Engine Modifications

TorqueCars take a look at the power plant of a car, the engine, and examine the wide range of engine tuning options available.

Not all engine mods are effective and some need other modifications to work well. We outline each modification option, go into the benefits and weigh up the pros and cons of each.

How to add a turbo to a non turbo car.

The basic reason for forced induction (turbo or supercharger) is not to increase compression or the maximum pressure in an engine cylinder, it is to increase volumetric efficiency (the efficiency of the engine at drawing in air) although forced induction is the most effective method of upping compression.

In computer games we just tick a box, and within seconds our car is fully turbocharged and running much faster. In the real world things are very different.


Converting a DMF to solid flywheel

We look at the benefits and disadvantages of solid flywheel conversions from a DMF and help you decide which is right for you.

It is our considered opinion that unless a car is used extensively for competition or off road you should stick with a DMF. The additional torque caused by tuning an engine or heavy competition use can quickly destroy a DMF. The solution would be to fit a stronger, higher performance DMF but the aftermarket industry seems geared up to offer solid ones as the upgrade option.


What is stage 1, 2 and 3 tuning

We look at the differences between a stage 1,2 and stage 3 tuning mod and explain what these tuning stages actually mean. The terms are a useful guide to suitability and power gains. There is no consistent differences in part makers between their classifications of stage 1 2 and 3 modifications.

You will also need to bear in mind that some tuning companies will just box their parts in packs labeled stage 1,2 and 3 and maybe even 4 or 5. Such labeling is as helpful as a product number or to compare within a range.


How to install a turbo to a non turbo car.

In all the movies and video games adding a turbo to a car makes a massive hike to power. In reality this is quite a complex mod with many pitfalls so we will discuss it in detail here.

If you are forcing more air into an engine you are increasing its volumetric efficiency (the efficiency of the engine at drawing in air). Forced induction is the most effective method of upping compression.




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