Top 10 Tuner Secrets to Free Horsepower cont'd
7. Low-Temp Thermostat / Cooling Additive
Cost: $0.00 to $20
Average Horsepower Improvement: 0 to 5 horsepower
Our SR20DET Results (@ peak): N / A
Colder air means dense air. Dense air means more horsepower potential. If under hood temperatures can be reduced, many times the intake air temperature will also be reduced. On some applications, a lower-temperature thermostat may be available. Using a low-temp thermostat can result in lower intake air temperatures.
No-Cost Solution
You can cut apart your own thermostat. Take out the center portion and leave the outside to provide the correct flow rate through the radiator.
Our Dyno Experience
Not tested at this time.
For a Fistful of Dollars
Purchase or buy a cold-air intake system for your engine.
8. Low-Viscosity, High Performance Oil
Cost: $0.00 to $50
Average Horsepower Improvement:
0 to 8 horsepower
Our SR20DET Results (@peak):
+ 5.9 horsepower / + 2.8 lb-ft of torque
Friction and drag rob power. High-performance engine oils are formulated with friction modifiers to keep horsepower loss to a minimum. Using the correct viscosity oil, ensures that the engine produces peak power.
No-Cost Solution
Buying the correct viscosity oil doesn't cost any more. To determine the best viscosity, refer to the service manual for the engine and consider the highest and lowest temperature.
For a Fistful of Dollars
Buy premium oils and change them often.
9. Use Higher Octane; Octane Booster
Cost: $0.10 / gallon to $12
Average Horsepower Improvement:
0 to 10 horsepower
Our SR20DET Results (@ peak):
+ 3.1 horsepower / + 8.7 lb-ft of torque
See ignition timing.
No-Cost Solution
Almost a no-cost solution if you upgrade from regular unleaded to super unleaded, just a few more cents per gallon.
Our Dyno Experience
A trio of horsepower for $7.99 is not too bad. It also picked up almost 9 lb-ft of torque on the low-end and midrange.
For a Fistful of Dollars
If you have a high-compression naturally-aspirated engine or a turbocharged powerplant, chances are that there is a race blend of gasoline that will help you produce extra power.
10. The Cooldown
Cost: $0.00
Average Horsepower Improvement: 0 to 10 horsepower
Our SR20DET Results (@ peak): N / A
Bags of ice on the intake manifold, or a light spray of water on the intercooler can help reduce the intake air temperatures. This works very well at the dragstrip between runs. Just be sure that you don't have any water dripping from the engine compartment by the time you get up to the line.
No-Cost Solution
If you make your own ice it's next to nothing, especially if you don't pay the electric bill. If you have to purchase ice it's still under $10 for a day at the dragstrip.
Our Dyno Experience
Not Tested in this installment.
For a Fistful of Dollars
If you have an intercooled, turbocharged engine, consider upgrading the intercooler to the biggest that can possibly fit on the vehicle.
DYNORUN, 003 / Max POWER = 144.6.0 / New Spark Plugs
(67.8 6F, 29.51-0.44 in.HG., 200 ft., CF=1.0, RPM/MPH=81)
DYNORUN, 021 / Max POWER = 189.0
Old Spark Plugs, No Filter, Stock Timing, NOS Octane Booster,
Remove Belts, Remove Exhaust, Shim Wastegate, Royal Purple 10W30 Oil
(67.1 6F, 29.46-0.44 in.HG., 200 ft., CF=1.0, RPM/MPH=81)
DYNORUN, 003 / Max TORQUE = 155.2 / New Spark Plugs
(67.8 6F, 29.51-0.44 in.HG., 200 ft., CF=1.0, RPM/MPH=81)
DYNORUN, 021 / Max TORQUE = 192.9
Old Spark Plugs, No Filter, Stock Timing, NOS Octane Booster,
Remove Belts, Remove Exhaust, Shim Wastegate, Royal Purple 10W30 Oil
(67.1 6F, 29.46-0.44 in.HG., 200 ft., CF=1.0, RPM/MPH=81)
