Better On a Budget: 4 Tips to Increase Horsepower

Feb. 20, 2013 - PRLog -- While modern cars are beginning to increase horsepower without decreasing safety, some stock performance engines will never be enough. The hum of the engine, the power beneath the wheels: why feel like you’re simply driving to work when you could be cruising the NASCAR track?

For budget-minded speed-seekers, here is a list of a few inexpensive ways to increase your horsepower without demolishing your wallet.

Even your car needs a check-up, and if it’s the most cost efficient way to increase your speed without costly changes, why not? Regular tune ups are just like doctor’s appointments for your car, and you can do it yourself in your spare time or take it to a professional. Check the air pressure in your tires, gap spacing on spark plugs, all of the oil and fluids under the hood, and clean out your carburetor. Making this a routine is an easy way to stay on top of your game.

A performance chip is an upgrade that’s easy to install and even easier on your budget. The chip is installed to the engine control unit, which alter the engine’s timing. This allows your car to develop more horsepower and torque, but could cost you a little on fuel efficiency.

Air filters are easy to overlook, but can increase your car’s top speed for the same amount of fuel as per usual. Performance air filters increase combustion by ensuring that only clean air enters the combustion chamber, increasing the power behind the punch. Another way to improve engine air is adding a cold air intake, which performs much in the same way an air filter would.

A cost-free way to increase speed is to reduce your car’s weight. This can be done by swapping out parts: switching to a carbon-fiber hood and alloy wheels will significantly reduce the weight, which adds to your car’s speed. However, this option can become expensive and a little inconvenient: while removing items like the spare tire can improve speed, it also reduces convenience and safety.

If you’re after an increase in speed but shy away from shrinking your wallet, these four tips are efficient and inexpensive. It’s important to remember that all things come with a sacrifice: you may find yourself a little inconvenienced to reach that top speed.

David Stanley Chevrolet is one of the leading Chevy dealerships in Oklahoma City specializing in new and used cars. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.davidstanleychevrolet.com/used/search.