# How to make it go faster? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [November 19, 2007, 9:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463 "2007-11-19T21:57:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MariaD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9a28c/32.png) [@MariaD](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MariaD)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2007, 9:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463/1 "2007-11-19T21:57:14Z")
Hello. I have an interesting problem. I will be receiving a 1999 Hyundai 4 door, sedan, with 122330 miles on it. It’s free but comes with a catch: it doesn’t go faster than 55 mph. The problem is in the transmission we are told by the previous owners. So what can I do, if anything, to make it go faster, for say I-90. ---
**Author:** ![bscar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bscar/32/34_2.png) [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2007, 10:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463/2 "2007-11-19T22:01:55Z")
Well, since it’s free, you can afford a rebuilt/new transmission for it, should fix it right up. ---
**Author:** ![MariaD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9a28c/32.png) [@MariaD](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MariaD)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2007, 10:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463/3 "2007-11-19T22:13:47Z")
So it’s not something I could do w/o a mechanic? I’m willing to do work on it on my own, I’m just wondering how easy it’s going to be. ---
**Author:** ![MariaD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9a28c/32.png) [@MariaD](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MariaD)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2007, 10:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463/4 "2007-11-19T22:16:01Z")
So it’s not something I could do w/o a mechanic? I’m willing to do work on it on my own, I’m just wondering how easy it’s going to be. ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2007, 10:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463/5 "2007-11-19T22:51:10Z")
Most likely, not easy, and you probaly do not have the right tools. Top gear is probably out and I would budget $500 or so with a good maechanic or transmission shop. An alternativ eis to get a good transmission out of a low mileage wreck. ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2007, 12:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463/6 "2007-11-20T00:36:49Z")
Does the transmission shift normally through the first 3 gears? Is this a matter of not shifting into Overdrive? If so, you might have a trans shop scan this thing. It may be nothing more than an electrical switch or solenoid problem. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2007, 1:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463/7 "2007-11-20T01:44:22Z")
I just don’t see why a transmission would keep a car from going faster than 55 mph. Maybe something to do with overdrive, but I don’t believe that would stop it from going over 55. What does it do (sounds etc.) when you try to go over 55? I think you need someone to give you a second opinion and with the possible exception of the overdrive (thank OK for that suggestion) I just don’t understand. ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2007, 2:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463/8 "2007-11-20T02:34:02Z")
If it’s not the transmission, it may be the engine performance is so poor, from a lack of routine maintenance, that 55 mph is its limit. Stuff to do: change the spark plugs and wires, air filter, pcv valve, fuel filter (if not in the gas tank), spray an intake cleaner down the intake tube. If there is a check engine light on, get it scanned at an auto parts store (for free) and bring it back here for comments. After you get it running better, play the timing belt guessing game: “Is it original, or has it been changed?” There are extra points for a correct answer. ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2007, 2:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463/9 "2007-11-20T02:53:38Z")
Neither you, nor anyone who has posted has the faintest clue what is wrong with this car. Have a competent mechanic check it out and he will tell you, hopefully, what the problem is. ---
**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/51bf81/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2007, 5:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-make-it-go-faster/7463/10 "2007-11-20T05:12:37Z")
Buy an older car that runs right and you will end up saving money. Tell the donor that you wouldn’t touch that thing if it was a photograph.