Table of Contents
In this article:
1. 10 Easy Tips To Boost Engine Performance
5. Performance Exhaust Headers
6. High Flow Catalytic Converters
8. Installing Nitrous Oxide Kit
11. Weight Reduction
1 10 Easy Tips To Boost Engine Performance
You cannot simply add more horses to your vehicle for increased speed, but enhancing engine performance is possible without breaking the bank or needing an engineering degree. By using a few simple bolt-on performance boosters, you can gain more horsepower at a reasonable cost with some elbow grease. You can install these in your home garage without the need of any special tools. For best results without risking damage to your engine and vehicle, we recommend you to seek advice from your local mechanic to get the best combination of the below-mentioned parts.
Performance boosters are designed to increase engine efficiency which helps increase fuel mileage. This makes the deal even sweeter as you get faster responses when you press the pedal and higher fuel economies while cruising the streets. The following are the performance boosters that provide the best results in a stock car and have an easy installation process.
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2 Performance Air Intake
Performance air intake or Cold Air Intake help provide the engine with cooler air which is denser than hot air. Denser air means the amount of oxygen is increased and more oxygen equals better combustion. A performance air intake channels cooler air into the engine cylinders which increases engine performance. This system replaces your existing air intake duct along with the air filter and replaces it with a wider duct and a performance air filter and draws cold air from the exterior of the car. It is advised to install the sensors present on the original air duct which will ensure the proper functioning of the engine management system. Many cold air intake manufacturers guarantee an increase in engine horsepower by as much as 15Hp.
3 Performance Air Filter
Performance air intake or Cold Air Intake helps supply the engine with cooler and denser air compared to hot air. The increased oxygen from denser air results in better combustion and enhanced engine performance. This system replaces your existing air intake duct and filter with a wider duct and a performance air filter, drawing cold air from the car’s exterior.
Installing the sensors from the original air duct ensures proper functioning of the engine management system. Many cold air intake manufacturers guarantee up to a 15Hp increase in engine horsepower.
4 Throttle Body Spacers
There is a lot of debate regarding the workings of the throttle body spacers. The truth is that they function well in specific types of fuel delivery systems like carbureted engines and single-point fuel injection systems where the fuel is supplied at the throttle body. If you have an older model car with a carburetor or SFI then you will actually benefit from a throttle body spacer.
5 Performance Exhaust Headers
One way of getting better results and increasing your engine’s performance is to get a set of performance exhaust headers. Exhaust headers are designed specifically for engines and help direct exhaust gasses more effectively than standard headers. This helps in reducing the backpressure and increasing the power delivered by the engine. Learn more about the effects of the exhaust system on engine performance.
6 High Flow Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters are known for their reduction in engine horsepower as they restrict the flow of exhaust gasses, thereby limiting the performance. High-Flow Catalytic Converters offer the benefits of a standard converter while giving minimal exhaust flow restriction and maximizing engine performance.
7 Cat-Back Exhaust System
Once you have taken care of the exhaust headers and the catalytic converter you are left with the muffler which is the final and most crucial element that restricts the outgoing gases from the vehicle. Cat-back exhaust systems have high-performance mufflers and exhaust pipes that are tuned to allow exhaust gases to flow along a direct and smooth path, effectively flushing them out. They can significantly increase engine performance especially if paired with a performance header. Alternatively, you can only go with a high-performance muffler to avail several benefits of the cat-back system at a cheaper rate with an easier installation process.
8 Installing Nitrous Oxide Kit
Perhaps the most effective way to drastically increase the engine performance is to get a nitrous oxide kit. This boosts the engine performance by 50 to 250 horsepower with just a touch of a button and if you decide to change your vehicle, you can simply bolt the same kit into your new car. Essentially, it increases the amount of oxygen in the combustion chamber, resulting in improved performance in terms of horsepower and torque.
9 Forced Induction
The engine works with two simple elements – Air and Fuel. if you add more air and more fuel you will get more power. A forced induction system like a supercharger or turbocharger can considerably increase horsepower by up to 50%. Forced induction can also improve fuel economy in modern engines. If you have a naturally aspirated engine then you have the option of adding a turbocharger or a supercharger or even a combination of both. Remember that these upgrades are heavy on the engine and all of its components. So, you must be aware of the risks it carries. Always consult a trustworthy mechanic before initiating any enhancements.
10 Flashing Your ECU
Flashing your ECU is a complicated process but yields incredible results.. In modern vehicles all the systems are controlled by a computer including engine timing, fuel-air ratios, turbo boost, etc. Manufacturers prioritize fuel efficiency and emission standards, often compromising vehicle performance. By flashing your vehicle with a programmer or performance chip, you can avail the engine’s best power potential but at the cost of increased emissions and poor fuel economy. However, this process is reversible if needed for inspection or resale.. Always consult your mechanic for a better understanding of the process.
11 Weight Reduction
We all know weight is speed’s enemy. A lighter car allows for bigger acceleration numbers, as the engine works less to propel the vehicle. Removing unnecessary items, like junk and rear/passenger seats, carpeting, speakers, and air conditioning, can significantly improve performance. While comfort may be sacrificed, look at older sports cars for inspiration – they prioritized speed over luxury. Consider lighter, sturdier racing seats to support you in tight corners while shedding weight.