If you want to get the most out of your engine, you can optimize its power by changing the air flow, the exhaust system and overall performance. To get the most efficiency out of your vehicle there are a few things you can do, read on.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Maximizing the efficiency of the engine
Step 1. Lighten the vehicle as much as possible
The simplest and cheapest way to harness the full power of the engine is to eliminate excess weight. Even removing only 10 kg, acceleration will improve. Remove everything unnecessary from the trunk and passenger compartment and consider other interventions in this regard:
- Remove the rear seats which, in some models, can weigh up to 50 kg.
- Use alloy wheels instead of steel wheels paired with sports tires. This will save you another 25 kg.
- Replace stock panels with carbon fiber or glass ones. This is a complex modification but, if you are looking for maximum performance, it is a viable route.
Step 2. Install a larger air intake in the intake system
Also change the filter itself (with a highly performing one) to guarantee you a few more horses without spending too much. The engine will breathe better and be more powerful. If you have 40 to 250 euros available, this is one of the first changes to make.
- AEM dry filters do not need oil and are legal everywhere. A filter lasts for many miles and can add up to 5 horsepower to the vehicle, depending on the model.
- Cold air or spoiler intake systems channel cold air from the cooling system to the outside of the vehicle. Some cars benefit from their installation, others don't. Usually, in high-end cars they are useless, as they already have a well-designed cooling system.
- Before proceeding with any filter modifications or using a high-performance one, do some research on the internet to be sure that the highway code in your country allows this customization.
Step 3. Upgrade the exhaust system by testing the pipes
In theory, a "collector" should be installed through which the fumes leave the engine more quickly and pass to the tail pipe. There are kits if you want to proceed on your own by spending several hundred euros, but remember that there are welding processes that require the use of a hydraulic lifter, a repositioning system, the welding equipment and the skills to make a good work. It is best to go to an experienced mechanic, who knows what he is doing, and pay him for his valuable work.
- Inline 4-cylinder engines need a 2.5-inch exhaust system, unless they are equipped with a turbocharger, in this case a 3-inch is fine. V-engines with 6 or 8 cylinders should have a 2.5-3 inch system.
- Exhaust manifolds are very expensive and only give a few more horsepower. It may be a modification to consider, but only if you have already put all the others in place to maximize potency.
Part 2 of 2: Maximizing Engine Performance
Step 1. Install a high performance camshaft
This replacement increases the duration and timing of the opening of the valves during combustion in the engine; all this translates into more power and faster acceleration. The idle will be a little louder with a tree of this type, there will be a guttural rumble, much loved by car fanatics. This is also an expensive modification but, when combined with the work on the exhaust and manifold, it gives excellent results.
To install the new camshaft, you need to expose the timing components by removing the crankcase. Loosen and remove the belt and the old camshaft to fit the new one. Adjust the timing and fine-tune the shaft if necessary
Step 2. Do some research for a turbocharger or supercharger
The turbocharger adds up to 25-30% more power, however it also costs 3000 euros for the more common models while the price goes up for the less popular ones. Turbos are great for any type of car, but they are expensive and difficult to fit if you are a novice mechanic. Do some research to figure out what fits your car model and weigh the possibilities.
- The turbocharger it sucks air into the engine, increasing its horsepower. An intercooler must also be installed to avoid unresponsiveness during which the engine overheats and slows the impeller.
- The volumetric compressor it is connected to the belt and is effective for engines with more than 6 cylinders. While the turbocharger generates a much higher horsepower peak, the supercharger does not require the use of an intercooler and therefore causes less overheating and maintenance problems. Both are available as centrifugal, vacuum pump or rotary models to suit the engine type.
Step 3. Install a water injection or anti-knock kit
For around 300 euros you can buy a good kit that improves mileage and power, reducing carbon deposits in the combustion chambers and the rattling of the engine. Most of the time, this system allows you to purchase a low-octane fuel. Although water injection kits do not improve performance on internal combustion engines, they can help recover lost power. Turbochargers or volumetric compressors greatly increase their effectiveness when combined with water injection.
