Post by numo on Nov 22, 2010 13:14:25 GMT 8
As I'm lobo this week, I did some research online and discovered 6 cheap or even free ways that you can gain some ponies over this weekend.
Some of these you may know or have done them onto your ride but this will definitely benefit us newbies. As usual, AT cars will have lesser gains than manual cars.
Here's to share and please feel free to input more if you have any tips on this topic.
Mod 1: Index Spark Plugs
Simply install your plugs in a particular way, you will pick up roughly 1 hp, dyno
proven time and time again.
To perform this mod, mark on the side which the "open end" of the spark plug
faces. Proceed to install them as normal, except when the plug is hand-tighten
(that is, you've screwed it in without a ratchet as far as it'll go), use your ratchet
to tighten the plug until the open end of the plug, faces the intake side of your
cylinder head. Voila!
Mod 2: Insulate Fuel Lines
Like the theory of air-intake, the engine heat will cause performance loss by
heating up the fuel lines. Cooler fuel will help cool the intake charge, as well as
provide for a better overall mixture.
Like aircon pipe insulation, simply purchase cable-ties, a roll of refrigerator and air
conditioning insulation. Wrap all fuel lines with the insulation to keep the cool in.
Mod 3: Relocate IAT Sensor
This mod is tedious and requires more skill.
Most fuel injected vehicles will have a sensor that measures intake air
temperature. You will need to refer to your car manual to find its location.
Typically, the IAT sensor is mounted inside the intake plenum that is very often
heated heavily by the coolant and the cylinder head. You need to "trick" the
engine computer into thinking that the incoming air is a little cooler than it
really is, and therefore get the ECU to advance the timing a small amount
and increase fuel supply at the same time.
For light-to-mid modified vehicles, this will create a more desirable fuel and
ignition map thus creating a few extra horsepower.
In order to perform this mod, simply locate the sensor and remove it from
the intake manifold. Fill in the hole with JB weld and proceed to remount the
sensor somewhere in the intake arm area. Then, seal everything up neatly.
Mod 4: Synthetic Oil
A no-brainer here.
Synthetic oils definitely creates more power over standard "dinosaur" oils.
In fact, dynos have proven consistently an increase of 2-3hp across the rev
range from using true synthetic oils. It also better lubricates and protects your
engine.
Mod 5: Increase H2O Ratio In Coolant
Straight water cools better than coolant any day of the week, and a cooler engine
will always produce more power.
Instead of a typical half and half ratio, try 40/60. However, NEVER use pure water
as this may cause premature corrosion which results in a costly repair bill. Mineral
water is believed to be more suitable. Mine on Evian... lol. You may also try water
wetter to further enhance the effect, but be cautioned that water wetter should only
be used for track purposes.
Mod 6: Throttle Body Coolant Bypass
This is my top pick for free horsepower. Needless to say I've done this on my ride
and I'm very happy with this mod.
Just a caution, quick hands and skill is needed for this item.
This is perhaps one of the best mods that you can do for basically nothing. Again
dyno proven, you will feel more torque in the engine when cool or at first start,
but personally, I feel that once at operating temperature or when driving for
around 15-20 minutes, the pull was no longer available. But for free power, it's
worth the effort.
All you need to do is to take those two coolant lines located at the throttle body,
disconnect them and exchange them. Quick hands are needed to minimize spillage
and do get ready clean water and a couple of cloths to clear up the mess.
Well, there are many other free mods like weight reduction and throttle-cable tightening etc., to enhance performance but I'm sure those do not need any further explanations. The above info serve as complimentary add-ons for better understanding of our precious rides.
Happy zng-ing!
Some of these you may know or have done them onto your ride but this will definitely benefit us newbies. As usual, AT cars will have lesser gains than manual cars.
Here's to share and please feel free to input more if you have any tips on this topic.
Mod 1: Index Spark Plugs
Simply install your plugs in a particular way, you will pick up roughly 1 hp, dyno
proven time and time again.
To perform this mod, mark on the side which the "open end" of the spark plug
faces. Proceed to install them as normal, except when the plug is hand-tighten
(that is, you've screwed it in without a ratchet as far as it'll go), use your ratchet
to tighten the plug until the open end of the plug, faces the intake side of your
cylinder head. Voila!
Mod 2: Insulate Fuel Lines
Like the theory of air-intake, the engine heat will cause performance loss by
heating up the fuel lines. Cooler fuel will help cool the intake charge, as well as
provide for a better overall mixture.
Like aircon pipe insulation, simply purchase cable-ties, a roll of refrigerator and air
conditioning insulation. Wrap all fuel lines with the insulation to keep the cool in.
Mod 3: Relocate IAT Sensor
This mod is tedious and requires more skill.
Most fuel injected vehicles will have a sensor that measures intake air
temperature. You will need to refer to your car manual to find its location.
Typically, the IAT sensor is mounted inside the intake plenum that is very often
heated heavily by the coolant and the cylinder head. You need to "trick" the
engine computer into thinking that the incoming air is a little cooler than it
really is, and therefore get the ECU to advance the timing a small amount
and increase fuel supply at the same time.
For light-to-mid modified vehicles, this will create a more desirable fuel and
ignition map thus creating a few extra horsepower.
In order to perform this mod, simply locate the sensor and remove it from
the intake manifold. Fill in the hole with JB weld and proceed to remount the
sensor somewhere in the intake arm area. Then, seal everything up neatly.
Mod 4: Synthetic Oil
A no-brainer here.
Synthetic oils definitely creates more power over standard "dinosaur" oils.
In fact, dynos have proven consistently an increase of 2-3hp across the rev
range from using true synthetic oils. It also better lubricates and protects your
engine.
Mod 5: Increase H2O Ratio In Coolant
Straight water cools better than coolant any day of the week, and a cooler engine
will always produce more power.
Instead of a typical half and half ratio, try 40/60. However, NEVER use pure water
as this may cause premature corrosion which results in a costly repair bill. Mineral
water is believed to be more suitable. Mine on Evian... lol. You may also try water
wetter to further enhance the effect, but be cautioned that water wetter should only
be used for track purposes.
Mod 6: Throttle Body Coolant Bypass
This is my top pick for free horsepower. Needless to say I've done this on my ride
and I'm very happy with this mod.
Just a caution, quick hands and skill is needed for this item.
This is perhaps one of the best mods that you can do for basically nothing. Again
dyno proven, you will feel more torque in the engine when cool or at first start,
but personally, I feel that once at operating temperature or when driving for
around 15-20 minutes, the pull was no longer available. But for free power, it's
worth the effort.
All you need to do is to take those two coolant lines located at the throttle body,
disconnect them and exchange them. Quick hands are needed to minimize spillage
and do get ready clean water and a couple of cloths to clear up the mess.
Well, there are many other free mods like weight reduction and throttle-cable tightening etc., to enhance performance but I'm sure those do not need any further explanations. The above info serve as complimentary add-ons for better understanding of our precious rides.
Happy zng-ing!