Built For Speed Or For Comfort? Part II

Hey Everyone and welcome to the second part of built for speed or for comfort? In this blog we are discussing performance modifications. So lets jump in.

After the proper diagnostics have been performed on the engine to make sure its in good condition or if it needs to be rebuilt we can get into these mods. Lets start with machining the block. Here are a couple of things you can do:

1. Boring out the cylinders will increase volume within the cylinders which means more air/fuel mixture resulting in more power. The over boring sizes range from .010-.060 over (caution .060 is the biggest you want to go because the cylinder wall will be to thin and cooling issues will occur).
2. Decking the block lowers the surface where the heads meet the block. This is done at very small increments, by thousands of an inch. This will increase the compression ratio and better atomization within the chamber.
3. Boring out the intake and exhaust ports will increase air flow, which will increase power.

Now that the block is clean and machined lets talk about internal parts. To  make sure your parts are going to be strong and durable look into a forge crankshaft and rods. They are an increased cost, but are an optimal choice for the long run. Aluminum pistons are a valuable feature; they are light weight and durable.  When purchasing the new pistons ensure you get the correct piston rings with the corresponding over boring size.

Next on the list would be the heads. They do have heads that can be ordered, from performance parts stores like Summit, with all the attached bells and whistles . Another option is to get the heads machined with over sized valves, this will allow more air flow and increased power. To increase valvetrain efficientcy, roller rockers are a good investment. Believe it or not there is a lot of power that is lost in the valvetrain and roller rockers will deduce friction.

In conjunction, with improving the heads, getting the exhaust redone with help the engine breath and overall performance. Headers are an easy modification to increase horsepower and torque that any weekend mechanic can do can. Although some people like to designing their own exhaust systems there are some companies like heartthrob exhaust that make easy bolt in systems for a descent price.

That will conclude todays brief overview regarding options that can take your car to the next level of performance. See you next time.