10 Ways to Increase Horsepower Without Breaking the Bank
If engine modifications aren’t your cup of tea, there are still ways to increase horsepower. A performance intake manifold is an easy and affordable way to boost horsepower; this device improves airflow while simultaneously increasing low and midrange torque.
Increased cylinder compression can also help increase horsepower. This method adds twisting power, which gives cars more twist when accelerating.
1. Change Your Air Filter
Switching out your air filter with one designed specifically to improve horsepower can be an inexpensive and simple way to increase horsepower. By allowing more airflow through, a performance air filter allows more easily for improved performance and fuel economy.
Forced induction systems like turbochargers and superchargers increase engine horsepower by forcing more air into it; but even an inexpensive reusable filter may unlock additional potential power.
3. Change Your Oil
Your engine runs on cold air and fuel, so the more of both you can supply to it, the higher its horsepower rating will be. By changing its oil regularly, you help ensure it operates more efficiently while protecting it against wear-and-tear that could diminish performance over time.
Switching to high-grade synthetic oil reduces friction and maximizes power; some studies even demonstrate an 8hp boost!
4. Replace Your Spark Plugs
Spark plugs serve one main function – to ignite fuel and air. But when they no longer function as intended, or have lost their spark completely, their ability to ignite can decrease, leading to missed fires or power reduction.
Precision ignition means more power. A misfire or weak spark will result in less power, wasted fuel and higher tailpipe emissions – so replacing your spark plugs is an affordable and simple way to improve performance and make a significant difference in performance.
5. Install a Catalytic Converter
Increased engine power is a top priority among many car enthusiasts, and one effective method to do this is through forced induction upgrades like turbochargers or superchargers that are popular among hard-core performance enthusiasts and street racers.
While technically you could drive without a functioning catalytic converter, doing so will likely result in failure at smog inspection and possibly lead to increased exhaust back pressure that negatively impacts engine performance.
6. Upgrade Your Exhaust System
An exhaust system with less restrictive exhaust systems enables your engine to breathe easier, increasing performance and horsepower. A cat-back system, which replaces headers, muffler, and catalytic converter with one large exhaust pipe and subframe assembly is a popular choice due to being both cost-effective and simple to install.
Installing a larger throttle body can also help enhance airflow and power, while forced induction systems such as turbo or superchargers can significantly boost engine power by feeding more air and fuel to your engine.
7. Upgrade Your Fuel System
Increased horsepower comes down to increasing air flow through forced induction mods such as turbocharging or supercharging, so many speed enthusiasts opt for these forced induction modifications as a means to pump in more air into their engine.
Another way to increase airflow is to upgrade your fuel system. Solutions such as cold-air intake systems or velocity stacks can help your engine breathe cleaner while increasing power. A performance fuel pump and injectors may also do the trick.
8. Upgrade Your Transmission
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to increase horsepower is with a cold air intake system. These devices work by forcing more air into your engine’s combustion cycle and producing increased horsepower.
A larger throttle body also increases horsepower by decreasing airflow restriction and allowing more oxygen and fuel to reach the engine for better performance.
Installing a performance computer chip is another simple way to increase horsepower, as this can optimize functions such as throttle response, electrical switches and speed governing.
9. Upgrade Your Brakes
Upgrading your brakes can help put more horsepower to the ground, but beware: increasing horsepower demands a considerable amount of energy that must be converted to kinetic energy through braking – something which may produce significant amounts of heat.
For daily driving, street-compatible pads and rotors usually suffice; if you plan on racing on the track however, high performance racing pads and rotors should be considered.
10. Upgrade Your Fuel Pump
There are various methods available for increasing horsepower in your car, though most are expensive. You could try increasing compression ratios, installing camshafts that maximize intake and exhaust valve lift, or upgrading the fuel pump for increased pressure.
Modifications may be expensive, but most gearheads can make the changes themselves with relative ease. There are also legal and cost-cutting strategies that may yield increased horsepower.