Since the invention of automobiles, engineers have been looking for ways to improve performance. This includes drivability, mileage, handling and most important for any car enthusiast, horsepower. Although many of today’s cars already come with impressive horsepower, some people want more. For that very reason, today you can find a variety of engine upgrades which can quickly and easily increase horsepower and improve your ride’s overall performance. Here are a few steps you can take to give your car a bit more muscle.
Car Exhaust Systems
Upgrading your exhaust system does more than enhancing the look and sound of your car. Nowadays, you can find a great variety of car exhaust systems which can increase your vehicle’s engine horsepower. High flow catalytic converters, high flow cat back exhausts, and long tube headers are some of the best options to choose from. Replacing these parts will allow air to move more quickly through the exhaust system, giving your car more horsepower. All car exhaust systems modifications accomplish the same thing, just in different ways. For example, long-tube headers give you more horsepower at midrange and top RPMs, while short headers deliver improvements at lower RPMs.
Cold Air Intake
The cold air intake (CAI) is an aftermarket assembly of parts that help the pulled air become cold. Cold air is denser than hot air, and this results in a larger amount of air being sent to the engine. In addition to providing the engine with cooler/denser air, cold air intake also comes with a performance air filter. Not only does this filter allow more air to flow, but it also has a higher filtration capability than a factory filter.
Reduce the Weight
It is common sense – a light car will move faster than a heavier one. So, replace the bulk parts of your vehicle (not only in the engine block but throughout the vehicle) with lighter components. Throw out unnecessary things in the trunk, get rid of extra seats, switch glass windows with acrylic, and change the traditional brakes with disc brakes. By doing this you will make your car more aerodynamic and help the engine use more power.
As you know, the majority of modern engines are controlled by electronic control modules (ECM). A/F ratio, fuel timing and volume, spark timing, and valve timing control are all done today through an electronic control module. There are performance chips on the market designed to hack into a car’s system and override the factory settings.
