Wish your ride had a little extra kick? Want to know the best ways to gain more horsepower? This is a starting guide to help you boost your horsepower on any budget.
Make sure that your car or truck is in good mechanical working order. It's really not worth trying to boost engine output if the vehicle isn't running properly in the first place.
Have a plan! Do you want just a little more kick or an all out engine transformation? The possibilities are limitless as long as your budget allows for your plans. A major increase in HP will also require a stronger clutch to transfer that power to the wheels. Don't forget to think about upgrading the braking and suspension system, too. You'll need a way to handle and stop all that added power.
Compare the different options offered by different manufacturers of similar products. There are dozens of Cold Air Induction kits on the market, as an example, and knowing which ones put out the highest numbers will give you more bang for your buck.
Join an online forum dedicated to your vehicle. This is the ultimate database of reviews and comparison charts for various after market performance parts by people that have a vehicle exactly the same or similar to yours.
Cold Air Induction. This is a great place to start for smaller gains in horsepower. Don't expect to see outrageous numbers by adding a CAI, but slight gains are to be had. This also aids the "breathing" of the engine by allowing a larger volume of air to enter it. There are many sizes and shapes including long snorkel types that terminate inside the fender well and short stubby CAIs that are useful if your engine bay is tight on space. Even an after market drop-in air filter can help output because they are constructed of stronger, less dense material than stock. K&N, Carbonio, and AEM are just a few name brands.
Engine Management Programming. Also known as "flashing" or "chipping". Reprogramming the engine helps the engine put out more power by changing the relatively conservative stock programming. Changes in timing, air/fuel ratio, rev limiting, and turbo management are just a few functions of a reprogrammed engine management system. This option is moderately priced compared to the gains achieved, particularly on turbo charged engines.
Exhaust. By upgrading the exhaust the engine is allowed to "breath" more freely. There is less restriction on the exhaust exiting the engine, and performance gains are not earth shattering, but noticeable. There are many options as far as the size of the exhaust piping, as well as prices of the systems depending on the materials used. Exhausts can be purchased pre-made to fit your vehicle, or custom made at exhaust shops to fit your vehicles specifications.
Turbo upgrade. Stock turbo chargers are readily switched out for larger, more powerful units with gains of HP into the hundreds. This is one of the more expensive options, but as far as results not much else compares. Don't forget to reprogram the engine management when the turbo is upgraded! Many manufacturers offer kits to complete a turbo upgrade that include an intercooler, a chip, piping, and matching manifold. This option will take some homework to complete successfully due to the many variables involved.
