Need more power? Simple-Advanced Solutions
07-16-2006 | 06:51 PM
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Need more power? Simple-Advanced Solutions
Need more power? Here you'll find information about every type bolt-on performance item available. Whether you're looking for a few more horses to help you tow that trailer, or if you're building an all-out racing machine, the information you need is right here.
The items on this page are arranged from simple to complex. If you're on the quest for power, start with the items listed at the top and work your way down.
Approximate horsepower gains are listed with each item. Actual gains will vary depending upon your application; some vehicles may benefit more than others, and seperate modifications often work together to produce better results.
Air Filters
Exhaust Systems
Computer Chip Upgrades
Underdrive Pullies
Exhaust Headers
Catalytic Converters
Ignition Systems
Intake Upgrades
Cylinder Heads and Camshafts
Superchargers and Turbochargers (Click)
Nitrous Oxide (Click)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naturally Aspirated
Air Filters
The first and fastest way to get more power out of any engine is to get more air into the engine and more exhaust out. A high-flowing, low restriction air filter setup is the way to start. Perfornace air filters are available for almost any application. Horsepower gains vary, but you can expect a 5-10 horsepower gain in most applications.
Exhaust Systems
The stock exhaust system found in most vehicles is a soruce of great flow restritcion. By replacing the exhaust system, you will discover a dramatic increase in power. The simple, and most popular method to gain some power is to install a cat-back exhaust system, which replaces the stock exhaust from the catalytic converter to the tailpipe. These systems incorporate a high-flow muffler and often use larger-than-stock diameter tubing, which is mandrel-bent to eliminate crimping when the tubes are bent. Several manufacturers produce cat-back exhaust systems specially made for each model.
There are a few important things to consider when choosing a system for your truck. The material used in a cat-back system is usually aluminized steel. Aluminized steel exhaust systems are cheaper, but they won't last as long as stainless steel. For maximum durability, and if you can afford it, choose a stainless steel exhaust.
Exhaust systems vary greatly in exhaust tone, in-car noise, and fit. Keep those things in mind when deciding on your exhaust system. Another consideration is the exit location of the exhaust. Several manufacturers offer rear or side exit systems. You may also have the choice between single or dual-exhaust outlets. If you plan on installing your own cat-back system, remeber that although the new exhaust may be a simple bolt-on operation, removal of your old system may require cutting.
If a cat-back system isn't available for your application, you can purchase a high-flow muffler and fabricate your own system using larger-than-stock tubing, or have your muffler shop build one for you. A good cat-back exhaust or high-flow muffler can add up to 15-20 horsepower to your engine, and may also help with fuel economy.
For a mild boost of power, start with a high-flow air filter and a cat-back exhaust system.
Computer Chip Upgrades
If your engine is controlled by a computer, chances are you can gain power and performance by installing a computer upgrade. Most vehicles can use a replacement PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) chip. These chips can alter the air/fuel ratio, idle speed, and spark timing of your engine depending upon different operating conditions. Most changes occur at or near wide open throttle. Most chips sold by large manufacturers are made for stock or near-stock engines. Examples include ADS, Z Industries, Hypertech, and JET. If your engine has been heavily-modified, you will need a chip which has been programmed for your application, some chip manufacturers, such as Z Industries, allow you to specify parameters and can make custom chips, or change a chip's settings.
Some systems make changes easy, and they can control ignition timing, fuel injection performance, and even automatic transmission shifting points.
Computer chips and reprogrammers can add up to 20-30 horespower, especially if you have already added a cat-back exhaust system and performance air filter. Some chips and reprogramming units require the use of premium gasoline, which may be an important consideration if you want to keep your fuel costs down.
Underdrive Pullies
Underdrive pullies usually consist of crankshaft and alternator pullies. These increase horsepower by reducing accessory drag. Pullies can benefit almost any engine, large or small. Installation is a snap, but there are a few disadvantages to underdrive pullies. Because the alternator is turning slower, it won't be able to produce the current needed to keep the battery charged when running at idle. If you leave your vehicle on idle for extended periods of time, you may want to only install the crankshaft pulley. An underdrive pulley set can add up to 15 horsepower to your engine and can also improve fuel economy.
Exhaust Headers
Aftermarket headers can be bolted in place of the stock cast-iron headers. Small block headers usually use 1-5/8-inch primary tubes and big-block headers use 1-3/4-inch tubes. An important consideration when choosing headers is quality of materials. Header tubing vary in thickness, but a good quality header should use between 18-gauge and 14-gauge tubing. The metal used in the header is also important. Some headers are mild-steel, which will rust and corrode over time. Headers can be coated, either with a ceramic coating or a high-temperature paint. Using 100% stainless steel construction eliminates the need for coatings, but it is usually out of many buyer's budgets. When headers are shipped, they sometimes come painted. Be aware that this coating is only for rust prevention during shipping, and the paint will not hold up to the heat once the header is installed. When headers are added along with a cat-back exhaust and high-flow catalytic converter, you can usually gain 20-30 horsepower over stock.
Catalytic Converters
When installing headers, you should add a monolith-style catalytic converter to replace the stock unit. Old or plugged pellet-style converters should also be replaced. Federal and state laws do allow the replacement of catalytic converters, but removal is illegal, and can actually harm your stock engine's performance. High-flowing performance catalytic converters are available from many companies. Be sure the catalytic converter you buy is made for your engine size, installing a 4-cylinder converter on a V8 will have a negative impact on exhaust flow. Another consideration is the material used in construction. The body of a catalytic converter is usually made of stainless steel, but the inlet and outlet tubes are often made of mild or aluminized steel. If you care about the longevity of your exhaust system, find a high flow catalytic converter that has stainless steel inlet and outlet tubes.
Ignition Systems
Ingition systems are also another source of added power. A performance iginition control can increase spark output over the whole power range. A complete ignition system upgrade should include new wires, and the spark plug gap may need to be increased to take advantage of performance ignition system. Older vehicles usually benefit more than newer ones. Although some owners experience little or no difference with a new ignition system, others find mild gains in fuel economy and power.
Intake Upgrades
Most late-model vehicles with electronic fuel injection use a TBI (throttle body fuel injection) system. TBI engines can benefit from the addition of a high flow intake manifold (such as those produced by Edelbrock), blue-printed throttle bodies, or TBI spacers. Companies such as Turbo City, Arizona Speed and Marine, and others offer several Chevy Small Block and Big Block TBI upgrades. For an even greater increase in power, a tuned port fuel injection system swap is available for those with TBI.
Cylinder Heads and Camshafts
Free-breathing cylinder heads are a good source of power. An alternative to expensive performance head replacements is to have your stock heads extrude-honed. This process will smooth out the intake and exhaust ports and will greatly improve flow characteristics, at a fraction of the cost of new heads.
Camshafts can also greatly improve your engine performance. There are many things to consider when installing a new cam. Roller camshafts offer a smoother idle, a broad power range, and strong top end, but they are much more expensive than standard flat tappet cams. A standard hydraulic cam is still a good choice, and proper planning will reward you with strong and reliable power. For a daily-driver, with compression between 9.5:1 to 10.0:1, 215 degrees is about the maximum .050-inch duration. With a lower compression engine, below 9.5:1 no more than 210 degrees of intake duration should be used.
Superchargers and Turbochargers (Click)
Nitrous Oxide (Click)
source: HowStuffWorks.com
The items on this page are arranged from simple to complex. If you're on the quest for power, start with the items listed at the top and work your way down.
Approximate horsepower gains are listed with each item. Actual gains will vary depending upon your application; some vehicles may benefit more than others, and seperate modifications often work together to produce better results.
Air Filters
Exhaust Systems
Computer Chip Upgrades
Underdrive Pullies
Exhaust Headers
Catalytic Converters
Ignition Systems
Intake Upgrades
Cylinder Heads and Camshafts
Superchargers and Turbochargers (Click)
Nitrous Oxide (Click)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naturally Aspirated
Air Filters
The first and fastest way to get more power out of any engine is to get more air into the engine and more exhaust out. A high-flowing, low restriction air filter setup is the way to start. Perfornace air filters are available for almost any application. Horsepower gains vary, but you can expect a 5-10 horsepower gain in most applications.
Exhaust Systems
The stock exhaust system found in most vehicles is a soruce of great flow restritcion. By replacing the exhaust system, you will discover a dramatic increase in power. The simple, and most popular method to gain some power is to install a cat-back exhaust system, which replaces the stock exhaust from the catalytic converter to the tailpipe. These systems incorporate a high-flow muffler and often use larger-than-stock diameter tubing, which is mandrel-bent to eliminate crimping when the tubes are bent. Several manufacturers produce cat-back exhaust systems specially made for each model.
There are a few important things to consider when choosing a system for your truck. The material used in a cat-back system is usually aluminized steel. Aluminized steel exhaust systems are cheaper, but they won't last as long as stainless steel. For maximum durability, and if you can afford it, choose a stainless steel exhaust.
Exhaust systems vary greatly in exhaust tone, in-car noise, and fit. Keep those things in mind when deciding on your exhaust system. Another consideration is the exit location of the exhaust. Several manufacturers offer rear or side exit systems. You may also have the choice between single or dual-exhaust outlets. If you plan on installing your own cat-back system, remeber that although the new exhaust may be a simple bolt-on operation, removal of your old system may require cutting.
If a cat-back system isn't available for your application, you can purchase a high-flow muffler and fabricate your own system using larger-than-stock tubing, or have your muffler shop build one for you. A good cat-back exhaust or high-flow muffler can add up to 15-20 horsepower to your engine, and may also help with fuel economy.
For a mild boost of power, start with a high-flow air filter and a cat-back exhaust system.
Computer Chip Upgrades
If your engine is controlled by a computer, chances are you can gain power and performance by installing a computer upgrade. Most vehicles can use a replacement PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) chip. These chips can alter the air/fuel ratio, idle speed, and spark timing of your engine depending upon different operating conditions. Most changes occur at or near wide open throttle. Most chips sold by large manufacturers are made for stock or near-stock engines. Examples include ADS, Z Industries, Hypertech, and JET. If your engine has been heavily-modified, you will need a chip which has been programmed for your application, some chip manufacturers, such as Z Industries, allow you to specify parameters and can make custom chips, or change a chip's settings.
Some systems make changes easy, and they can control ignition timing, fuel injection performance, and even automatic transmission shifting points.
Computer chips and reprogrammers can add up to 20-30 horespower, especially if you have already added a cat-back exhaust system and performance air filter. Some chips and reprogramming units require the use of premium gasoline, which may be an important consideration if you want to keep your fuel costs down.
Underdrive Pullies
Underdrive pullies usually consist of crankshaft and alternator pullies. These increase horsepower by reducing accessory drag. Pullies can benefit almost any engine, large or small. Installation is a snap, but there are a few disadvantages to underdrive pullies. Because the alternator is turning slower, it won't be able to produce the current needed to keep the battery charged when running at idle. If you leave your vehicle on idle for extended periods of time, you may want to only install the crankshaft pulley. An underdrive pulley set can add up to 15 horsepower to your engine and can also improve fuel economy.
Exhaust Headers
Aftermarket headers can be bolted in place of the stock cast-iron headers. Small block headers usually use 1-5/8-inch primary tubes and big-block headers use 1-3/4-inch tubes. An important consideration when choosing headers is quality of materials. Header tubing vary in thickness, but a good quality header should use between 18-gauge and 14-gauge tubing. The metal used in the header is also important. Some headers are mild-steel, which will rust and corrode over time. Headers can be coated, either with a ceramic coating or a high-temperature paint. Using 100% stainless steel construction eliminates the need for coatings, but it is usually out of many buyer's budgets. When headers are shipped, they sometimes come painted. Be aware that this coating is only for rust prevention during shipping, and the paint will not hold up to the heat once the header is installed. When headers are added along with a cat-back exhaust and high-flow catalytic converter, you can usually gain 20-30 horsepower over stock.
Catalytic Converters
When installing headers, you should add a monolith-style catalytic converter to replace the stock unit. Old or plugged pellet-style converters should also be replaced. Federal and state laws do allow the replacement of catalytic converters, but removal is illegal, and can actually harm your stock engine's performance. High-flowing performance catalytic converters are available from many companies. Be sure the catalytic converter you buy is made for your engine size, installing a 4-cylinder converter on a V8 will have a negative impact on exhaust flow. Another consideration is the material used in construction. The body of a catalytic converter is usually made of stainless steel, but the inlet and outlet tubes are often made of mild or aluminized steel. If you care about the longevity of your exhaust system, find a high flow catalytic converter that has stainless steel inlet and outlet tubes.
Ignition Systems
Ingition systems are also another source of added power. A performance iginition control can increase spark output over the whole power range. A complete ignition system upgrade should include new wires, and the spark plug gap may need to be increased to take advantage of performance ignition system. Older vehicles usually benefit more than newer ones. Although some owners experience little or no difference with a new ignition system, others find mild gains in fuel economy and power.
Intake Upgrades
Most late-model vehicles with electronic fuel injection use a TBI (throttle body fuel injection) system. TBI engines can benefit from the addition of a high flow intake manifold (such as those produced by Edelbrock), blue-printed throttle bodies, or TBI spacers. Companies such as Turbo City, Arizona Speed and Marine, and others offer several Chevy Small Block and Big Block TBI upgrades. For an even greater increase in power, a tuned port fuel injection system swap is available for those with TBI.
Cylinder Heads and Camshafts
Free-breathing cylinder heads are a good source of power. An alternative to expensive performance head replacements is to have your stock heads extrude-honed. This process will smooth out the intake and exhaust ports and will greatly improve flow characteristics, at a fraction of the cost of new heads.
Camshafts can also greatly improve your engine performance. There are many things to consider when installing a new cam. Roller camshafts offer a smoother idle, a broad power range, and strong top end, but they are much more expensive than standard flat tappet cams. A standard hydraulic cam is still a good choice, and proper planning will reward you with strong and reliable power. For a daily-driver, with compression between 9.5:1 to 10.0:1, 215 degrees is about the maximum .050-inch duration. With a lower compression engine, below 9.5:1 no more than 210 degrees of intake duration should be used.
Superchargers and Turbochargers (Click)
Nitrous Oxide (Click)
source: HowStuffWorks.com
Last edited by wacKo; 07-16-2006 at 07:14 PM. Reason: Links to continuation
07-19-2006 | 03:02 AM
#3
~~ Hardcore Newb ~~
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 75
Rep Power: 722
lol
this is a great thread but i think the hp gains are a bit exagerated. 15-20hp from an exhaust system..wat kind of engines are me talkin about..
nonetheless atleast it gives pple some cost effective options
nonetheless atleast it gives pple some cost effective options
07-20-2006 | 01:14 AM
#4
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Originally Posted by crx_domination
but i think the hp gains are a bit exagerated. 15-20hp from an exhaust system..wat kind of engines are me talkin about..
07-20-2006 | 08:15 PM
#7
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Originally Posted by crx_domination
this is a great thread but i think the hp gains are a bit exagerated. 15-20hp from an exhaust system..wat kind of engines are me talkin about..
nonetheless atleast it gives pple some cost effective options
nonetheless atleast it gives pple some cost effective options
An FI engine will see Significant gains from a properly done turbo back exhaust. A nice free flowing downpipe can give 25+whp gains over a restrictive stock one and drastically lower lag.
08-20-2006 | 09:00 PM
#8
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 34
From: Riverside Parish, LA
Rep Power: 666
I'm pretty sure they usuallyy don't extrude hone heads... and I'm pretty sure the hp/dollar ratio is signifigantly worse than installing aftermarket heads...
Nonetheless, good post.
Nonetheless, good post.
03-08-2008 | 04:06 PM
#10
Not tryin to be the newbie arsehole here - but this claims 40-60hp increase simply by adding a performance filter, exhaust headers, and exhaust system. On what car?
Of all the vehicles I've owned, these upgrades got me maybe - at best 15-20 hp....or at least it sounded like it when driving through hwy underpasses.
even on the 4Runner - the K&N air filter actually hurt the performance
Of all the vehicles I've owned, these upgrades got me maybe - at best 15-20 hp....or at least it sounded like it when driving through hwy underpasses.
even on the 4Runner - the K&N air filter actually hurt the performance
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