Automakers are usually more eager to improve gas mileage and keep maintenance costs low than to maximize performance, but if you want to bring out your vehicle’s inner hot rod, there are a few ways you can increase the horsepower, maximizing the performance and speed.
Reduce the weight of the car. One of the easiest things that you can do right now to increase the horsepower is to make your vehicle as light as possible, which allows your vehicle accelerate better. Remove unnecessary clutter from your car, and strip it down as much as possible for optimum performance.
Upgrade to a free-flowing exhaust system. Upgrading to a high-performance exhaust system can increase your horsepower by a measure of five to 10 on some natural aspiration vehicles, while vehicles with an additional supercharger can pick up much more.
- It’s a common misconception that oversized piping negatively affects back pressure, resulting in a loss of low-end torque and power. In truth, most engines prefer the most free-flowing system, in terms of intake, header and exhaust.
Enhance a turbocharged engine with a programmer. These devices modify the programming on your vehicle’s computer, called “reflashing,” to allow for more horsepower, torque, and sometimes better fuel economy. On a naturally-aspirated engine, the horsepower increase will be quite minor, but with a supercharger you can see huge gains in HP.
- Some auto shops will advertise flashing options, saving you lots of money in the process. In practical terms, it’s not something people often do themselves, so you might talk with a mechanic you trust about it if you’re interested.
Enhance supercharged engine’s computer with a power module. Aftermarket power modules can be used in a similar way, sometimes offering up to 30 extra HP with proper installation.
- To install, look in the driver’s manual to see how to access the car’s computer, then disconnect negative battery cable and unplug the wiring harness from the computer.
- Plug in an aftermarket power module. Insert it between the wiring harness and the computer. Reconnect negative battery cable.
Weigh the pros and cons. On the upside, re-flashing the computer in your car can be a great and efficient way of upping the horsepower, giving you a powerful ride. On the downside, it’s an expensive process that requires you already have a supercharged engine — another expensive process. Many performance modifications to an engine can also decrease its fuel economy, and reflashing also generally voids any warranty on a vehicle you’ve purchased. Know that if you choose to complete the process, it’s on you.
