Simple performance upgrades?

[theory816]

What are some simple things that one can do to upgrade the power of their vehicle while being lasting?

What are some more complicated things a regular mechanic can do to upgrade performance of a car?

[admin]

On a modern fuel-injected naturally-aspirated engine, there are no easy upgrades that can yield a significant power upgrade. The best that most people can do is install a low-restriction air cleaner system (often called Cold Air Inlet, CAI). You can expect 0-1% peak power improvement with one of these, though they will be noisier than the original, and you will not feel the power improvement. Same with low-restriction exhaust systems.

For power improvements greater than 10% (something you can feel) you need high performance cams or a turbo – kit. These are not for beginners and will require the use of a programmable ECU to tune the engine after the mechanical changes.

For turbocharged engines, all you have to do to get a significant power increase is find a reputable aftermarket ECU or piggy-back ECU, or reprogrammed ECU. These change the engine calibration to allow the turbocharger to reach a higher boost limit, and also reprogram the spark advance. These always require the use of Premium fuel.

[theory816]

what do you think about high hp cars in general?

[admin]

The most important thing to understand about high HP cars is that performance is not proportional to engine power, it is proportional to vehicle power / weight ratio. just because a vehicle has high power, doesn’t mean it is fast if it is also heavy.

Dave

[admin]

The simplest performance upgrade is to reduce vehicle weight. Each percent weight reduction feels exactly the same as a percent of power increase at normal driving speeds

[Author]

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