A Guide on How to Modify Car Engine?

How to Modify a Car Engine? There’s an abundance of modifications for car enthusiasts.

The most basic steps you know How to Modify Car Engine , increase the efficiency and performance of your vehicle include increasing the effectiveness of the exhaust and airflow and changing suspension components to improve the handling.

You may consider installing a forced Induction or even Nitrous at some point. In the end, changing your car is about personalizing it and deciding on your modifications according to your style of driving or interests and the vehicle.

How to Modify Car Engine? Detailed Video

 

How Does A Car Engine Work?

If gasoline ignites in an internal combustion engine, it transforms the heat generated into mechanical energy, commonly called the torque.

This torque then transfers to the wheels to allow the car to move. Whether you drive an old-fashioned or more modern automobile doesn’t matter. Both engines rely on the same basic principles.

In the engine are pistons encased inside cylinders made of metal. The movement up and down of the pistons within the cylinders spins the crankshaft that powers the wheels of your vehicle.

It’s like cycling on a bicycle. The similar down and up movement turns the wheels of a bike.

The number of cylinders within the engine can vary between two and 10 based on the kind of vehicle. Most cars have 6 or 4 cylinders, while trucks include six or eight. Each cylinder is equipped with a piston that moves up and down.

What causes the pistons in the cylinders to move upwards and down? They are powered through a controlled chemical reaction generated when burning (fuel sparking) occurs. The presence of oxygen is essential to ignite the fuel.

Most vehicles have internal combustion engines with four strokes comprising intake, compression power, and exhaust. In this way, the piston is placed in the upper part of the piston.

When it goes down the cylinder, the intake valve opens, and the fuel and air are pulled to the combustion chamber.

The piston is at the bottom of the cylinder, after which, as it moves back up, the intake valve closes to close the valve. This will reduce the pressure of the fuel and air mixture. When the piston gets to the top, the spark plug ignites.

The mixture of fuel and air gets burned, increasing the pressure inside the cylinder and pushing the piston into the cylinder.

It opens the exhaust valve, and the piston expels the gas that has been ignited, after which the valve that shuts off the exhaust closes up, and the cycle starts over again.

How to Modify Car Engine?

Most car enthusiasts like to boost the efficiency of their automobiles by altering their engines to improve their fuel efficiency.

Just increasing the fuel in the engine will not be effective due to the lack of oxygen-combustion fuel relation.

Therefore, you need to modify the engine to take in more fuel and oxygen. To accomplish this, you must modify your vehicle:

Superchargers

Superchargers speed up the introduction of fresh air to the combustion chamber, generally over the normal atmospheric levels, which mixes with the fuel to provide greater power.

A belt connected to the crankshaft powers the supercharger mechanically, allowing the machine to rotate at more than 50,000 RPM.

This pushes more oxygen into the chamber of combustion. There is more room for fuel to generate massive combustion.

In the end, 30 to 50 percent more horsepower is produced by the proper installation of the entire combustion chamber of the engine.

A medium-sized car will have more power if you install a supercharger on the engine. After you’ve read the manufacturer’s instructions, fitting it onto the engine is an easy task.

Turbochargers

Like the supercharger, the turbocharger can also help boost the vehicle’s horsepower. It is based on the car’s exhaust, which is used to spool the turbine to run the compressor. The compressor’s “pulling in” action enhances the airflow in the engine.

The difference between superchargers and turbochargers

A supercharger is dependent on the engine’s power to turn. The turbocharger relies on the vehicle’s exhaust and converts it into something useful.

Turbochargers use engine oil to lubricate.

Turbochargers are more frequently seen in mainstream cars, whereas superchargers are typically found in high-performance vehicles.

Air Filters

 

Over time, contaminants and dirt build up in your vehicle, reducing its effectiveness. A newer air filter for your car can improve the car’s performance by allowing the entry of more air to ensure better combustion.

Filled with an extremely very thin coating of cotton, air filters can help to eliminate pollutants. They’re simple to put in and wash, providing a cost-effective long-term boost to your vehicle’s performance.

Cold Air Intake Kit

Kits for cold air intake are among the simplest and less expensive ways to upgrade your vehicle’s engine.

While it might seem insignificant, the air temperature may affect your car’s horsepower. Therefore, it is crucial to control the temperature of air that enters the engine.

The cold air intake kit can be installed to ensure that colder air is drawn into the engine.

This cooler air has more oxygen and is essential to ensure efficient combustion. The cold air intake can also boost airflow to the engine, increasing the engine’s efficiency and improving performance.

Performance Chips

Modern automobiles are equipped with computers that assist in controlling various functions, including the fuel-to-air ratio, anti-lock brakes and timing.

Performance chips can be added as hacks that alter the factory settings to boost horsepower. They can create new parameters for the actions chosen, such as directing your vehicle to run on fuel more efficiently or adding more air to ignite.

If you are familiar with your car’s electronic system, it is easy to install. It’s similar to connecting a chip to a computer.

Weight reduction

Based on the fundamental dynamics lighter objects move faster than those with heavier weights.

This is why it is beneficial to decrease the burden of the vehicle so that your engine can work more efficiently. While this method is not high-tech and simple, you must perform some laborious work.

It involves removing the bulkier parts of your car in exchange for lighter ones, making the vehicle light and aerodynamic.

There are many ways to begin, like replacing your windows made of glass with plastic or replacing the brake pads with discs, getting rid of seats that aren’t needed, switching on lighter wheels, and a myriad of other possibilities.

ECU

Tuning your engine Control Unit (ECU) is an aftermarket option that can help enhance engine performance by altering the spark and fuel map of the engine.

Sometimes the factory settings aren’t as effective as the engine’s maximum capabilities due to general security reasons. One way to adjust the ECU is to change the air-to-fuel ratio.

In addition, increasing fuel consumption can boost your engine’s power, consequently improving performance. The right ratio isn’t easy and requires expert guidance if you have doubts.

You may also enhance ignition timing by changing the timing that spark plugs ignite when they are compressed. Adjusting or altering your timing to ensure that spark plugs ignite earlier will increase the power output.

However, changing the timing of the ignition could cause engine knocking, overheating or any other harm if done properly. Also, seek advice from an expert if you are concerned about anything.

Exhaust Systems

 The exhaust system could be one of the most expensive components to alter. However, it’s vital for the efficiency of your vehicle.

In reality, cars typically have a five percent increase in their fuel efficiency following an upgrade to the exhaust system.

The process begins at the cylinder head, from which each part is designed to work in conjunction with the other. A fundamental understanding of how it functions can help you understand what happens when gasses that have been burned escape into the combustion chamber.

The exhaust systems increase the gas’s smooth flow and speedy velocity, leaving the engine. This is why porting must be carried out to prevent disrupting the fluid circulation of the engineered liquid.

When the exhaust valve is opened and is boosted by the upward motion of the piston, gasses exit the exhaust port at a rapid speed.

Spark Plugs

While they are often ignored even by the most casual of people, these small parts play vital roles in the operation of your car. If the spark plugs in your car aren’t functioning, your vehicle will not be able to move.

They work by generating an electric spark required to start your vehicle. These tiny bolts can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures within the engine’s cylinders.

Be aware that the pistons in your vehicle must be moved to boost your car’s horsepower and help ignite the fuel mixture that is compressed easily.

To achieve this, regularly checking the spark plugs’ condition is essential. Spark plugs that are weak or not functioning properly resulting in cold-starting problems or malfunctioning at the speed of acceleration, a reduction in horsepower and poor fuel efficiency.

When you’ve put in an extremely durable spark plug, it will last for a long time and miles without needing to replace them.

There are different kinds of pins, and the most suitable one for you is determined by the car you are driving.

Copper

The spark plugs of Copper, are high-conductivity and certain high-performance vehicles require these types. However, they are known to be less durable because of their softer nickel alloy electrode.

Double Platinum / Platinum 

Sparks are more durable than Copper because they are platinum. They also burn hotter, which prevents deposit build-up. The double-platinum spark plugs can be suggested for longer service life and improved performance on certain vehicles.

Double Iridium/Iridium 

Spark plugs made of Iridium are the most robust and durable. They cost more. However, they can improve the efficiency of firing.

To figure out the most suitable kind for your vehicle, read the vehicle’s manual or speak with your local mechanic. Don’t downgrade.

If your manual recommends Iridium spark plugs, selecting spark plugs made of Copper could cause an engine not to perform as well.

Many manufacturers suggest installing spark plugs at intervals of 30000 miles. However, their life span and effectiveness will be contingent on the kind and condition of the plug.

Advantages of Replacing Spark Plugs

Spark plugs that are new offer more than opening the vehicle without problems. Other performance advantages include:

The optimal combustion spark plug solves your car’s performance issues.

Improved fuel economy Healthy and high-quality plugs can improve the efficiency of your vehicle.

Smooth and powerful start-ups with no malfunctions.

Less emissions: Regular tune-ups for engines usually result in less harmful emissions.

Spoilers

To comprehend the role of spoilers in a vehicle, imagine a fast-moving car. When you drive in a car, the air the car is moving through flows over the top and beneath the car.

The force created under the car’s surface will try to lift it, making it very difficult for the tires to support the track like they normally do.

The resultant air and wind resistance will slow the car’s speed, which results in the engine working to push the car ahead.

Spoilers are fitted to “spoil” the airflow and reduce drag. The addition of additional aerodynamic components like rear wings and side skirts may improve speed while maintaining control over the vehicle, even as you approach sharp turns.

The Front Spoilers

Front spoilers can be affixed to or placed under the car’s front bumper. They not only help these spoilers divert the flow of air for cooling the engine and displace the air underneath the car away from tires.

Furthermore, front spoilers reduce lift and drag and also help to disperse air before it makes its route into the rear spoiler.

Although their primary purpose is to lower fuel consumption, they can also boost your vehicle’s efficiency and speed.

Things to Keep in Mind

Many modifications to your car are necessary to reach the maximum performance of your vehicle: increased performance, greater control, higher power, enhanced engine combustion, reliable and efficient air-fuel ignition and strong starts.

Before you decide to upgrade your car, you need to consider these factors:

Safety

Car modifications are a complicated procedure. It requires more than just the basics of mechanical expertise to alter the engine and other vital elements of your car.

If you believe you can make the necessary modifications to your car yourself, wear protective equipment, including the gloves you wear and protective glasses. Be safe from potentially dangerous battery wires and cables or sharp things.

Professional Advice

A lot of these modifications might seem simple, even for novices. However, as it will be a matter of altering the most important components of your car and the engine, it is best to consult professional guidance before making any modifications.

For instance, changing your ECU parameters at your own pace may appear straightforward.

However, any mistake could take significant time and even cash to correct. If you choose to work with a professional, ensure that they have the right credentials and are qualified.

Relying on Your Warranty

The warranty on your car is an agreement between you and your insurer to assist you in fixing some issues so long as you keep your vehicle in good repair.

Certain repairs or modifications can cause your insurance company to end this warranty. It is essential to do your research to be prepared for any potential ramifications that may arise.

These are only a few methods you can alter your car’s engine and you’ll be able to continue to improve.

If you’re educated and well-prepared, you can significantly increase the amount of performance and effectiveness you achieve from your engine in just a few steps and enjoy the process.

FAQ Section

Some frequently asked questions about modifying car engines are: