Originally posted by Dyno_CL-S:
<STRONG>This is the copies/pasted version of this link/file as follows:

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Free Horsepower


While compiling article ideas for our upcoming new magazine, Import Tuner, the staff of Turbo magazine was throwing around low-buck buildup ideas when someone suggested a story on adding power with no money. What could be done to get more power out of an engine for free? This was too good of an idea to sit on so we started discussing specifics. To keep our proposed mods in proper perspective, we decided to make them for the strip only. This opened up more innovative ideas and provided a safe way for enthusiasts to measure the worth of the tricks on their particular car. This guide is designed to illustrate what is possible. General rules regarding fuel enrichment and overall safety should be followed at all times.

1 Drop Exhaust System
The effectiveness of this trick is dependent upon the efficiency of the stock exhaust system. By virtue of its more-restrictive design, unbolting a stock system will show considerably more power than removing an aftermarket system because the aftermarket system "corrects" the OE system's efficiency shortcomings. Dropping the cat will also dramatically increase performance. On a '91 A c u r a Integra with a DRAG turbo kit we realized 13 horsepower at the wheels by simply removing two bolts and dropping the system.

2 Delete Airbox/Air Filter
By scrapping the airbox and filter element one of the biggest restrictions on any OEM engine will be eliminated, thus unleashing power. This removes all restriction to the engine. With no filtration we suggest, as with all the tips, that the procedure be conducted only at the strip and not on the street. On our stock MR2 Turbo, a 1.2-horsepower increase was realized with this trick.

3 Remove Headlamp Assembly
Removing the headlamp assembly creates a ram-air effect in most cars. We have seen people use a cardboard box to "fabricate" a duct that directs the incoming air into the engine. Additional engine cooling capacity is a byproduct of this trick.

4 Tweak Wastegate
An integral wastegate can be persuaded or tricked into providing more boost by shimming the wastegate control shaft with washers. This serves to increase the tension on the wastegate spring, allowing the turbo to provide more boost. This mod makes reliable power as long as there is sufficient fuel provided by the fuel system.

5 Remove Accessory Belts
Taking off the accessory belt reduces parasitic drag on the engine and increases output. By accessory belt we are referring to power steering belt as long as the belt is not connected to the water pump or alternator. Honda and E c l i p s e / Talon pilots can remove the power steering belt with no worries, all others should check their particular configuration before wrenching.

6 Crank Distributor
Cranking the distributor and advancing the timing impacts power, but caution should be used as this can lower the detonation threshold. Using a timing light, add one to two degrees of timing, beyond that reliability can become a factor. The added two degrees of timing is good for about four horsepower at the wheels on an Acura Integra.

7 Unplug/Replug ECU
When an ECU is unplugged for 30 to 60 seconds and plugged back in, the computer must refamiliarize itself with the sensors and the engine. During this relearning phase the computer adjusts for altitude which makes this trick especially useful at Palmdale's LACR, elevation 2800 feet. It is also readjusting its fuel tables, adding or removing fuel, which can result in more power. Trying this procedure with our MR2 netted no gain, in fact power dropped off until the ECU relearned. On other cars, like the Honda lineup, we have seen performance increases with this trick.

8 Re-gap Spark Plugs
Increasing the gap on spark plugs creates a larger spark which intensifies the spark energy and makes more power. Feature Editor Ed Eng compares this to the difference between a standing long jump and a running long jump. The extra momentum of the running long jumper allows him to go farther just as the extra distance to the electrode allows the spark to gain momentum and generate more power. Inside the cylinder, a larger kernel of flame ignites the fuel more efficiently, which in turn makes more power. In naturally-aspirated engines one to two horse-power will be realized while turbo applications will see two to four ponies. Going too large on the gap can cause misfires and reduce p o w e r. So make adjustments in .005-inch increments.

9 Disconnect EGR
Unplugging the EGR does not allow hot exhaust gases to recalculate from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold. The EGR is used to heat the intake charge temp, which speeds engine warm up and has a positive effect on the emissions system. Disconnection of the EGR prevents this recalculation and lowers charge air temps.

10 Dietary Supplements
The following principals are from Buick Turbo Regal racer Lawrence Conley in "Kirban's Guide To 1986 And 1987 Buick Turbo Regals" but hold true for any c a r. Every 100 pounds that is shaved off a vehicle nets a .1-second improvement in quarter-mile performance. Each pound of weight removed from a rotating mass is the equivalent of subtracting eight pounds of weight else-where in the car. For rear-drive cars, every pound of weight subtracted from in front of the wind-shield is like taking away six pounds from the remainder of the car. In lieu of weight reduction, redistribution or relocation is the next best possibility. Relocating the battery to the rear puts more weight over the drive tires.


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$10 Bargains

Ice Intercooler/Intake
Icing the intake or intercooler between runs is an old racer's trick that works. The cooler the intake/intercooler, the more densely the air can be compacted into the combustion chamber. For maximum effect, do a quick burnout and stage quickly, so thebenefit of this procedure is fully realized. This tidbit is especially effective on turbocharged vehicles but also works on naturally aspirated vehicles.

Octane Booster
While octane booster does add power, we see its primary benefit in increasing the safety mar-gin at the strip by fending off detonation. It is a recommended companion of any strip/street vehicle that one intends to drive home after a day at the track.

Swap Thermostats
The goal of installing a cooler thermostat is to see more power by running the engine cooler. Replacing a 180-degree unit with a 160-degree unit will lower the heat in the engine, head and intake system allowing for a denser charge to be introduced to the combustion chamber.

Install Fresh Plugs
This one is especially useful for strip-bound streetcars that may have a good number of miles on their plugs. When pushing for 100-percent performance, fresh plugs will ensure a consistent and proper firing of the combustion charge. Our MR2 Turbo showed a whopping 8.8-horsepower gain by switching to new BKR7ES NGK plugs.

WaterWetter
Adding WaterWetter is another way to increase the cooling capacity of an engine by producing better heat transfer throughout the cooling sys-tem.

Race Tape
We're not sure this counts as a power adder but thanks to the Honda versus Mitsubishi rivalry, the Honda camp is now wearing the colorful aerodynamic-minded tape like a badge of courage. We have tested these tricks to the best of our ability both at the track and on the dyno. Remember, results will vary by make and model. As discussed earlier, be sure that there is enough fuel on tap to match your expected gains. Happy tuning.</STRONG>