Air Intakes
Air induction is very important for an efficient and powerful engine. Replacing the factory fitted intakes with a new aftermarket air induction system will give a new life to your car. Depending on your budget, you can choose from a range of brands available in the market. These systems can be installed pretty easily. A good air induction system will cost you about Rs 8000 onwards.
Engine Fan
Engine fans greatly gulp down significant horsepower from your engine. Found in the radiator of the car, its major function is to draw air into the radiator to maintain optimum engine temperature and prevent overheating. You can replace this mechanical fan with an electric one and get more horsepower for your engine. Once again, you have a variety of aftermarket choices here. Finding the perfect fan for your car will let you enjoy a more powerful ride.
Fuel Pumps
These days most of the cars are fitted with an electric fuel pump but some of them are equipped with mechanical pump which draws power directly from the crankshaft. Such mechanical pumps eat up a lot of precious power which can otherwise be utilized by the engine. You can save the precious horsepower by replacing the mechanical pump with an electrical one. It will not only enhance the car's performance but also the
fuel efficiency. One thing you should make note of while upgrading to electric fan and fuel pump is your battery and alternator which will bear the extra burden. In some cases the battery and alternator also require up-gradation to fulfil the extra power requirement.
Fuel Injection
Nowadays,
fuel injection systems have replaced the carburettor that was earlier found in old automobiles. A carburettor main function is to provide the air-fuel mixture to the combustion chamber. Contrastingly, a fuel injection system is a more efficient device that needs virtually no service and allows a much better mileage for your car. So, in case your car has a carburettor, replace it with a decent fuel injection system. This electronic injection system will lend a lot of extra horsepower for your car.
Carburettors
Alright, you don't have the money to replace your
carburettor with a fuel injection. Here is what you can do. Carburettors are found in different variety of capacities. One of the simplest ways is to replace your carburettor with a more powerful one. For example, replace your carburettor of two barrel capacity with a four barrel one. But changing a carburettor will also require change your air induction. This upgrade, though a little on the expensive side, will lent much more horsepower to your car. One problem, however, will be decreased fuel efficiency.
Performance Chips
This upgrade suits the needs of people whose cars boast of electronic fuel injection systems. The technique involves the electronic chip installed in the injection system which controls the whole process. These chips are programmed in such a way so as to provide optimum performance. You can buy a pre-programmed chip or get a software to program a chip to suit your needs.
Exhaust System
The speedy and efficient exit for the exhaust gases is as important as it is to get air into the engine. Over the years, the
exhaust system gets clogged with deposition of carbon in the exhaust channels. This not only prevents complete removal of exhaust gases from the chamber but also affects the fuel economy of your car. For lightening exhaust of gases, you should opt for a dual exhaust system back up to your engine. This will allow complete removal of carbon dioxide from the engine, making smooth ignition a piece of cake.
This upgrade requires two catalytic converters which are quite expensive, so be prepared to spend some serious money. Moreover keep local laws in mind regarding converters and noise levels.
Turbochargers
Turbochargers are found in diesel engine cars but you can install one in your petrol car too. The turbocharger uses the momentum of exhaust gases to spin the impeller which is used to compress the incoming fresh air into the engine. This compressed air is directed to the combustion chamber for the much more efficient and powerful ignition. But this power upgrade comes with a heavy price tag. A turbocharger is priced at around the $1000 and it also requires other upgrades to your air induction system.
Superchargers
Superchargers are even better than the turbochargers. This can be the most outrageous power boost that can be added to a car. You would not want to go for an upgrade like this if you do not participate in drag racing and such things. Superchargers work much the same way like turbochargers, only they are more potent. There are a number of superchargers available in the market with varying performance boost.
A number of things, however, should be kept in mind before having this upgrade on your car. First, it is the cost, which is staggering. Second, you have to go for a lot of other upgrades to various engine parts including an opening in the hood. You will also have to understand the legal issues which need to be addressed before installing a supercharger.