5 simple tips to maximum your car engine's performance

Updated Aug 16, 2022 | Same topic: Handy Maintenance Tips

Have your car engine delivered its best performance?

As a car owner, we want to have a car that will last for a long period of time. In order to make that happen, proper maintenance of both exterior and interior is important, most especially the heart of the car – the engine.

Proper caring for your car's engine is a must because its performance depends on the condition of your engine. If you want your car to be on its best performance, you should make sure that the engine is at its best shape. So, how to get the most out of your engine? What do you have to do to maximize the performance of your engine?

If you don’t have any idea, Philkotse.com is here to help you. Here are some tips in getting the most out of your car:

1. Drop unnecessary weight                

One of the most effective ways to maximize your car’s performance is to drop unnecessary weights in your car. This doesn’t mean you’ll have to throw your friends out of the car because they’re heavy. It does mean that you should remove any items inside your car or trunk if it is not really necessary.

Most of the time, our car’s trunk becomes the stock room of our car. These items contribute to the overall weight of the vehicle. Giving your car the least amount of car to power is the cheapest and simplest way to get the most power and efficiency out of your engine.

Dropping even just 20 pounds can provide faster accelerator. What are you waiting for? Remove those extra junk from your cab and trunk. You can also consider the following suggestions that can help lighten your car’s load:

  • Modify your car by removing the rear seats. Some car model’s rear seat weight up to 100 pounds.
  • Instead of using steel wheels, try using lightweight wheels with high-performance tires. Doing so will help you drop weight of up to 50 pounds.
  • Instead of the typical manufacture panels, you can use fiberglass or carbon fiber body panels. This is a major modification but it will greatly help in making your car lighter. It is an effective way of making the most out of your engine.

>>> Learn more: 6 Ways to Effectively Maximize Your Car’s Trunk Space

light weight wheels

Instead of using steel wheels, try using lightweight wheels with high-performance tires. Doing so will help you drop weight of up to 50 pounds

2. Installing an intake system and high-flow air filter

You can add a few horsepowers quickly and cheaply in your engine by changing out your typical air-filter into a higher performance variety. You will allow your car’s engine to breathe better at the same time you won’t have to purchase a new air filter. Most applications range from $40 to $250 which is a great way to start.

  • AEM dry flow air fillers: This air fillers are legal everywhere and never need any added oil. Certain oil filters such as the K&N Air Fillers can add 5 horsepower or more depending on your car. It is also good for 1,600,000 kilometers or 1,000,000 miles.
  • Ram-air intake or cold-air system: It draws in cool air inside the car. Take note that this depends on the type of car, because some may benefit greatly, some will not. High-end cars commonly cars which will not benefit from this. This is because high-end cars already have an intake system that is well-designed for its model.

Installed intake system

You can add a few horsepowers quickly and cheaply in your engine by changing out your typical air-filter into a higher performance variety

Take note: Before modifying your car’s air filter or intake system, it is best to first check and research if there are regulations in regards to car air filters. Check if a particular high-performance air filter system is illegal in your city/town.

3. Exhaust system upgrade

A header-back exhaust system is the most ideal option. This type of exhaust system allows the exhaust to quickly and efficiently go straight from the engine into the tailpipe. If you choose to do it all by yourself, be ready to spend several hundred dollars on an available kit.

But keep in mind that you still need to have access to a car shop with welding gear, replacement system, hydraulic lift, and all the know-how. It is always a better choice to look for a muffler shop that knows what you want and does their job in upgrading your exhaust system with a corresponding service fee.

car exhaust

Before upgrading your exhaust system, make sure to look for an exhaust system that is compatible and works well with your engine

Before upgrading your exhaust system, make sure to look for an exhaust system that is compatible and works well with your engine. For example, 2.58 exhaust goes well for I-4 engines. If your engine is equipped with a turbocharger, 3" is okay. For cars with V6 and V8 engines, 2.5 to 3” exhaust is advised.

4. ECU Reprogramming

Not everyone is aware that ECU reprogramming is one of the cheapest solutions in maximizing the power of your engine. It is also not that noticeable. Most car manufacturers don’t recommend changes in the car’s ECU programs, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be bad for your car.

You can reprogram your car’s ECU or electronic control unit with the help of tuner companies. They made it possible by adjusting the air to fuel mixture and ignition timing. Doing so will allow your car to have more power but also be reminded that it will simultaneously void the warranty of your car.

ECU reprogramming

Not everyone is aware that ECU reprogramming is one of the cheapest solutions in maximizing the power of your engine

>>> Related: What is a stroker engine?

5. Turbocharging

When you hear the word turbocharging, you’ll think about that noise and whirs of cars. But turbocharging is more than just a noise, it is the induced force coming from the turbines pulling more air into the combustion chamber of the engine. This gives your car a boost by the bump in fuel and air pressure.

Engine

Turbocharging gives your car a boost by the bump in fuel and air pressure

These are the ways to get the most out of your car. You don’t have to have a luxurious sports car that shouts of great horsepower. All you need to do is try and follow the given suggestions to have your car a boosts engine.

You can try different ways of boosting your engine's performance depending on your choice and budget. Just make sure that the option you'll make will best work for the type of car you own. To be safe, you can always consult your mechanic on the modifications you’re going to make in your car. They will further help you and suggests the best option for your car.

>>> Get more helpful tips and advice for your car maintenance here

Hanna Sanchez

Hanna Sanchez

Author

Hanna is one of the most competitive swimmers in the country during her day. It was not long before she discovered her passion for the automotive industry as well. Nowadays, she balances her passion through writing as well as coaching.

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