PERFORMANCE
AIR FILTERS
There are many performance filters on the market that will replace your car's
stock air filter. There may be variants in design and construction materials
but they will all produce the same benefits, increased air-throughput resulting
in increased engine power (up to 5%). They will also last longer than a conventional
filter as they can be cleaned and re-used.
Performance Air Filters
EXHAUSTS
Standard exhausts compromise top-end power to reduce noise levels and ensure
smooth power curves. Performance exhausts gain extra power by eliminating
the compromise. Replacing standard baffled boxes with straight through silencers
reduces restriction and increases power. Large bore pipe-work and modified
manifold tract lengths are also used to maximise flow. There are many types
of exhaust. Which you want and what your car needs may be different, so choose
wisely.
BACK BOXES
The most cost-effective way to upgrade your exhaust is to replace the back box
only, as this is where the original exhaust suffers most restriction. This modification
will increase power, improve looks and emit a deeper sound. Peak gains rarely
breach 5bhp, but you should be happy with the increase in throttle response.
PERFORMANCE CHIPS
Performance chips remove the allowances set by the manufacture to improve areas
such as fuel economy. Aspirated cars gain around 5 to 10bhp and extra torque.
On turbocharged cars including diesels, the chips also increase turbo boost pressure,
which ups the power dramatically. The only disadvantage with a mass produced
chip is that it has a set program and cannot be adapted to ensure that any other
modifications that have been made to aid performance are running at their optimum.
INTERCOOLERS
Intercoolers work like a car's radiator, transferring heat. In this form, they
cool the temperature of the intake air. This cooler air is more dense and will
allow for extra fuel to be added so when detonated will produce a greater force.
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INDUCTION
KITS
Induction kits are designed to replace the car's restrictive air-box system.
These kits can offer power gains of up to 10% by drawing in plenty of cold air.
But be aware, if they are unable to draw on cold air you will not benefit from
the design. It is essential the kit is set up with adequate cold-air feed pipes
and is protected from heat. Also check that the oil used with the kit will not
have any effect on the operation of the air flow meter, as on some models it
can like later Volkswagen Group vehicles.
Induction Kits
CAT-BACK
SYSTEMS
Performance systems that stretch from the catalyst back are more expensive, but
offer improved peak power gains of up to 8bhp.
MANIFOLDS
Replacing your car's iron manifold with a tuned tubular steel version can offer
good gains. Quality manifolds can deliver good improvements in both mid-range
torque and peak power. They are rarely cheap, but will transform the output of
highly tuned engines.
CATALYSTS & PIPES
The catalyst causes major restrictions to airflow, reducing your car's total
power output. By fitting a 'Cat pipe' the catalyst is removed and replaced by
a straight piece of tube. But it is illegal to remove a catalyst from a car registered
after 1986. Another option is to fit a performance catalyst. This keeps the car
road legal but with the benefits of the extra power.
MAPPED ECU'S
An ECU (electronic control unit) can be mapped to run all of the modifications
on a modified car. To maximise the possible gains of running a larger output
turbo and up-rated injectors a mapped ECU is the only answer. If a team who know
their electronics do mapping, the results can be awesome.
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