Most of the proofs of Dirichlet's theorem on primes in arithmetic progressions actually give a Mertens-like theorem, and then the (weaker) statement > **Chebyshev-like bound** : if $(a,q) = 1$ then > >$$\sum_{\substack{n \leq X \\ n \equiv a \mod q}} \Lambda(n) \gg_q \frac{X}{\varphi(q)} $$ >(the factor $\varphi (q)$ is introduced here only for cosmetic reasons) There are basically two ways in which this could be strenghtened : - for fixed $q$, in the $X$-aspect : this amounts to replace the $\gg $ above by $\sim$, which is exactly the prime number theorem in arithmetic progressions. - in the $q$-aspect : one asks for explicit $\epsilon$ (depending on $q$) satisfying $$\sum_{\substack{n \leq X \\ n \equiv a \mod q}} \Lambda(n) \geq \epsilon \frac{X}{\varphi(q)} $$ If complex analysis is allowed, the Siegel-Walfisz solves both problems and gives $\epsilon = 1 - o(1)$ in the range $q \ll \left( \log X \right) ^A $ (for any $A>0$). But I'm especially interested in *elementary* methods (with the usual meaning of the word "elementary" in this context). Following step by step Dirichlet's proof (or at least one of its modern variants), I managed to prove that $$ \epsilon = e^{- C \varphi(q) \left( \log q \right)^9} $$ is admissible. Apart from the unimportant $\log$ factors, I haven't improved this yet. Hence my questions : > What is the best (known) lower bound on $\epsilon$ that one can reach by elementary methods ? > > What is the wider allowed range for $q$ that one gets from the elementary proofs of the prime number in arithmetic progressions ? References are welcome, I've found none so far. **EDIT** : In view of the comments and answers below, I conclude that what I'm asking for is not as classic I thought it was. I summarize the state of the question : - there are (relatively easy and) elementary proofs of Siegel's theorem, but deducing from it a Siegel-Walfisz theorem seems to require complex (or Fourier) analysis. - No elementary proof of Linnik's theorem exists *in the literature*, but Micah Milinovich suggests below that A. Granville could have further information on this subject. It may be worth contacting him.