Whether you're towing, hauling a heavy load or some booty, your truck can never have too much power. Fortunately, it's easy to pick up 5-50 horses or more by using one or several bolt-on engine-power accessories. And here's some good news: Many of these products make an engine more efficient, so it not only produces additional horsepower and torque, it also creates less emissions and gets better gas mileage. Of course, always check with a qualified professional about specific applications and possible consequences.
| Gimme Some Space Airaid developed Poweraid Throttle Body Spacers to enhance midrange horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. The spacers' unique dyno-proven Helix Bore causes the incoming air charge to spin as it passes through the throttle body and into the combustion chamber. The spin produces a super-atomized air/fuel mixture, which results in tremendous gains in midrange power and overall efficiency. They're available for a variety of GM, Dodge, Ford, and Toyota applications. Stillen, Dept. TT, 3176 Airway Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626; 866/250-5542.www.stillen.com
| Slippery StuffEngines hate friction, and Royal Purple's synthetic motor oil significantly reduces internal friction, freeing up horsepower and torque. Independent tests have shown that changing to Royal Purple can pick up as much as 10 horses, improve fuel economy by three percent, and significantly reduce emissions. The proprietary Synerlec additive technology also greatly reduces heat and wear in an engine. Plus, this oil is extremely tenacious, adhering to engine surfaces after shutdown, which provides increased protection upon initial startup. Royal Purple Ltd., Dept. TT, One Royal Purple Lane, Porter, TX 77365; 281/354-8600. www.royalpurple.com
| Nearly Double the FlowJET Powr-Flo sensors for '96-'03 GM pickups and SUVs flow 41 percent more air than the stock mass air sensors, making improvements in performance and fuel efficiency. JET's sensors are compatible with factory electronics and stock vehicles, as well as vehicles that have received performance tuning (chips, modules, etc.), exhaust modifications, cold-air intakes, and performance ignition systems. These mass air sensors install easily in 10 to 15 minutes using common hand tools. JET Performance Products, Dept. TT, 17491 Apex Circle, Huntington Beach, CA 92647; 714/848-5515.www.jetchip.com
| More Boost, PleaseChanging from a stock Ford Lightning supercharger pulley that produces nine pounds of boost to a South Florida Pulley Headquarters 2.8-inch performance pulley that produces 12 pounds of boost can cut nearly three-tenths off the truck's quarter-mile times. Plus, South Florida Pulley Headquarters makes it easy to change pulleys on factory supercharged trucks whenever you want. The kit includes two different-size pulleys to adjust power levels. South Florida Pulley Headquarters, Dept. TT, P.O. Box 4443, Fort Pierce, FL 34948; 772/468-3585. www.southfloridapulleyhq.com
| Reduce ResistanceSpark-plug wires have two main objectives: Transfer spark energy and suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI). Too much resistance in a plug wire decreases the spark energy, yet too little resistance may generate too much EMI noise, which will interfere with other electronics on a truck. MSD's 8.5mm Super Conductor Wire has less than 50 ohms per foot of resistance, the lowest available in a helically wound wire. Plus, a special copper-alloy conductor is wrapped tightly around a ferro-magnetic impregnated center core, which gives the wire extremely high EMI suppression. MSD Ignition, Dept. TT, 1490 Henry Brennan Dr., El Paso, TX 79936; 915/857-5200. www.msdignition.com
| There's Nothing Like NitrousFor sheer throw-you-back-in-your-seat acceleration, it's hard to beat nitrous oxide. And Holley makes it easy to add squeeze to any EFI truck, thanks to the company's NOS PowerFogger Universal "Wet" nitrous systems. The four- and six-cylinder system provides gains of 35-75 adjustable horsepower, while the V-8 system offers an additional 75-125 horses. Each kit features the NOS Soft-Plume fogger nozzle that plumbs directly into an air intake, comes with a micro-switch, a 10-pound blue bottle, and everything needed for a clean and simple installation. Nitrous Oxide Systems, Dept. TT, 189 West Victoria St., Long Beach, CA 90805; 714/546-0592. For the nearest dealer: 800/HOLLEY-1. www.nosnitrous.com
| Wide-Mouth PowerMade from 356 aluminum and computer-machined, the BBK Power Plus series throttle body is reported to offer 35-percent-better flow, which can translate into an added power gain between eight and 12 horsepower. Its newest 80mm throttle body is designed for late-model GM car and truck applications that use the small-block V-8. BBK Performance Products, Dept. TT, 1871 Delilah St., Corona, CA 92879; 909/735-2400. www.bbkperformance.com
| More for HummersJBA Headers now has a 50-state certified header kit for the Vortec 6000 used on the new Hummer H2. Designed with heavy-duty use in mind, the kit is reported to offer 20 more lb-ft of torque and up to 10 horsepower. Using 14-gauge mandrel-bent steel primaries and 3/8-inch-thick one-piece flanges, these headers, as do all JBA products, can be ordered with the optional ceramic coating for added thermal protection. JBA Headers, Dept. TT, 7149 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego, CA 92120; 800/830-3377. www.jbaheaders.com
| Tune in More TorqueJust plug the Superchips Max MicroTuner into your truck's diagnostic port and, in less than 10 minutes, get an increase of up to 80 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. Superchips' handheld tuners compensate for tire diameter and gear changes, change transmission shift points and firmness, and increase a truck's speed-limiter settings--all with the push of a button. Plus, it can read diagnostic codes. Superchips, Dept. TT, 2609 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL 32773; 407/547-0130. www.superchips.com
| Fuel FeedersIf you want to make more power, you often need more fuel, which is where Creative Performance Racing's disc injectors come in. They replace factory fuel injectors and allow you to run 24- or 30-pound injectors--all the way up to units that flow 50 pounds at three bar (43.5 psi). CPR says, even used alone, its performance-disc fuel injectors provide precise control of fuel delivery and atomization for increased power, improved throttle response, and better fuel economy. These injectors are flow tested, balanced, and matched. Creative Performance Racing, Dept. TT, 4464 38 E. Ten Mile Road, Hazel Park, MI 48030; 248/398-2397. www.cprracing.com
| Spent Gas Looking to help improve the exhaust flow of spent combustion gases, Doug's Headers has now developed a kit for late-model small- and big-block GM pickup trucks. Made for 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton trucks equipped with the Vortec 5300 engine, the kit is in the process of getting its 50-state-legal certification from the California Air Resource Board. The improved flow offers horsepower and torque gains. Doug's Headers, Dept. TT, 1391 Dodson Way, Riverside, CA 92507; 909/788-4878. www.dougsheaders.com
| Long Before 100,000 MilesGive your truck an early tuneup with one of ACCEL's Truck Super Tune-Up Kits. Each kit includes a matched ACCEL custom-fit spark-plug-wire set, an ACCEL distributor cap and rotor, and ACCEL U-Groove spark plugs. The race-proven copper-core spark plugs maximize burn efficiency for improved performance and reduced emissions. These kits are available for most domestic six- and eight-cylinder applications. Mr. Gasket Performance Group, Dept. TT, 10601 Memphis Ave. #12, Cleveland, OH 44144; 216/688-8300. www.mrgasket.com
| Pick Your Performance LevelBD Power's EZ AMP for Chevy trucks with the Duramax diesel and Allison transmission lets you select from four levels of performance, with power gains from 30 horses and 150 lb-ft of torque all the way up to 90 horses and 250 lb-ft. Set the performance level via a routine with the ignition key, accelerator pedal, and gear-shift lever. The EZ AMP only allows peak performance once the engine is up to 80 percent of the operating temperature. BD Power, Dept. TT, P.O. Box 231, Sumas, WA 98295; 800/887-5030. www.bd-power.com
| Forced InductionMecham Design, Performance offers centrifugal, Roots, and twin-screw supercharger kits for Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac pickups and SUVs. Mecham can recommend the appropriate type of supercharger for a truck based on driving style (Do you tow? Do you race?), powertrain, and taste and expectations. Mecham Design, Performance, Dept. TT, 12637 N. 66th Dr., Glendale, AZ 85304; 623/486-3144.www.mechamperformance.com
| Under Pressure?Performance Products' free-flowing cat-back exhaust systems for late-model Toyota trucks and SUVs greatly reduce backpressure to improve performance and fuel economy. The mandrel-bent systems are made of T-304 stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion, and they feature a low-restriction, straight-through absorption-style muffler for a powerful yet unobtrusive sound. The exhaust pipes are 2.5-inch 16-gauge steel, and all systems end stylishly with chrome-plated tips for long-lasting good looks. Performance Products, Dept. TT, 8000 Haskell Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406; 800/752-6268. www.performanceproducts.com
| Let It OutDynoMax's Ultra Flow turbo-back exhaust system helps increase fuel economy while coaxing as much as 15 additional horsepower and up to 25 lb-ft of extra torque from '99-'02 Ford Super Duty trucks with the PowerStroke diesel. The ultra-high-efficiency four-inch system, which includes a turbo downpipe, front and rear intermediate pipes, and a five-inch tailpipe, flows up to 35 percent more than stock. Dyno Max Performance Exhaust, Dept. TT, 2701 N. Dettman Road, Jackson, MI 49201; 734/384-7807. www.dynomax.com
| Rock & RollSLP Performance Parts offers 1.85:1-ratio rocker arms for '99-'03 GM Gen III (4.8-, 5.3-, and 6.0-liter) pickup and SUV engines. The 1.85:1 ratio increases lift by approximately 10 percent over the stock 1.7:1 units, yielding gains of up to 18 horses. SLP's exclusive design is based on the stock rocker arm and is built by the original-equipment manufacturer using the same high-quality materials and processes. The rockers are available alone or with springs, titanium retainers, and keepers. SLP Performance Parts, Dept. TT, 1501 Industrial Way North, Toms River, NJ 08755; 732/349-2109. www.slponline.com
| More VolumeDesigned to increase the movement and density of the air before it moves into the combustion chambers, the Trans-Dapt MPFI spacers smooth out airflow to allow for a more densely packed fuel/air mixture that results in better horsepower, torque, and added fuel economy. In some experiments, the gains have been as much as an 18-percent mpg gain and 16 lb-ft of torque, all with a simple bolt-on. Trans-Dapt, Dept. TT, 16460 Manning Way, Cerritos, CA 9070; 562/921-0404. www.tdperformance.com
| Turbodiesel TuningMBRP's four-inch turbo-back exhaust system for late-model Ford, Dodge, Chevy, and GMC diesels delivers more power and quicker response on acceleration. MBRP has focused on delivering more torque through the low and mid range for increased towing and hauling capabilities. The easy bolt-on system provides a deep exhaust note, mounts to factory hangers, and is available in T-304 stainless or aluminized steel. MBRPinc, Dept. TT, 3-45 Cairns Crescent, Unit 3, Huntsville, Ontario, Canada P1H 1Y3; 888/636-7223. www.mbrp.com
| Breathe EasyK&N's Generation II Fuel Injection Performance Kits for late-model Chevy and GMC pickups and SUVs provide a large boost in power and throttle response by eliminating inlet restriction at the filter, smoothing and directing airflow into the throttle body, and isolating the intake charge from hot underhood air. A K&N intake tube with a special design plenum actually flows more air than a straight tube and isolates the incoming air from underhood heat. K&N Engineering, Dept. TT, 1455 Citrus Ave., Riverside, CA 92507; 800/858-3333. www.knfilters.com
| Clean & GreenA Green High Performance Air Filter can boost engine output an average five percent over standard paper filters. Green Filters deliver amplified, sustained airflow with filtration of particles as small as five microns. An inventive rigid pleat design helps prevent air leaks around the seal, and a precision, four-stage handcrafted molding process eliminates wasted surface area and improves overall airflow. Green Filter USA, Dept. TT, P.O. Box 149, Mt. Braddock, PA 15465; 724/430-2050. www.greenfilterusa.com
| Sting Like a BeeThe Banks Stinger system for '01-'03 Chevy Duramax diesels unleashes best gains of 68 horses and 142 lb-ft of torque. From its free breathing lifetime air cleaner to the four-inch stainless-steel Monster exhaust, the system's parts work together to ram more air into the engine and eliminate exhaust restrictions. Banks' Stinger protects the Duramax drivetrain by lowering temperatures, and it improves engine life and mileage by raising efficiency. Gale Banks Engineering, Dept. TT, 546 Duggan Ave., Azusa CA 91702; 800/438-7693www.bankspower.com
Ya Big BruteAEM's Brute Force Intake System is tuned to deliver maximum torque and horsepower at every throttle position. AEM uses an extra-large, proprietary four-layer cotton-gauze element that reduces restriction without compromising filtering capability. AEM offers Brute Force intake systems for Chevy, Dodge, Ford, and Toyota trucks and SUVs, as well as Jeep Wranglers and Grand Cherokees. Advanced Engine Management, Dept. TT, 2205 W. 126th St., Hawthorne, CA 90250; 310/484-2322.
www.aempower.com
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| Light Your FireJacobs Electronics' Fire Control 2000 ignition system provides a full 97 mJ of energy per spark--and up to six sparks per combustion event--to ensure complete and sustained ignition. The difference is easier starting, stronger pulling, quicker acceleration, smoother idle, reduced plug fouling, and crisper throttle response. It can tolerate the most severe on-road and off-road abuse. It even includes an adjustable rev limiter. Jacobs Electronics, Dept. TT, 2519 Dana Dr., Laurinburg, NC 28352; 800/825-3345. www.jacobselectronics.com
| Keepin' CoolFlex-a-lite's 27-inch electric fan for Chevy full-size trucks replaces the stock belt-driven fan and shroud, which steal power from an engine. Swapping to this dual electric fan not only puts more power to the ground, it increases gas mileage, reduces fan noise, improves air-conditioner output, and allows more control over an engine's cooling parameters. The unit comes with a variable speed-control module that'll operate the fans 60-100 percent, depending on engine temperature. The control module also will delay fan startup for five seconds after the ignition is on and let it run for up to 30 seconds after shutdown if the engine needs additional cooling. Flex-a-lite, Dept. TT, P.O. Box 580, Milton, WA 98354; 800/851-1510. www.flex-a-lite.com
| On the GasOffering three levels of nitrous injection for Ford, Chevy, and Dodge diesels, Bully Dog Technologies can give a truck instant small, medium, or large gains in power. With the Bully Kicker (150 added horsepower), the Dual Shot (adding 200 horsepower), or the Dual Shot Race Kit (offering a whopping 250 horsepower), they have the right kit to meet your needs, whatever the application. Bully Dog Technologies, Dept. TT, 2854 W. 2200 South, Aberdeen, ID 83210, 208/397-3200.www.bullydog.com
| Take a HeaderEdelbrock's new shorty headers for Chevy and GMC pickups and SUVs, including the Hummer H2, offer outstanding performance right from the box. The high-quality headers bolt directly to the factory crossover pipe with no cutting or welding required. They feature 15/8-inch-diameter cold-rolled mild steel tubing; 5/16-inch-thick laser-cut, robotically welded flanges; and CNC mandrel-bent tubing for superior flow. The 50-state-legal headers are available with a nickel-plated finish, a black-painted finish, or a ceramic-coated finish. Edelbrock, Dept. TT, 2700 California St., Torrance, CA 90503; 310/781-2222. www.edelbrock.com
| Better Flow with TwoNot wanting to neglect the heavy-duty work trucks, especially those with diesel engines, Borla Performance Industries now has a dual-pipe kit for the new Powerstroke diesels offered on Ford Super Duty trucks. In fact, Borla offers a single pipe (it starts with a 3.5-inch down pipe that transitions to a four-inch muffler pipe, then ends with a five-inch tip) with much better flow characteristics over stock. However, its premiere kit offers dual three-inch pipes with 20 percent more flow capacity over a single four-inch pipe. Borla Performance Industries, Dept. TT, 5901 Edison Dr., Oxnard, CA 93033; 877/GO-BORLA.www.borla.com
| Pushin' ButtonsYou don't have to be computer literate to use Hypertech's Power Programmer III to reprogram a truck's computer. The handheld device makes it easy for owners of '97-'01 Dodge trucks powered by 5.2- and 5.9-liter V-8s to enjoy gains of up to 21 horses and 32 lb-ft of torque. And for those times when you'd rather save money at the pump--or you can't get premium unleaded fuel--you can use the Power Programmer's "Dual Fuel" feature to switch from premium to regular unleaded gas. Hypertech, Dept. TT, 3215 Appling Road, Bartlett, TN 38133; 901/382-8888.www.hypertech.com
