Increasing engine power - 6 ways
Many car enthusiasts think about how to increase engine power. Some want to feel more confident on the road, others want to get more pleasure from dynamic driving, and for others, the sporty character of the car is important.
Modern power units have a significant reserve built in by the manufacturer: firstly, to provide a margin of safety for different climatic conditions and fuel quality, and secondly, to enable the manufacturer to produce one basic engine model in several power versions by simply changing the settings. Competent tuning allows you to safely unlock the potential of the engine. It is important to understand that adjusting the parameters allows you to achieve better results without harming the engine's resource, while chaotic modifications can, on the contrary, reduce its durability.
How to easily increase engine power?
Methods for increasing dynamics vary in complexity, cost and effectiveness. Some of them are suitable even at the initial level, while others require serious changes in the design of the car. Options in the table:
| Method | Power increase | Cost | Complexity | Completion time | Legality |
| Mechanical tuning | +5-15% | Average | High | 2-5 days | Partially |
| Fuel system upgrade | +5-20% | Medium | High | 2-5 days | Yes |
| Exhaust system | +5-10% | Medium | Medium | 1-2 days | Yes |
| Air filter | +2-5% | Low | Low | 1 day | Yes |
| Turbocharger/compressor | +20-50% | High | High | 5-10 days | Partial |
| Chip tuning | +10-30% | Low/Medium | Medium | 2-4 hours | Yes |
Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. The choice depends on your budget, the desired effect, and legal restrictions.
Mechanical tuning
This method involves interfering with the very design of the power unit, allowing you to change its operating characteristics at a deeper level. This approach requires considerable knowledge and experience, as any mistake can affect reliability.
| Mechanical tuning | Effect | Disadvantages |
| Camshaft replacement | Increased torque | High cost |
| Intake system modification | Better results at high revs | Complex installation |
| Reinforced pistons | Engine durability under boost | Requires complete engine disassembly |
Mechanical tuning opens up a wide range of possibilities, but it is the most expensive and labour-intensive method. To achieve maximum results, it is usually combined with other solutions.
Fuel system upgrade
The quality and quantity of fuel entering the cylinders directly affect the power and efficiency of the engine. The use of more efficient injectors, a powerful pump and modern pressure regulators ensures optimal engine performance even with a significant increase in power.
An upgraded fuel system is the basis for any serious upgrades. The method is often used in conjunction with the installation of a turbine or compressor to avoid fuel shortage with increased air flow.
Exhaust system modification
The correct configuration of the exhaust gas outlet allows exhaust gases to be removed more quickly and efficiently, reducing back pressure in the cylinders. This, in turn, helps to gain additional power and improve the performance of the entire system.
| Exhaust system | Effect | Disadvantages |
| Sports manifold | Better gas removal | Increased noise |
| Straight-flow system | Increased power | May reduce comfort |
| Catback system | Balance of power and comfort | Higher price |
In combination with other solutions, exhaust modernisation can significantly improve the performance of a car and achieve better results. However, some configurations may violate noise and environmental standards, so the choice of system must be made in accordance with the law.
Air filter replacement
The easiest, yet quite effective method. Zero-resistance sports filters increase the volume of air entering the engine and improve fuel combustion efficiency.
| Air filter | Effect | Disadvantages |
| Standard → sports | +5% power | May require regular maintenance |
This is a good solution for those who want to start with simple and affordable steps and then move on to more complex modifications. In combination with other methods, it can have a more noticeable effect.
Use of a turbocharger or compressor
Supercharging makes it possible to significantly increase engine power. A turbine or compressor compresses the air supplied to the cylinders, increasing the amount of fuel available for combustion. This allows for a significant increase in dynamics, especially when combined with other modifications.
The choice depends on your needs: a turbine runs on exhaust gas energy and provides greater power increase at high revs, while a mechanical compressor is driven directly by the crankshaft and provides uniform traction from low revs. A turbine is suitable for those who want maximum dynamics, and a compressor is suitable for stable torque and quick response.
Installing a supercharger is a complex and expensive process. It requires replacing the turbocharger, reprogramming the ECU, and upgrading the fuel and cooling systems. However, the result in the form of a +30-50% increase in power justifies the cost for many car owners.
Chip tuning and ECU reprogramming
Modern engines are controlled by electronic control units (ECUs) that regulate dozens of parameters, from fuel supply to boost pressure. By optimising these settings, you can get extra power without any mechanical changes. This is called chip tuning.
Properly performed reprogramming can significantly improve engine efficiency and make the car more responsive to the accelerator pedal. To structure the possibilities of such tuning, the industry uses the concept of Stage:
- Stage 1 – safe optimisation of software for a standard engine without replacing parts.
- Stage 2 – reprogramming combined with mechanical modifications (e.g. exhaust, filter).
- Stage 3 – comprehensive changes involving serious intervention in the engine design.
Each level opens up new possibilities, but also requires more preparation of the car. At the same time, this is one of the most affordable methods, because even the basic Stage 1 does not require complex modifications and takes only a few hours.
Where to increase engine power in Warsaw?
When choosing where to have your car tuned in the Polish capital, it is worth contacting only proven companies with a good reputation. STS has been operating in the automotive sector for many years and offers comprehensive services covering both software and mechanical solutions.
STS specialists will help you figure out how to increase the power of a petrol engine or how to increase the power of a diesel engine. Among their advantages are:
- Computer diagnostics and accurate selection of parameters for a specific car.
- Professional chip tuning without damaging the engine.
- Modernisation of the fuel system, intake and exhaust parts.
- Installation and adjustment of a turbocharger or compressor.
- A full range of mechanical tuning services for those who want the maximum.
Thanks to this approach, the customer not only gets an increase in power, but also confidence in the reliability and durability of the car. That is why it is better to entrust the increase in the power of a petrol or diesel engine to STS in Warsaw.
