How do I Increase the Horsepower on the Toyota 2ZZ-GE Engine?

The Toyota 2GE-ZZ is the 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine in a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from the budget-friendly Toyota Corolla to the performance-focused Lotus Elise. The specific horsepower and torque output numbers for the engine vary depending on the particular application. A number of bolt-on upgrades can help increase the engine's horsepower output. Modifying the engine's electronic control unit and replacing both the air intake and exhaust systems will lead to a noticeable increase in horsepower.

Things You'll Need

  • Aftermarket performance chip
  • Performance exhaust system
  • Aftermarket air intake system
  • Replace the exhaust system connected to the engine with a wide diameter aftermarket system specifically to improve the flow of exhaust gases out of the engine and reduce the amount of overall back pressure in the system. In addition to leading to increased horsepower output, the aftermarket exhaust system will provide a more aggressive exhaust note.

  • Modify the electronic control unit by attaching an aftermarket performance chip. The performance chip will alter the software responsible for controlling the engine's functions so that it produces more horsepower. In addition to increasing horsepower output, many performance chips enhance overall performance by raising the rev limit and replacing the fuel and ignition maps.

  • Install an aftermarket air intake system to the engine. The aftermarket system will allow for an increased flow of cool air into the engine which will lead to increased horsepower output. In addition to increased horsepower output, the aftermarket air intake system will lead to improved fuel economy.