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Boost Performance With These Essential Engine Upgrades & Mods

Boost Performance With These Essential Engine Upgrades & Mods

Most Common Engine Problems and Solutions

Having issues with your engine can be extremely frustrating. However, many common engine problems have simple solutions that can get you back on the road quickly and prevent more serious damage down the line.

Overheating

One of the most common engine problems is overheating. Some potential causes include:

  • Low coolant levels - Check coolant levels and top up if needed.
  • Faulty radiator cap - Replace the cap if it is not maintaining correct pressure.
  • Bad water pump - Replace the water pump if it is not properly circulating coolant.
  • Faulty thermostat - Replace the thermostat if it is not opening at the proper temperature.

Knocking or Ticking

If you hear a knocking or ticking noise from your engine, it could indicate:

  • Low oil level - Check the oil level and top up if needed.
  • Worn bearings - Inspect and replace any worn bearings.
  • Broken or bent rods - Requires engine repair/rebuild to address bent/broken rods.

Loss of Power

Some of the most common causes of a loss of engine power include:

IssueSolution
Dirty air filterReplace air filter.
Clogged fuel filterReplace fuel filter.
Faulty spark plugsInspect and replace spark plugs.
Worn piston ringsEngine repair/rebuild to address worn rings.

High Fuel Consumption

If your engine seems to be burning through fuel at a higher than normal rate, look into these potential causes:

  • Dirty air filter - Replace air filter.
  • Dragging brakes - Inspect brake system.
  • Slipping transmission - Check transmission fluid and operation.
  • Worn piston rings or cylinders - May require engine rebuild.

Addressing common engine issues promptly can help avoid costlier repairs down the road. Maintain your engine well with regular maintenance and inspection to maximize performance and longevity.

Improving Performance and Increasing Horsepower

There are many ways to enhance your engine's horsepower and overall performance. With some strategic modifications, you can unlock your engine's full potential.

Cold Air Intake

Adding a cold air intake allows your engine to breathe cooler, denser air, which creates a more powerful combustion. This relatively inexpensive upgrade can give you 7-10 extra horsepower easily. When installing, make sure to choose a CAI specifically engineered for your vehicle's engine.

Computer Reprogramming

Getting an engine control unit (ECU) tune is one of the best ways to maximize horsepower. ECU tuning allows adjusting factors like fuel delivery, spark timing, air-fuel ratio, rev limiters, and more. Going to a reputable performance shop for a professional tune can safely gain 20-30 horsepower.

Ignition Upgrades

Enhancing your ignition system allows the engine to burn fuel more efficiently. Some upgrades include:

  • High-performance ignition coils - Increase spark energy up to 4 times.
  • Better spark plugs - Improved plugs optimize spark. Choose heat range carefully.
  • Upgraded ignition wires - Prevent resistance and loss of spark voltage.

Lightweight Pulleys

Reducing the weight of pulleys connected to the crankshaft lessens rotational mass. This allows the engine to rev higher and build horsepower. Underdrive pulleys also reduce drag on belt-driven accessories.

Headers and Exhaust

Higher flowing headers and exhaust systems minimize backpressure. Combined with performance mufflers or cat-back exhausts, these upgrades can provide gains of 10-25 horsepower.

When modifying your engine, it's important to choose parts that work harmoniously. Getting a professional tune after installing upgrades is key to maximizing performance gains safely.

Must-Have Engine Modifications

Modifying your engine can dramatically improve its performance and responsiveness. Here are some of the best modifications to consider:

Cold Air Intake

A cold air intake is one of the easiest ways to increase horsepower. By routing cooler outside air into the engine, it provides denser air for better combustion. Expect gains of 5-15 HP.

Computer Reprogramming

Getting an ECU tune optimized for your specific engine and modifications is a must. Proper tuning improves factors like:

  • Fuel and spark delivery
  • Gear shifting
  • Rev limiters
  • Top speed limiter

This can safely provide 15-30 extra horsepower in most cases.

Cat-Back Exhaust

High flow exhaust systems reduce backpressure for optimized cylinder filling and scavenging. Combined with a performance muffler, you can gain 10-25 HP based on the specifics of your engine.

Short Throw Shifter

For manual transmissions, a short throw shifter vastly improves shifting feel and speed. This inexpensive mod makes driving much more fun with quicker, more precise shifts.

When modifying your engine, focus on complementary parts that enhance performance together. A professional tune is then crucial to maximize your gains.

Top Engine Parts and Accessories

Upgrading key engine components or adding accessories can provide substantial performance gains and customization.

Cold Air Intakes

Aftermarket cold air intakes improve power by providing cooler, denser air to the engine. Brands like AEM and K&N make direct replacement intakes for most vehicles.

Computer Chips and Programmers

Performance chips and engine programmers allow tuning the ECU for optimized fuel and spark delivery. Popular options include:

  • Hypertech Power Programmer
  • Superchips Flashpaq Tuner
  • Bully Dog GT Tuner

Ignition Coils

Upgraded ignition coils optimize spark energy for stronger combustion. MSD, Accel, and Taylor are top coil brands.

Oil Catch Cans

Oil catch cans capture blowing crankcase vapors to reduce oily gunk buildup in the intake system. Brands like Mishimoto and Moroso make quality catch cans.

Strut Tower Braces

Strut tower braces bolster chassis stiffness for improved handling and responsiveness. Models are available from Steeda, BMR Suspension, and other brands.

Research parts that are designed specifically for your vehicle to maximize compatibility and performance.

Ebay Car Parts By Owner

Ebay is a popular online marketplace where you can find a wide range of car parts and accessories sold by owners. You can browse through the Auto Parts & Accessories category on eBay to find new or used products that fit your car's make and model. The category includes subcategories such as Car & Truck Parts and Motorcycle Parts & Accessories, making it easy to find what you need. You can also filter your search results by price, location, and other criteria to find the best deals. Some of the best-selling car parts on eBay include tires, fuel filters, and engine components. With free shipping on selected items, eBay is a great place to shop for car parts by owner.

Auto Parts Chain

Auto parts chains are a convenient way to find the parts you need for your car. Here are some of the largest auto parts chains in the US:

  1. AutoZone - With over 6,700 stores nationwide, AutoZone is the largest auto parts chain in the country.
  2. NAPA Auto Parts - NAPA Auto Parts is the second largest auto parts chain in the country, with over 6,000 stores.
  3. O'Reilly Auto Parts - O'Reilly Auto Parts is the third largest auto parts chain in the United States, with more than 5,600 stores.
  4. Advance Auto Parts - With just over 5,000 stores, Advance Auto Parts is the fourth largest auto parts chain in the USA.
  5. Pep Boys - Pep Boys, the fifth largest auto parts chain in the USA, has over 1,000 stores nationwide.
  6. Carquest Auto Parts - Carquest Auto Parts, a branch of Advance Auto Parts, has 1,367 stores making it the sixth-largest auto parts chain in the USA.

These chains offer a wide range of products and services, including tires, engine components, and accessories. Many of them also have online stores for convenient shopping from home.

Largest Auto Parts Distributors In USA

Based on the search results, here are the largest auto parts distributors in the USA:

  1. Genuine Parts Company - With $22.1B in revenue, Genuine Parts Company is the largest auto parts distributor in the USA.
  2. AutoZone - AutoZone is the largest auto parts chain with 5,914 locations in all 50 states.
  3. O'Reilly Auto Parts - O'Reilly Auto Parts is the third largest auto parts chain in the United States, with more than 5,600 stores in the country.
  4. NAPA Auto Parts - NAPA Auto Parts is the second largest auto parts chain in the country, with over 6,000 stores.
  5. Advance Auto Parts - Advance Auto Parts, with just over 5,000 stores, makes it the fourth largest auto parts chain in the USA.
  6. Carquest Auto Parts - Carquest Auto Parts, a branch of Advance Auto Parts, has 1,367 stores making it the sixth-largest auto parts chain in the USA.

It's worth noting that Amazon is also a major player in the auto parts industry, with a market capital of $159.84 billion. Additionally, there are several online-only auto parts stores that are worth checking out, such as Carparts.com.