Since the discovery of the internal combustion engine over a century ago, there have been numerous promises made on how to improve engine performance. From gasoline additives to new-fangled carburetors, none of them has offered the much-needed relief for motorists.
However, engine performance is no walk in the park. It is not something that you can wake up one morning and provide miracle solutions.
Engines are basically about math, physics, and the ability to turn heat energy into mechanical motion.
But how can you play around with these three things and turn them to your advantage?
Below are several ways through which you can increase the performance of your engine:
1. Use of synthetic lubricant
Synthetic lubricants are popular because they help in reducing friction – hence protecting your engine from damage. They are known to create a lot of lubrication between moving parts compared to traditional oils.
Besides, they never break down when your car is heating up or in a high-stress moment. This is one of the major reasons why they are normally used in high-performance applications.
In addition, synthetic lubricants provide perfect cold-weather performance as well as protecting the engine from extreme temperatures.
2. Compression
Increasing compression is another great way of improving engine performance. Try building compression towards your engine and you will see the results. For the entire period that internal engine combustion has existed, there has never been a better way to increase engine performance than compression.
However, you should be cautious about how you raise the compression. It is important to understand that cam selection and compression go together – since cam selection affects working compression or cylinder pressure.
You should consult your mechanic or engine builder about cam selection and compression. The two have to be carefully chosen – so that you are able to increase performance without destroying your engine.
3. Ignition
Since ignition systems have become low maintenance for the past two decades, we rarely check them until we experience a misfire. Car maintenance should always involve ignition systems. You also need to regularly change your spark plugs.
When you are replacing ignition systems, go for high quality and high-performance ignition parts available in the market. Always learn to choose original grade equipment because they have the ability to increase your engine performance compared to other components.
You should also play around with ignition timing carefully. This is because too much of it can damage your car engine. If for example you are using traditional distributor ignition systems, set the total timing at 2500 rpm.
4. Found-bonus power
Have you ever known that your car engine produces more power than it delivers? Try to think of the power that’s usually lost to internal friction – something that takes a huge amount of power to move them. Then think of the amount of heat lost into the atmosphere?
You will be surprised to know that your car engine loses 70 to 75% of heat energy created from air or fuel or when lights are switched off. This means that a lot of power that could be used to increase engine performance goes to waste.
So how can you minimize friction and release more power?
• Roller rocker arms
• Dual-roller timing arms
• Roller tappet camshaft
• Low tension piston rings
• Windage tray
• Greater bearing clearance
5. Larger throttle body
A larger-high performance body is likely to produce more horsepower compared to a smaller one. However, this will depend on the types of car engine you have. It is possible to accumulate as much as 10 to 20 more horsepower.
Nonetheless, you should be extremely cautious when using this method to increase engine performance. Why is it because if you go for a too-large throttle body, then you risk losing power completely.
Understand that not all engines are designed for large throttle bodies. This means that you have to do a little research or talk to an expert before implementing this strategy.
