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How to tune a car engine for power or economy

Let’s take a look at ways to tune a car engine and what exactly we mean by engine tuning.

First up we have to accept that there are many different types of engines.

We can only cover generic theory in this article on how to tune a car and suggest if you want more specific advice you sign up to our car forums where our helpful and friendly members will assist you further.

Power gains from a sports catalyst

Catalysts are a vital component in our modern tree hugging environmentally conscious society. First TorqueCars will look at what a catalyst does and how it works.

A catalyst is actually a term used to explain anything which accelerates or performs a chemical reaction. In a car the exhaust fumes are fed through a matrix of ceramic honeycomb lined with precious metals.

Blow off valves, dump valves and screamer pipes

Blow off valves and dump valves.
When the throttle is closed (when you lift off the accelerator) in a turbo driven engine there is a build up of pressure as forced air is still coming from the turbo. Lifting off the throttle is a lot like putting a plug in the sink – the flow through is stopped and water would just build up and overflow the sink.

High performance valve springs

The valves are like the doorways into the engine and control the flow of the intake air and fuel and then after combustion they control the exit of the exhaust gases.

As you can guess the valve springs work incredibly hard, and as you increase the power of your engine the valve choice is vital.

TorqueCars will now take a look at the many considerations taken into account when selecting valve springs.

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