Car Engine Performance
In the Engine Performance section, learn about horsepower, carburetors, the difference between turbochargers and superchargers and even how nitrous oxide boosts engine performance.
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Motor mounts normally hold your car's engine firmly in place. But worn-out mounts allow a running engine to shift and bounce in all kinds of unpredictable, power-sapping ways.
There are plenty of great reasons to design a car with its engine in the front; however, the same can be said for placing the engine behind the driver. Does engine placement really matter?
Modern car and truck engines are typically efficient and powerful at the same time. But is there a relatively simple way to free-up some additional horsepower through the exhaust?
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A cold air intake is one of those rare modifications that works pretty well on its own. But how much horsepower can you really expect to gain?
Replacing your car's stock muffler with a performance muffler is a good idea -- that is, if it's a rusted-out mess and you need to replace it anyway. But will this mod actually increase horsepower?
If you're serious about increasing your car's horsepower -- and you have deep pockets -- your options are almost unlimited. But what can you do if you're on a tight budget?
A supercharger is a considerable investment; however, it's also one of the best ways to improve the fun factor of driving your car or truck. How much additional horsepower should you expect?
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It seems like clearing out the exhaust as fast as possible would give you a bit of an edge over the competition. But does a dual exhaust system really improve your car's performance?
Modern car engines can create massive amounts of horsepower -- and everyone wants more power, right? But how much is too much? And how much is just enough?
There are lots of reasons a car or truck can shake and rattle while it's on a roll; but engine vibration is one reason that deserves a little extra special scrutiny.
Engines were made to run; but if you've ever tried to start an old car that's been sitting unused for a long time, you know that it isn't always as easy as just turning the key.
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Have you ever considered finding out a way to make your car more fuel-efficient? Or do you just want to give the old heap some more kick? There are a few modifications you can make to improve engine performance.
By Brian Boone
If you own a car with a distributor, you might be able to improve your engine's performance with dynamic timing. How can you make sure everything's running at peak efficiency?
By Eric Baxter
Whether you're stuck behind a slow-moving pig truck or just trying to jump off the line at a red light, quick engine response is important. Here are 5 ways to get more out of your engine.
Your car's engine control module (ECM) continually monitors a vast network of sensors to ensure operating conditions are within normal range. Do you know what the ECM actually controls?
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Two relatively cheap filters can keep your engine healthy and smooth-running for a long time. The only catch is that they get so dirty you occasionally have to replace them.
Your engine needs just three things to run: air, fuel and spark. That said, it's easy to see why the intake manifold -- the component your engine breathes through -- is so important.
A cold air intake is an inexpensive modification you can add to your engine that will give it more power. But what does it actually do?
Does static timing your engine sound a little too intimidating? Well, if you can pop the hood and easily identify your engine's distributor and timing belt, you're probably up to the challenge.
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Unleaded, high octane, supreme: We'll show you which gas your car really needs and how easy it is to figure out.
By Chris Warren
Horsepower and torque are closely related -- but what sets them apart?
By Eric Baxter
Did you know that there is more than one way to control car emissions? One type is the 4-2-1exhaust system.
By Eric Baxter
Some of the latest gasoline engines to hit the market are super-efficient, thanks to their engineers playing with a little thing called compression ratio.
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Whether it's a tiny city car with a direct-injected engine or a supercar with a "push to pass" hybrid booster button, these technologies promise that the future of driving will still be fun.
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