Crank Out More Horsepower
Give It Some Boost
Carmakers have been adding superchargers and turbochargers to relatively small engines to make them feel like big engines for years. You can do the same–and if you have a big engine to start with, all the better. Superchargers and turbos can provide 25 to 50 percent more horsepower; plus, they typically have no impact on emissions and little to no impact on fuel economy.
Breathe Freely
Many vehicles perform as if their engines are sipping air through a tiny straw. Installing a high-flow air filter or mass air sensor will remove some of the restrictions in the intake system, so the engine can draw bigger breaths and make more power. In fact, a simple change in air filters can be good for up to 15 horsepower, and reusable filters reduce waste heading to landfills, too.
Exhale
Just as an engine must inhale, it needs to exhale. For more power, consumers can remove restrictions in their exhaust systems–e.g., by changing to high-performance mufflers, headers or even high-flow catalytic converters. Exhaust enhancements not only add horsepower, they typically increase gas mileage and reduce emissions, too.
Light My Fire
Enhancing a vehicle’s ignition system helps it burn the air-and-fuel mixture more completely during each combustion cycle, making the engine more efficient. The engine therefore produces more power, and it gets better fuel economy with a reduction in tailpipe emissions. Even a simple change to low-resistance spark plug wires often can make a noticeable improvement in performance.
Change Its Mind
Automotive computers can be taught to make more power. You can easily perform a simple chip change or you can have fun using a computer reprogrammer to add 10 to 25 horsepower–and to maximize performance gains after making other modifications.
Stop Slipping
Automatic transmissions are set up to slip every time they shift, so they throw away perfectly good horsepower. It’s easy to recover some of those lost ponies by installing a transmission shift improver kit, which improves acceleration and towing abilities. Because the kit reduces heat and slippage, it extends the life of the transmission, too.
Of course, some of you will be ready to race after watching the horses run or the NASCAR and Indy Car drivers turn some laps. You’ll want to check out the JDM racing swaps we offer, but remember me smart and obey all local laws.
Ask the Motor Dog!
