Vroom Vroom! 12 Ways to Increase the Horsepower of Your Car

Do you own a car that you’re looking to increase horsepower for? In the United States alone, only 8.7% of people don’t have access to a car. But, how many own a car that’s performing at its full potential?

In this article, explore the top tips and tricks to increase horsepower in your car. Read on to get your car working at its peak level, and watch it take off in record speed!

1. Update the Intake

You’ll want to upgrade your vehicle’s air intake system to get increased horsepower. Choose a free-flowing air filter since it will let your engine breathe easier.

You’ll also want a proper heat shield for it. If you don’t, then it’ll take hot air from the engine compartment. This will impact any performance improvements.

2. Get a Large Throttle Body

When you’re looking for the top ways to increase horsepower, you’ll want to ensure you have a larger-diameter throttle body. This will regulate the airflow for your engine.

Your engine requires air in order to run properly. When you choose a larger-diameter option with big flaps, this will let airflow into your engine. This can lead to an increase in horsepower.

3. a Throttle Body Spacer

You can also choose a  throttle body spacer for even more increased horsepower. It creates more space to go through the manifold. This will increase your fuel economy which allows for more torque.

4. Installing a Performance Exhaust

Choosing a performance exhaust is a very popular method for horsepower. Just like installing an exhaust back box to limit the sound generated by the gas as it passes through the exhaust system.

5. Installing a Supercharger

When you choose a forced induction system, they’ll compress airflow to your engine and allow for a huge increase to your horsepower.

This allows you to mix power and fuel together. They’re easier to install than a Turbocharger as well.

They’re the most effective on 6-cylinder engines instead of 4. You also don’t need an intercooler with superchargers.

6. Nitrous

This is a portable turbo/supercharger option. You can move it from car to car with ease. You don’t have to worry about buying a supercharger for multiple cars.

More air is made that combusts in the engine, which leads to increased power. Check your local state laws since they’re illegal in many states. If you choose to go this route, they can often be used with a super or turbocharger.

7. Using a Performance Camshaft

When you install a performance camshaft, this will allow you to increase acceleration and horsepower in your car. While it’s great for performance, it’s an expensive venture, and your engine will be louder as well.

8. Clean Your Filters

If you go without cleaning your filters, your car won’t be able to breathe. Make sure that the fuel and air filters are clean. This will ensure that your car will perform at the maximum horsepower.

9. Remove Junk

You’ll want to keep the weight of your car down. That means any junk you have laying around throw it out or put it away. Check air conditioners, speakers, car jacks, spare tires, and back seats. You might need to change your carbon fiber or fiberglass as well.

10. Upgrade Wheels

Wondering how to make your car accelerate faster? Consider high-performance tires and wheels. They’ll also decrease the weight of your car which means easier handling as well. Each wheel can help your car’s weight decrease by about 10 lbs.

11. Adding Software

In the 21st century, it’s all about software, including your car. If you have a modern car, this is a sure-fire way to increase horsepower.

You can adjust your ignition’s timing for smoother power delivery with aftermarket software. When a car’s ECU is tuned up, you can see large power gains.

Always make sure that you purchase from a reputable company since engines can be sensitive to any change. Check out the different stages available for the tunes. You’ll want one that will fit your engine’s configuration.

12. Change Fuel Delivery

If your car is fuel-injected, you’re limited to what can be done with fuel delivery. If your car is older and has a carburetor, consider buying an aftermarket carburetor.

You can also choose a phenolic riser. This will place the carburetor an inch higher than the intake manifold.

Horsepower vs Torque

While many will try to make it all about horsepower, you’ll want to pay attention to the torque as well. Your engine’s torque will accelerate your car.

Horsepower is the measure of the energy an engine creates per unit time. The torque is the measurement of the twisting force that the engine makes.

The torque is how easy it’ll be for a vehicle to move or change its speed. The equation for horsepower is: Horsepower= Torque x RPM/5252.

Your RPM will be the number of complete revolutions the crankshaft in your engine rotates in a minute. When your RPM increases, your torque will as well.

If you increase your RPM beyond a steady amount, then the torque will decrease. When your torque is steady, the horsepower can still increase over a larger range of RPMs. This is due to it being proportional to your torque and RPM.

Your engine’s design can also impact the horsepower and torque of your vehicle. Some cars will maintain the peak torque for a longer time than others.

Exploring How to Increase Horsepower

Now that you’ve explored how to increase horsepower, you should be well on your way to a fast car! Are you wanting to learn more about improvements you can make in everyday life? For everything from how poker can increase creativity, to the top things a new driver should know, check out our other articles today.