How to Boost Your Car's Horsepower

Last Updated: November 6, 2022 References

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Improving Performance

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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.
2
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.^{[1]
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- 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.
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3
Use test piping. Research "cat-back" systems for purchase, also sometimes called "test piping." These systems run from your catalytic converter to the end of the exhaust piping, increasing horsepower.^{[2]
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Research source} The installation kit is generally several hundred dollars, but you could save on the price by shopping around and doing it yourself.
- Measure the diameter of the pipe that comes out of your catalytic converter, and replace with larger exhaust piping. You can pay to have this installed at the shop, or you can do it yourself by cutting the old exhaust piping and leaving a few inches to weld onto. If you do, position the new system in place and weld or clamp it to the spot you just cut. Reinstall the hangers that you removed.
4
Upgrade to a free-flow aftermarket air filter. It's also a good idea to buy a free-flow air filter that fits your car and install it to slightly increase your HP. It's not a big change, but it's a good way to ensure that your vehicle is performing at the highest-possible level.^{[3]
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- Open the hood, locate the air filter housing, and remove it. Unscrew clamps or screws, taking care to avoid getting any contaminants into the filter housing. Remove and discard the old air filter. Clean the inside of the box with a damp cloth and insert your new, free-flow filter.
- Be aware the many aftermarket air filters will actually allow greater particulate matter to pass into the engine and oil filters, especially if improperly maintained, and will also spray oil into the intake. The oil from the filter can damage or destroy the mass air flow (MAF) sensor on vehicles so equipped. In forced-induction engines the marginal benefit of increased air flow with an aftermarket filter is generally outweighed by the fact that the turbo will supply the requested air regardless of the filter used, and greatly increased reliability from not having oil and sand in the intake and on the MAF.
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Research turbocharge and supercharge options. Installing a supercharger in a large-block engine,^{[4]
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Research source} or a turbocharger in a smaller-block, will basically involve completely rebuilding your engine and upgrading the stress-bearing components of the engine, which will cost several thousands of dollars. It's a huge project, but is the most effective way to increase the horsepower of your vehicle.^{[5]
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Research source} If you're committed to installing a supercharger in your car, you might consider the following varieties:
- Root superchargers are the oldest type of supercharger system, usually among the cheapest, are and quite popular among racing vehicles. They work by funneling extremely large quantities of air through the intake manifold, providing quick bursts of energy.
- Twin screw superchargers^{[6]
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  Research source} pull air through lobes, which becomes trapped in the rotor housing and becomes compressed in a cone-shaped tapering device. Not legal in all states, these superchargers tend to be extremely loud.
- Centrifugal superchargers^{[7]
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  Research source} make use of a powered impeller to pull high-pressure air into a compressor, reaching upward of 60,000 RPM easily, making them the most efficient supercharger for your vehicle.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Reflashing Your Car's Computer

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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.^{[8]
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- 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.^{[9]
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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, a Chilton or a Haynes guide 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.
3
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.

Community Q&A

Question

What is the difference between a turbo and supercharger?

Community Answer

Both use rotation (in the form of a propeller, impeller, or otherwise) to force air through it. The difference between superchargers and turbochargers is that a supercharger is belt driven (and thus immediately gets up to speed the moment the throttle is applied) and a turbocharger gets up to speed by a turbine, fed with exhaust gases. This means that it has a delay between applying the throttle and actually getting the pressure of the turbo. Simply put, superchargers give more power immediately, but drop off as the revs climb. A turbocharger needs to "spool up" first, but will have more power once it does, as it generally creates far higher pressure. This is because it spins faster.
Question

If you reduce the exhaust pipe diameter, what will happen?

Community Answer

Most likely you will see more resistance of the exhaust to properly exit the pipes. This will cause the pistons to work harder to push exhaust out of the cylinder and through the exhaust system. This will cause you to lose some horsepower and torque. The exhaust will also have a higher sounding pitch as it exits, not the deep sound we all love. All around not a good idea.
Question

How does the airstream work?

Community Answer

As your car moves down the road, it impacts millions of air molecules. These create drag, and can slow a car that is not aerodynamic. Aerodynamic cars are cars that are effective at moving air molecules around and over the car instead of collecting them. So the air stream works by going under, over, or to the sides of the car.

Warnings

Certain states, such as California, require each aftermarket performance part to pass a certification for use on a street vehicle (CARB, or California Air Resources Board).^{[11]
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Research source} If your upgrades don’t have this sticker, your vehicle can be impounded.

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Check with your local licensing agency about emissions regulations. Certain upgrades to your car’s engine and exhaust can prevent you from passing emissions and possibly violate federal emissions laws.^{[12]
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices
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