Car Tuning News Features Articles ICE Car care Tuning Handling Wheels Tyres Intake Exhaust Transmission

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.

Diesel Tuning for maximum power and torque

From a diesel perspective, anything that isn’t turbocharged is a waste of time from a tuning point of view. Similarly, anything that isn’t using electronically managed direct injection is a pointless tuning proposal so we are somewhat limited to modern Turbo Diesels.

Get rid of those two ointment bound flies and things get more interesting

Remapping the ECU – remaps benefits and issues

Back in the good old days – the task of timing the ignition spark was performed by the distributor. The greater the RPM, the more the timing would advance.

This did a reasonable job but for the most effective power you would need to vary the timing to a greater degree than a fixed ratio advance curve. The electronic ignition system was borne.

Low ratio sport gearbox setup and selection.

Gearbox – Lower ratios give better acceleration times and lower fuel economy. Six or seven speed boxes are better matched to modern engines.

Most street applications are closer 1st and 2nd gear ratios for that off the line 0-60 boost or for the fast exec a lower 2nd and 3rd ratio give improved overtaking flexibility and 30 – 70 mph acceleration with a high 4th and 5th gear to give motorway fuel economy.

Todays featured car modification articles





TorqueCars Forums

Join TorqueCars our sister site to read over 300,000 posts on modified and tuned cars and tips.

This will also allow full access to their car project features, gallery and some and exclusive member only areas.




Forum Hot topics

  • I want to remap my ecu, which one ...
    Sign up now


  • Forced induction. Should I supercharge or add a turbo to my ...
    Sign up now


  • Having trouble with loss of power at 3000 RPM - 4000 RPM ...
    Sign up now
  • What turbo upgrade do you recommend for a Skyline RB32...
    Sign up now
  • Thanks so much for all of the advice...
    Sign up now
  • What is the best Tyre for my Citroen ...
    Sign up now


Fuel And Additives

Fuel and fuel additives octane and pressure boost valves.
Read more...

Tune A Car

How to tune a car engine for power or economy
Read more...

Superchargers Guide

Superchargers – A guide to supercharger kits benefits vs disadvantages
Read more...

Brake Fade

What is brake fade and what causes brake fade?
Read more...

Intake Valves

Big valve kits – larger intake valves.
Read more...

Wheel Painting

Painted alloy wheels – painting your wheels.
Read more...

Respraying Car

Tips and how to respray: Respraying a car
Read more...

Spray Art

Spray art on cars from shows
Read more...

Car Stickers

Car stickers – vinyl printed stickers.
Read more...

MPG Calculator

MPG calculator UK miles per Gallon - calculate MPG and save fuel
Read more...