Many people, mainly young guys, have enough horsepower in their car, each of them loves speed and therefore they want to add these horsepower to their engine. Therefore, our site decided to help you answer the question of how to increase engine power by telling you about almost all existing methods, and how much each of these methods will help you.
I would like to immediately clarify that if you have a small budget, then you can’t expect great achievements, yes, of course, you can achieve great results with little money, but the reliability of the motor will decrease many times over. So, let's go.
We decided to start with the most popular methods and gradually move towards less known or less used ones, for some special reasons.
Volume increase
One of the cheapest and most effective ways is to make the engine larger. This is done in the following way: the edges of each cylinder are extended to a certain distance, thereby increasing the volume in each cylinder and in the entire unit as a whole.
This procedure can be done in some tuning studio, perhaps at a service station, or you can also do it yourself. There are more horses, but high numbers won’t work there; torque also increases throughout the entire range, while reliability remains the same. This method also serves as a good start for further deep tuning, but even if it is not in your plans, it can easily be used for light tuning. If you bore the cylinders, then the intake and exhaust system will not be able to cope as perfectly as before with filling the cylinders and removing exhaust gases, and therefore the engine will become more powerful at low speeds. In order to correct this, it is necessary to make the piston stroke longer by replacing the crankshaft with a longer one, and also to reduce the total length of the piston with the connecting rod by the same length. By boring the cylinder block and raising the stroke length of the crankshaft, you can hammer out the maximum volume, although this will be expensive, but will provide a good foundation for further refinement of the engine.
Higher compression ratio
This is one of those methods that not only increases the engine performance and torque we need throughout the entire range, but also reduces the car’s fuel consumption, but at the same time we will have to switch to gasoline with a higher octane number, that is, from 95 to 98 -Ouch.
When the piston in the cylinder reaches the dead center at the top, what is located above it is called the combustion chamber and the larger its volume, the higher your compression ratio, and accordingly the power. It should be immediately clarified that the degree of compression and compression are different things, stereo compression is a geometric value, and compression is a dynamic value.
In order to increase the compression ratio, you can use two methods, the first of which is to purchase pistons with a larger diameter and, accordingly, bore the cylinders for them. As a result, you get a higher volume and compression ratio, thereby getting a plus thanks to two tuning methods.
The second option is to install a thinner cylinder head gasket. This method will give results, but there are more problems with it, since many details will need to be adjusted for such a change.
This is the result you can get:
- from 8 to 9 = 2.0%;
- from 9 to 10 = 1.7%;
- from 10 to 11 = 1.5%;
- from 11 to 12 = 1.3%;
- from 12 to 13 = 1.2%;
- from 13 to 14 = 1.1%;
- from 14 to 15 = 1.0%;
- from 15 to 16 = 0.9%;
- from 16 to 17 = 0.8%.
Also, if you greatly increase the compression ratio, these results add up, that is, increasing from 8 to 17 will give 11.5%. Also, do not forget that from a compression ratio of 12 you already need 98th gasoline, and from 13.5 you already need 102nd, from 15 105th, which is very rare and expensive. Some engines do not require a fuel change.
Tuning the intake system
Improving the intake is a reduction in the resistance of the incoming air into the cylinders. This is not a very complicated modification, but it requires changing or adding a large number of details, which together will give a good result.
Nulevik
The first thing you need to do is install a zero-resistance filter, which will greatly reduce air resistance, since the standard filter has a filter element made of very dense material, and the design of the filter itself does not allow a large amount of air to enter. Just above the link you can read more about Nulevik, how to install it and what results you can get from it. I would like to say right away that by installing only the zero gear, the engine power will not increase significantly, so it should be installed only with comprehensive engine tuning.
A throttle valve of increased diameter is also a necessary replacement for complex tuning. You won’t get much results from this part, but for complex modifications this part is simply necessary, as it reduces the speed of incoming air, thereby increasing the performance of the intake system. You can also find out more about this improvement using the link above.
Installing or replacing the receiver
For better engine power, the receiver has a large volume and short intake pipes. Installing this part gives a good result and therefore it can be installed even with minor modifications to the engine. This part smoothes out air pulsations. Due to the fact that the intake pipes are short, the maximum filling of the cylinders shifts to higher speeds, thereby horses and torque become greater only at high speeds, and decrease slightly at low speeds. You can ensure that only the torque at low speeds increases, but at the same time the engine thrust throughout the entire range will become less.
You can also install an intake system in which the geometry of the channels changes so that the cylinders are filled with air ideally throughout the entire range, based on data on revolutions and throttle opening. This will be the most ideal, but at the same time expensive option.
No intake manifold
Sometimes the intake manifold is removed, and instead of it, so-called pipes are installed, which are tuned to high speeds. This allows you to greatly increase the amount of air entering the engine, also reduces idle speed and improves stability at low and medium speeds. At high speeds, of course, everything becomes simply gorgeous.
This is the most difficult thing in tuning the intake of naturally aspirated engines, but at the same time it is the most effective and expensive option. You can also install multiple throttle valves, thereby improving the response to the gas pedal. Unfortunately, as a result, the service life of your engine is reduced and fuel consumption increases quite significantly.
Supercharging
Since power can be increased by increasing the efficiency of fuel consumption and its quantity, installing a supercharger may be a good solution. Due to the increase in the amount of incoming air, the amount of fuel burned also rises.
Supercharging is done by installing different drive superchargers or a turbocharger.
The compressors available on cars can be pressurized a little. But here it is important to act within reason so that the engine does not rupture.
Exhaust system tuning
As soon as you increase the amount of force, the flow of exhaust gases exiting through the exhaust pipe immediately increases, and the standard exhaust system cannot cope with this and therefore creates excess resistance. If the exhaust is not suitable, the pressure in the cylinders can increase, causing the pumps to work more efficiently. Also, due to the fact that the exhaust system cannot cope, the cylinder may be poorly filled with the mixture, since not all exhaust gases have left the cylinder space.
The shorter and larger the diameter of the exhaust pipe, the less resistance. If your unit has a volume of 1.5 and it allows you to constantly turn it above 8 thousand, which you constantly do, then a pipe with a diameter of about 50 millimeters is enough for you, if the length is a maximum of 3.5 meters.
Often a spider is used as a replacement for the manifold, which works great for its intended purpose, as well as increasing power and torque throughout the entire range. In most cases a 4-2-1 spider is used, but sometimes a 4-1 is used. You can find out more at the link above. A direct-flow exhaust can also improve the exhaust system.
Chip tuning
A fairly common type of engine modification, which is used both for complex tuning and is used as the only source of new “fillies”. Chip tuning is the tuning of a microcircuit; more precisely, it is the calibration of the microprogram of the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU).
Manufacturers for their cars set a certain ignition timing for different regions, most often it is too wide due to which the fuel does not burn so efficiently. The manufacturer also sets high adjustments to the ignition timing in order to reduce the load on the transmission, but unfortunately during acceleration the engine is more thoughtful and has dips. Also, due to the factory settings, the car may have increased fuel consumption.
Thanks to chip tuning, you can eliminate all problems and thereby achieve a more pleasant driving experience, as well as increase torque, strength and reduce fuel consumption. As a result, it turns out that this type of tuning is relatively cheap, does not require intervention or any technical changes, which will leave the car under warranty and at the same time give good results. Chip tuning is necessary if you change the technical part of the engine, since it must be adjusted to the changed characteristics obtained by installing any part. Good results only thanks to chip tuning were obtained by sports cars with high performance characteristics, so if your car is weak, then do not expect any high results from this modification.
There are no downsides to this type of modification, but most importantly, this type of work is best done by a person who understands this, so do not spare money on the service.
DIY budget option
If you have the desire and the means to make your car more powerful, you should turn to professionals in specialized tuning studios. Do-it-yourself improvement is also possible, but if you have a garage and equipment at a minimum. It’s one thing to dig through your father’s donated penny for driving around the area, but another thing if we are talking about tuning expensive cars, because without special knowledge and skills it is easier to damage the car than to improve its power performance.
But you can achieve an increase in power without space investments and even with your own hands. Remember how long ago you changed filters, spark plugs, fluids and did diagnostics. Try using higher quality fuel and oil. Clean the throttle body, look and clean the intake, check the compression in the engine. All this affects the power and dynamics of the car, fuel consumption and driving pleasure.
Possible consequences
- The service life of the units will certainly decrease if they have undergone changes. Get ready to diagnose your car more often and buy expensive parts. Any interference with the factory design and settings leads to this.
- Do the math and figure out in your mind what you want from car tuning, what is important to you. Sometimes it’s cheaper, easier and more profitable to just buy a new, more powerful car.
- If we are talking about tuning a car that is under warranty, then any interference with the factory condition will entail the removal of the car from warranty service.
- Most major improvements entail an increase in fuel consumption, take this into account too.
Lightweight flywheel and forged pistons
A lightweight flywheel is installed on tuned cars quite often, as it gives good results with a comprehensive modification of the engine. The bottom line is that a lightweight flywheel is lighter (no matter how it sounds), so it spins up faster and reaches maximum speed faster. As a result, it turns out that the engine power increases, but the maximum you can get is 4% from the previous one.
Replacing this part is not difficult, so anyone can make this modification. Such a flywheel costs an average of 2-4 thousand rubles, depending on the car. If you do not plan to greatly increase the indicator we need, then this type of modification will suit you along with a zero-resistance filter, chip tuning, compression and other light modifications, which together will give a good result for enjoying the speed characteristics of the car.
Forged pistons are very often installed by many tuning enthusiasts, and racing drivers also leave positive reviews about them. The bottom line is that a forged piston moves easier due to its lighter weight, and it will also withstand higher temperature loads because it is stronger.
Reducing friction force
You can also quite well increase the number of “horses” if you reduce the friction force between the piston and the cylinder walls. Of course, there is motor oil for this, but as a rule it is not enough, so various additives are used. Can I recommend the Suprotec additive, about which there are a lot of rumors; some are not sure how it works. Someone says that it really works, we belong to the second type of people and recommend this additive. In principle, you don’t have to trust us and use some other additive from another manufacturer, it’s your choice.
Using this method, you can achieve about a 7% increase, and also improve the reliability of the engine due to the fact that the friction force of the piston on the cylinder walls will be less. There is also a rumor that this additive reduces fuel consumption, but we have not tested this and will not confirm this rumor.
Camshaft
This part is often changed in order to slightly increase hp, while many people stop only at this method and eventually abandon it after some time. The shafts are the brain, but mechanical.
The task of sports camshafts is to ensure the necessary supply of mixture to the cylinders due to the higher valve lift height. There are downstream oxen designed to add hp. at low revs, there are also universal and riding ones that will increase power at high revs. In order to understand which of them does what, you need to look at how much they raise the valves, if a little, then you will get an increase at low speeds, and if the valves rise high, then, as you already understand, there will be more force at high speeds.
Installing shafts is not that difficult; those interested can read about it at the link here. Your task is to choose sports shafts for low or high speeds. Once you have installed the new shafts, your task is to adjust the valves using the split gear.
Where does power come from?
Before you do anything with your Chevrolet Niva, Lada Priora with 8 or 16 valves, VAZ 2110 or even a more modern foreign car like Volkswagen Polo or Mazda 6, you need to understand the very essence of the origin of engine power.
To increase it, you can use 2 ways. This is an increase in fuel efficiency, or an increase in its consumption. There are no other options, since the engine receives energy precisely from fuel. Therefore, it is important to try to manage this energy as competently as possible.
All the methods presented below are perfect for diesel and gasoline engines. In some places even for a motorcycle. Although the main emphasis is still on cars.
Installation and replacement of turbocharging
Using turbocharging is one of the best ways to increase horsepower, as this method gives very high results. You can often find turbocharged ]VAZ[/anchor] cars.
So, first for those whose car is already turbocharged from the factory. In fact, there are quite a lot of such cars, especially since modern manufacturers have recently increasingly made 1.4-liter turbo engines, but there are also other turbo engines. If your unit is already equipped with turbocharging, then you can significantly increase the hp. by installing a larger turbine or increasing the pressure of a standard turbine. There are detailed articles on the Internet about how to increase blood pressure. Replacing a turbine with another one will also not be difficult; removing the old one and putting a larger one in its place is not so difficult.
Regarding the installation of turbocharging on an initially naturally aspirated car, this is a more complicated procedure. You should immediately understand that the operation of your car will be somewhat different, since you will have to clean the oil and air filters more often, and you will constantly have to warm up the installation, even in warm weather.
After installing the turbine, the characteristics may change by 2 times, or even more, it all depends on your hands, the size and pressure of the turbine. You must also understand that simply installing a turbine will not work, since it heats up and the entire engine heats up with it and therefore it needs to be cooled somehow, so turbo engines almost always have an intercooler, but it is possible and even desirable to increase the amount flow of coolant into the radiator, radiator ventilation, fan performance. Also, in addition to simply installing a turbine, it is also necessary to install more efficient injectors. There is also such a thing as turbo lag.
Like in a movie
We are talking about installing a nitrous oxide system.
This is a real way to increase power levels. Especially when it comes to racing on the streets, when you need to overtake your opponent at the last moment.
But all this looks beautiful only in films. In practice, the effectiveness of nitrous oxide cannot be denied. It really gives an increase in oxygen, and after combustion it also cools the intake air.
But in reality, the cylinder reserve is enough for literally a few seconds of afterburner. At the same time, you will kill your engine much faster, and after 1-2 such races you will have to rebuild the engine and change almost all consumables.
Results
As you understand, there are many ways that can increase engine power, but easy methods will not give good results, and refinement methods that give good results require complex work and additional improvements. You must understand that all parts of the car are calculated approximately for its entire components. That is, the gearbox and suspension are able to withstand all the data and most often have a small margin, but the manufacturer will not do this for a 100 hp engine. A gearbox capable of withstanding 1000 hp does not make sense. Therefore, if you decide to seriously tune your power plant and achieve high performance, then your task, firstly, is not to stop at one method, but to use everything, and secondly, to improve the stability of the gearbox, suspension and engage in engine cooling.
In this article we have listed the most basic and most popular methods of engine tuning, and we hope that we have answered your question in sufficient detail. Of course, there are still different ways to modify the motor, but they are rarely used for certain reasons. If you think that we have missed some method, then write to us by email and we will add this method to the article, also share the article with your friends and love your cars.
General recommendations
Tuning costs are practically unlimited, so before you start modifying the engine, decide on specific goals.
Before purchasing spare parts for tuning, be sure to consult with qualified specialists, or better yet, trust them with the entire process.
Treat your car carefully after tuning, do not neglect the advice of the experts, change the oil on time and undergo diagnostics.
Remember that in some cases replacing the engine is more advisable than modifying it.
