car engine performance library

 

In the Engine Performance section, learn about horsepower, carburetors, the difference between turbochargers and superchargers and even how nitrous oxide boosts engine performance.

Featured Article:  Car Smarts: Engine Performance

Can you tell the difference between a camshaft and a stick shift? You will once you take the engine performance quiz. See if you know what makes your car get up and go. See more »

Car Smarts: Camshafts

Car Smarts: Camshafts

The air and fuel mixtures that power your car's engine are controlled by valves that open and shut. The essential camshaft rotates and instigates the valve movement. But how exactly does this crucial engine part work? See how well you can shift mental gears and take the camshaft quiz.

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Car Smarts: Engine Performance

Car Smarts: Engine Performance

Can you tell the difference between a camshaft and a stick shift? You will once you take the engine performance quiz. See if you know what makes your car get up and go.

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Car Smarts: Fuel Injections

Car Smarts: Fuel Injections

It's no secret -- your car needs fuel. Everyone knows that you put fuel into the tank to keep the car running. But have you ever stopped to think about how the fuel gets from the fuel tank into your engine? Take our quiz to find out how much you know about fuel injection systems.

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How Camshafts Work

How Camshafts Work

The camshaft has a huge effect on engine performance. It helps let the air/fuel mixture into the engine and get the exhaust out. Learn all about the camshaft and how a new one can radically change an engine's behavior.

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How do exhaust headers work to improve engine performance?

How do exhaust headers work to improve engine performance?

If you're planning to make more power from your engine. Switching to hi-performance exhaust headers are a good idea. Find out how exhaust headers work to improve engine performance.

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How do tuned intake runners work on your car?

How do tuned intake runners work on your car?

I've heard about tuned intake runners for car engines that provide a kind of turbo-charging effect. How do they work?

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How does a carburetor work?

How does a carburetor work?

The goal of a carburetor is to mix just the right amount of gasoline with air so that the engine runs properly. Learn more about how a carburetor in a gasoline engine works.

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How does nitrous oxide help an engine perform better?

How does nitrous oxide help an engine perform better?

I'm always hearing people talk about pumping nitrous oxide into an engine. How does nitrous oxide help an engine perform better?

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How Fuel Injection Systems Work

How Fuel Injection Systems Work

As concerns about vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency have grown, fuel injection systems have risen to the forefront of auto technology. Trying to keep up with new environmental laws, carmakers began installing these systems in all new models.

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How Horsepower Works

How Horsepower Works

Surprisingly enough, horsepower actually does refer to the power of horses. But over the years it’s become a valuable measurement for all kinds of machinery. Learn how horsepower is calculated and what it means to the automobile industry.

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How Superchargers Work

How Superchargers Work

Since the invention of the internal combustion engine, automotive engineers, speed junkies and racecar designers have been searching for ways to boost its power. And they did, of course -- creating superchargers that make an engine more efficient by forcing air into the combustion chamber.

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How Turbochargers Work

How Turbochargers Work

When people talk about race cars or high-performance sports cars, the topic of turbochargers usually comes up. A turbo can significantly boost an engine's horsepower without increasing its weight.

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Is anyone developing lifetime engine oil?

Is anyone developing lifetime engine oil?

Lifetime fluids are developed to require little or no maintenance for the life of your vehicle. But, is anyone developing lifetime engine oil?

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Is premium gasoline really better for luxury vehicles?

Is premium gasoline really better for luxury vehicles?

If you own a luxury or performance vehicle, then you know how expensive it can be to fill the fuel tank with premium gasoline. But is this high-octane fuel really necessary in most cases?

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What does it mean when a car has dual overhead cams?

What does it mean when a car has dual overhead cams?

What does it mean when a car has dual overhead cams? Does it matter? Is a car with dual overhead cams better than one with single overhead cams?

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What does the VTEC system in a Honda engine do?

What does the VTEC system in a Honda engine do?

Japanese automaker Honda is best known for their VTEC system. Almost all of their newer vehicles are equipped with VTEC engines. But what does it actually do and how does it maximum engine performance?

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What if I pumped pure oxygen into my car engine instead of using the air in the atmosphere?

What if I pumped pure oxygen into my car engine instead of using the air in the atmosphere?

Engines need a certain amount of oxygen to make the car run. Exactly how much is needed? And if an engine used more, what would happen to the car?

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What if I put a one horsepower engine into my car?

What if I put a one horsepower engine into my car?

Most cars have a 120-horsepower engine, and SUVs have a 200-horsepower engine. But mopeds have a 1-horsepower engine, and they get great gas mileage, too. So why can't I put the small engine in the big car?

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What is the difference between a turbocharger and a supercharger on a cars engine?

What is the difference between a turbocharger and a supercharger on a cars engine?

Forced induction systems are one of the best ways to make lots of power, so which system is better? Turbochargers or Superchargers? Learn the pros and cons of both.

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What makes NASCAR engines different from street car engines?

What makes NASCAR engines different from street car engines?

The engines in today's NASCAR racecars produce upward of 750 horsepower, and they do it without turbochargers, superchargers or particularly exotic components. So how do they make all that power?

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