Automakers are generally more interested in improving mileage and keeping costs low than in maximizing performance. However, if you want to get the most out of your vehicle, there are a few ways you can increase horsepower, maximize performance, and speed. Read the steps below to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Improve Vehicle Performance
Step 1. Reduce the weight of the car
One of the simplest things you can do to increase horsepower is to lighten your vehicle as much as possible by giving it the least amount of weight to push. Remove all unnecessary objects from your car and lighten it as much as possible to give it optimal performance.
Step 2. Upgrade a free-flow exhaust system
Installing a high-performance exhaust system can increase horsepower by as much as 5-10 in naturally aspirated vehicles, while those with an additional supercharger can increase it much more.
It is a common misconception that oversized tubes adversely affect back pressure, resulting in loss of torque and power. Actually, in most engines it is better to use the free circulation system, in terms of the air intake, the manifold and the exhaust
Step 3. Use test tubes
Research the "suppression" systems for sale, which are also known as "test tubes." These systems run from the catalytic converter to the end of the tailpipe, increasing horsepower. The installation kit usually costs several hundred dollars, but you could save by comparing prices and doing it yourself.
Measure the diameter of the pipe coming out of the catalytic converter and replace it with a larger exhaust pipe. You can pay to have it installed at a workshop, or you can do it yourself by cutting the old exhaust pipe and leaving a few inches for welding. If you do it yourself, put the new system in place and solder or clamp it to the point you just cut. Reinstall the brackets you removed
Step 4. Buy a second-hand free-circulation air filter
It is also a good idea to purchase a suitable free-circulation air filter for your car and install it to increase horsepower a bit more. It's not a big change, but it's a good way to make sure your vehicle performs at the highest level possible.
- Open the hood, find the structure where the air filter is located, and remove it. Unscrew the clamps or screws, taking care to prevent any contaminant from entering the filter structure. Remove the old air filter and discard it. Clean the inside of the structure with a damp cloth and insert the new air filter
- Keep in mind that many used air filters will actually allow larger particles to pass into the engine and into the oil filters, especially if they are not properly maintained. They will even allow oil to enter the air intake. Oil from the filter can damage or destroy the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor in vehicles that are equipped with it. In forced induction motors, the marginal benefit of increased airflow with a second-hand filter is generally greater due to the fact that the turbine will provide the required air regardless of which filter is used and will greatly increase the warranty. of not having oil and sand in the air intake and in the MAF.
Step 5. Investigate the alternatives you have in relation to the turbocharger and the supercharger
Installing a supercharger on a big-block engine or a turbocharger on a smaller-block one will basically involve the entire overhaul of the engine and the overhaul of the heavy-duty components of the engine, costing several thousand dollars. It's a big project, but it's the most effective way to increase horsepower 30 to 50 percent over the car's original horsepower. If you are determined to install a supercharger in your car, you could consider the following varieties:
- Roots type compressors They are the oldest in the supercharger system and are generally among the most economical. Also, they are very popular with racing vehicles. They work by funneling extremely large amounts of air through the intake manifold, providing quick bursts of energy.
- Twin screw compressors They draw air through the lobes, which is trapped in the rotor housing and compressed into a cone-shaped device. In the United States, these devices are not legal in all states, as they tend to be very noisy.
- Centrifugal compressors They use the power booster to draw high pressure air into a compressor, easily reaching 100,000 rpm, making them the most efficient compressors for your vehicle.
Method 2 of 2: Reprogram the car's computer
Step 1. Upgrade a turbocharger using a programmer
These devices modify the programming in your vehicle's computer, known as “reprogramming,” in order to enable more horsepower, torque, and sometimes better fuel economy. On a naturally aspirated engine the increase in horsepower will be minimal, but with a supercharger you can see a huge horsepower benefit.
Some auto shops will advertise reprogramming options, saving you a lot of money in the process. In practical terms, it's not something that people do on their own, so you could speak to a trusted mechanic in case you're interested
Step 2. Upgrade the turbocharger computer with a power module
Second-hand power modules can serve similarly, sometimes delivering up to 40% more horsepower with proper installation.
- To install, refer to the driver's manual, a Chilton or Haynes manual to see how to access the car's computer. Once inside, disconnect the negative battery cable and the wiring harness from the computer.
- Plug in the second power module. Insert it between the cable harness and the computer. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Step 3. Determine the pros and cons
On the positive side, reprogramming your car's computer can be a great and effective way to increase horsepower, which will give you more power. On the downside, it's a costly process that requires you to already have a supercharged engine (another expensive process); Furthermore, reprogramming also voids the warranty on any vehicle. Keep in mind that it is up to you to complete this process or not.
Advice
- Join an online car forum that is geared specifically to your make or model of vehicle. Learn from other people about what works and what doesn't so you don't waste your time and money or end up damaging your car.
- Modified car clubs can be a great way to get discounts on parts for your vehicle.
- When you test your car before renovating it, take it to a safe race track if possible. Not only are racetracks safer, but they will allow you to appreciate your car's true speed and improved performance when doing comparison races.
- Many modern cars have an air intake snorkel placed at a high pressure point in front of the vehicle to draw in cooler air from outside. If you choose to install a second-hand cold air intake (CAI), you will need to pay attention to the current layout. Also, keep in mind if these devices are installed at a low altitude there will be a greater chance that they will suck water in rainy weather, causing a blockage and more damage to the motor.
Warnings
- Some states in the United States, such as California, require that each second-hand part pass a certification for use in an urban vehicle (CARB or “California Air Resources Board”). If the parts you buy don't have this tag, your vehicle can be impounded.
- Check with a local licensing agency about emissions regulations. Some improvements to your car's engine and exhaust could prevent you from passing emissions tests and possibly violate federal emissions laws.