs
The Engine bay was cleaned and re-sprayed.
Lastly, the quarter panels and hood were attached and adjusted.
The Engine
That brings us to where we are today. Before the new bumpers are attached and the Elantra goes in for final paint and body work, I want to get the engine enhancements completed and installed and the engine put back in the car.
At this point I’m open to any and all suggestions.
I’ve heard the basics: new headers, intake, exhaust, and bigger injectors off a 2000 Tiburon w/ tuning to the fuel management system to increase fuel flow.
Alpine Developments used to make a supercharger system for the motor which has been discontinued. The same goes for Sherwood automotives bolt on Turbo kit which is sadly no more.
SO…Thoughts?..... I’d like to keep engine costs under $5k if possible. It’s a stock 2.0 with around 250,000 miles.
Thanks, any and all comments and advice are greatly appreciated!!!