Engine Enhancements and what they do for Performance!

by **Rislar** Wed Jan 20, 2010 6:07 am

Air Filter,Intake Modifications:
In most cases aftermarket air filters and air intakes increase air flow to the engine by reducing restrictions. By reducing restrictions on air flow, this can increase performance by increasing horsepower. Gains are typically small but sometimes noticeable. Using a colder spark plug (colder heat range) could help engine performance if the air intake modification is used with other modifications.

Less Restrictive Exhaust Pipes, Aftermarket high flow Catalytic Converters, Highflow Performance Mufflers, Cat-back systems, Headers Typically improves the volumetric efficiency of the engine and allows the engine to "breath" better.

Typically these types of improvements will improve horsepower and performance through less restriction on air flow. Key points to remember is that the efficiency of air flow is as good as the most restrictive point in the system. A complete performance upgrade of all exhaust components over stock will yield the most gains. Be very aware of sensors, which must be re-installed or replaced. Bolt-on cat-back systems typically bolt on after the catalytic converter(s) and after the exhaust system's "Y" in the V type engine configurations. Everything before the "Y" commonly are the restrictive points, though aftermarket cat-back systems (mufflers and surrounding pipes after the catalytic converter) commonly do reduce restrictions enough to gain some horsepower. Commonly they also give the feeling of improved performance and horsepower through LOUDER exhaust. Another net effect of this is lowered gas mileage, due to a "heavier foot" because the increased exhaust noise is so cool.

Performance Chips,Chip Tuners:
Re-Programmers Modifies fuel mixture, ignition timing, shift points These types of modifications can optimize your engine and transmission for a specific outcome, i.e. better performance, better fuel economy, better towing performance, etc. This is best understood when you consider that OEM tuning is commonly the best compromise between performance and fuel economy. Many people say these upgrades are the best bang for the buck, especially those that are easily selectable for the desired result. Overall they can increase horsepower and performance noticeably. Chips and program modifications for better horsepower performance can increase temperatures in the combustion chamber and exhaust. Using a lower temperature thermostat and cooler spark plugs could allow better gains in HP tuned performance.

Cams, Valves, Timing adjustments:
Duration adjustments Improves airflow and the volumetric efficiency of the engine and allows an increased volume of air/fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber. Also improves the flow of exhaust gases exiting the combustion chamber. Increased horsepower performance. Bottom line in this area is to do your research before making modifications. With so many options, tuning is not a simple task. Know what you want out of the engine.

Ignition System Upgrades, Plugs, wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil:
HEI Can result in an improved flow of current resulting in a stronger spark and more complete burn of fuel. Results depend of what components are replace and what they were upgraded from. Upgrading from older, worn components will benefit the most, even if they are replaced with stock components. Improving to components that are better than stock will make gains with a crisper spark and more thorough combustion.