What Modifications Increase Horsepower?
Performance enhancements are best done as a package, not as a single improvement piece. Here are some examples of how to increase horsepower in your car:
1) Aftermarket Tuning
Aftermarket tuning is an easy way to gain 20-50 horsepower, depending on how conservative the factory tune was. A good tuner can squeeze a little bit of performance out of the factory parts, but at some point you’ll need to upgrade your hardware to flow more air and fuel.
2) Intake and Exhaust
Improved intakes, headers, catalytic converters, and exhausts eliminate bottlenecks and improve airflow. An internal combustion engine is just a fancy air pump, so more air means more horsepower.
Upgrading the intake and exhaust to increase airflow often requires upgrading the injectors so the tuner can add more fuel. Some engines will run dangerously lean if not tuned to compensate for the increased airflow.
3) Switch to Super (or E85).
Switching from regular to premium fuel and advancing the ignition timing is often a quick and easy way to get more power. This requires engine tuning changes or distributor improvements to take advantage of the increased octane rating.
E85 has an even higher octane rating than Super. If E85 is available in your area, using this ethanol-based fuel offers even more performance advantages over Super.
4) Charging
Supercharging is the easiest way to increase the power output of an engine. Adding a turbocharger or supercharger to your engine allows you to force more air into the engine. This can easily compensate for a small displacement, as long as the engine parts can withstand the increased boost pressure.
If your engine already has a turbocharger, you can also upgrade the intercooler to reduce the intake air temperature. Cooler air ensures higher performance.
5) Engine Modifications
Adding a turbocharger to an engine often comes with a significant decrease in reliability. Turbos increase heat, add many hoses, and put increased strain on engines that weren’t designed for that. If you want reliable performance, an engine swap should be your end goal.
LS swaps are probably the most common type of engine swap, and many vehicles have engine swap kits available that allow you to replace the entire drivetrain with minimal fabrication.
