Home
Toluene
Toluene is a solvent that can be found in more serious hardware stores across the nation. Adding 10 percent (by volume) of this solvent to a tank of, say, 91 octane gasoline should increase the rating to approximately 116
(See http://www.superhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252611 to see if this is okay for your application) which is great for forced-induction or nitrous-powered engines. For about $3 a gallon, you can’t go wrong - but it may not pass fuel check.
Propane Injection
This approach has been around for some time and is used with wet nitrous systems. Instead of using fuel, propane has an octane rating of 105 and allows you to get a fuel boost with out disturbing the air/fuel ratio.
Redline Shock-Proof Gear Oil
This product works great in transmissions that see heavy street racing or racing action. This oil features a solid dispersion that helps cushion gear teeth from shock loading. It also makes disassembly of the gear set easier.
VHT Track Bite
This compound is applied to the drive wheels of a drag vehicle to improve traction on less than-ideal track surfaces. If you have a problems hooking up, this product can help. This is the same company that makes traction compound for dragstrip surfaces.
No Drag
If you don't wish to cut up your bumper to minimize drag, you can close up these areas with a piece of sheet metal. It keeps the air out and is virtually invisible to onlookers. Paint it black or body color.
Ground Wires
Think car audio. By upgrading the ground wires you alleviate the load on the charging system. Using a heavier-grade ( larger diameter) wire, you reduce the amount of electrical resistance. Since 12 volt electrical systems pull from ground, using this product makes sense and it does make power.
Indexing Spark Plugs
This can be costly, plug wise, but worth it in the end. Using a marker pen, mark the procelain inline with the electrode. Screw the plug in the head and tighten. Make sure the mark aligns the way you want the opening of the electrode to face, favoring the intake valve. Indexing can be adjusted with various thickness washers or try more plugs. They are not all the same thread-wise.
Windage Tray
This device is both simple and effective and, with some thought, you can fabricate your own. Basically, a windage tray keeps oil from splashing up and hitting the crank, which effectively tries to slow the crankshaft, reducing power. Keep the oil in the pan!
Oil Pans
There are several companies making alloy oil pans for Honda, Mazda, Dodge, Toyota and Mitsubishi. These pans have a kick-out sump that keeps oil from splashing on the crankshaft. (Some will have a windage tray so if you have such a pan, eliminate tip 53.)
Short Shifters
Short shifters like B&M shifter enable quicker firmer shifts by reducing the amount of time required to select a gear. Positive shift stops are also helpful, but be sure to set them properly.
Acura Type R Shifter
This shifter is the weapon of choice. Pros such as Gary Gardella call it " the best short shifter for a honda, especially for drag racing".
Cutting Off The Fuel Cut-Off
There are electronic devices available that bypass the factory fuel cut-off limit on turbocharged vehicles. By using such a device on your modified engine, you can add more boost without having the fuel cut out on you. A very popular mod in the Supra and DSM crowd.
Honda Shifter Bushings
More ofthen than not, these inexpensive little bushings can cause all kinds of shifting gremlins if worn out. Inspect and replace often.
Adjust Your Valves
Another routine maintenance procedure that can bring performance gains when done properly. Some vehicles are more difficult to adjust than others. All of them need to be stone-cold engines before any adjustments can be made.
Fuel Flow
Upgrading to a less restrictive fuel filter keeps your fuel clean and flowing. Also, be sure your fuel filter is not a restriction. Check this on a chassis dyno, using an adjustable fuel pressure regulator to help fine-tune your modified engine.
Reputable Tuner
This is a no brainer: your ride will only perform as well as it's put together and tuned. Spend the time and research tuners in your area. Talent comes with a price, so be prepared to pay if you want the best!
Thermal Coatings
These products work the same way as header wrap, except it looks nicer and it lasts longer. In addition, the applications aren't only limited to exhausts. pistons and intake manifolds can benefit, too.
Rocker Arm Stoppers
This is something that is mainly used on Nissan Sr20Det engine. This product helps control valve-train floating at high rpms.
Reset Your ECU
Some vehicles can benefit by resetting the ECU after performance modifications have been performed. This can be done by removing the ECU fuse for a period of time, then replacing it. If your vehicle has a knock sensor an the vehicle has ever detonated in its life you should reset this from time to time, it can place you into a "low power" mode. This is applicable to OBD-I.
Indexing Camshafts
Considered crucial to making power when installing aftermarket camshafts, in actuality any cam must be properly indexed ( to the bottom end). As aftermarket cam profiles can be different from stock, advancing and retarding the cam(s) can also be effective.
IMG Spacer
This device can be made easily out of any non-metallic material. The idea behind this is to that it keeps the cylinder head from heating up the intake manifold.
Upgrading Your MAF
While this may not be applicableto all vehicles, it does work on some. By upgrading your MAF to one that is less restrictive, more power can be realized.
Truck Style Cooling Fan
Crank driven cooling fans were intended for big V-8s and trucks. If your car comes with one replace it with an electric fan. Not only will you get rid of that "whurrrrr" sound, you will also pick up additional power because the engine has one less accessory to turn.
Cam Swap
This is Something that isn't new, but if you are one of the lucky ones, you can benefit from cam swapping with an engine of a different year engine or engine model.
Swap The Hot Cam
like the previous tip, it is possible that the exhaust cam has a more desireable profile. This swap can be done by re-pinning the cam sprocket on some engines; on others it's even easier. See your engine technician and talk exhaust cam specs. You'll see what I mean.
Knock Sensors
This is not for EVERYONE. Some owners in the 350z community have disconnected their knock sensors and picked up close to 10 hp. Apparently, the knock sensors are very sensitive to vibrations and pull timing back considerably. thus reducing power output.
Blizzak Racing
This is the power man's drag radial. The soft compound of these tires gives you great grip at the cost of people laughing at you.
Two Step Rev Limiter
This feature comes with aftermarket ignitions, but it can be pruchased separately as well. This device helps build boost on the line by spooling the turbo and acts as a launch control by enabaling you to launch at optimum rpm
Copper Seal
This high temperature gasket maker is handy when building a custom turbo kit, as it can be used as added insureance against power robbing exhaust leaks.
Dust Off
This is a compressed gas that is found in art supply stores, used for dusting off art work with out touching it. In our case spraying it on the parts that need to be cooled, (i.e. the intake manifold). If you hold the can upside down, you get liquid nitrogen.
Transmission Fluid
If you change the type of fluid in your automatic transmission, this could result in better shifts. The accumulators react faster, allowing the various clutch controls to react quicker. This is due to the viscosity and friction modifiers in the fluid. Try it next time.
Titanium Wheel Nuts
These are more expensive than regular lug nuts, but when you weigh all the lugs together, they do help reduce un-sprung weight. Enough attention in these areas and presto- you got yourself a serious diet.
Titanium Exhaust
The same goes for lightweight titannium mufflers and exhaust systems. While it isnt as exotic as it sounds and is more expensive than stainless, it's also lighter. Less weight is better and if you can't afford it all at once start with mufflers, add the pipes.
Rear Camber Adjustment
If you have access to a die grinder, you can grind out a portion of your rear upper control arm so that you have a little more adjustment. You will notice the interference to be removed.
Toluene is a solvent that can be found in more serious hardware stores across the nation. Adding 10 percent (by volume) of this solvent to a tank of, say, 91 octane gasoline should increase the rating to approximately 116
(See http://www.superhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252611 to see if this is okay for your application) which is great for forced-induction or nitrous-powered engines. For about $3 a gallon, you can’t go wrong - but it may not pass fuel check.
Propane Injection
This approach has been around for some time and is used with wet nitrous systems. Instead of using fuel, propane has an octane rating of 105 and allows you to get a fuel boost with out disturbing the air/fuel ratio.
Redline Shock-Proof Gear Oil
This product works great in transmissions that see heavy street racing or racing action. This oil features a solid dispersion that helps cushion gear teeth from shock loading. It also makes disassembly of the gear set easier.
VHT Track Bite
This compound is applied to the drive wheels of a drag vehicle to improve traction on less than-ideal track surfaces. If you have a problems hooking up, this product can help. This is the same company that makes traction compound for dragstrip surfaces.
No Drag
If you don't wish to cut up your bumper to minimize drag, you can close up these areas with a piece of sheet metal. It keeps the air out and is virtually invisible to onlookers. Paint it black or body color.
Ground Wires
Think car audio. By upgrading the ground wires you alleviate the load on the charging system. Using a heavier-grade ( larger diameter) wire, you reduce the amount of electrical resistance. Since 12 volt electrical systems pull from ground, using this product makes sense and it does make power.
Indexing Spark Plugs
This can be costly, plug wise, but worth it in the end. Using a marker pen, mark the procelain inline with the electrode. Screw the plug in the head and tighten. Make sure the mark aligns the way you want the opening of the electrode to face, favoring the intake valve. Indexing can be adjusted with various thickness washers or try more plugs. They are not all the same thread-wise.
Windage Tray
This device is both simple and effective and, with some thought, you can fabricate your own. Basically, a windage tray keeps oil from splashing up and hitting the crank, which effectively tries to slow the crankshaft, reducing power. Keep the oil in the pan!
Oil Pans
There are several companies making alloy oil pans for Honda, Mazda, Dodge, Toyota and Mitsubishi. These pans have a kick-out sump that keeps oil from splashing on the crankshaft. (Some will have a windage tray so if you have such a pan, eliminate tip 53.)
Short Shifters
Short shifters like B&M shifter enable quicker firmer shifts by reducing the amount of time required to select a gear. Positive shift stops are also helpful, but be sure to set them properly.
Acura Type R Shifter
This shifter is the weapon of choice. Pros such as Gary Gardella call it " the best short shifter for a honda, especially for drag racing".
Cutting Off The Fuel Cut-Off
There are electronic devices available that bypass the factory fuel cut-off limit on turbocharged vehicles. By using such a device on your modified engine, you can add more boost without having the fuel cut out on you. A very popular mod in the Supra and DSM crowd.
Honda Shifter Bushings
More ofthen than not, these inexpensive little bushings can cause all kinds of shifting gremlins if worn out. Inspect and replace often.
Adjust Your Valves
Another routine maintenance procedure that can bring performance gains when done properly. Some vehicles are more difficult to adjust than others. All of them need to be stone-cold engines before any adjustments can be made.
Fuel Flow
Upgrading to a less restrictive fuel filter keeps your fuel clean and flowing. Also, be sure your fuel filter is not a restriction. Check this on a chassis dyno, using an adjustable fuel pressure regulator to help fine-tune your modified engine.
Reputable Tuner
This is a no brainer: your ride will only perform as well as it's put together and tuned. Spend the time and research tuners in your area. Talent comes with a price, so be prepared to pay if you want the best!
Thermal Coatings
These products work the same way as header wrap, except it looks nicer and it lasts longer. In addition, the applications aren't only limited to exhausts. pistons and intake manifolds can benefit, too.
Rocker Arm Stoppers
This is something that is mainly used on Nissan Sr20Det engine. This product helps control valve-train floating at high rpms.
Reset Your ECU
Some vehicles can benefit by resetting the ECU after performance modifications have been performed. This can be done by removing the ECU fuse for a period of time, then replacing it. If your vehicle has a knock sensor an the vehicle has ever detonated in its life you should reset this from time to time, it can place you into a "low power" mode. This is applicable to OBD-I.
Indexing Camshafts
Considered crucial to making power when installing aftermarket camshafts, in actuality any cam must be properly indexed ( to the bottom end). As aftermarket cam profiles can be different from stock, advancing and retarding the cam(s) can also be effective.
IMG Spacer
This device can be made easily out of any non-metallic material. The idea behind this is to that it keeps the cylinder head from heating up the intake manifold.
Upgrading Your MAF
While this may not be applicableto all vehicles, it does work on some. By upgrading your MAF to one that is less restrictive, more power can be realized.
Truck Style Cooling Fan
Crank driven cooling fans were intended for big V-8s and trucks. If your car comes with one replace it with an electric fan. Not only will you get rid of that "whurrrrr" sound, you will also pick up additional power because the engine has one less accessory to turn.
Cam Swap
This is Something that isn't new, but if you are one of the lucky ones, you can benefit from cam swapping with an engine of a different year engine or engine model.
Swap The Hot Cam
like the previous tip, it is possible that the exhaust cam has a more desireable profile. This swap can be done by re-pinning the cam sprocket on some engines; on others it's even easier. See your engine technician and talk exhaust cam specs. You'll see what I mean.
Knock Sensors
This is not for EVERYONE. Some owners in the 350z community have disconnected their knock sensors and picked up close to 10 hp. Apparently, the knock sensors are very sensitive to vibrations and pull timing back considerably. thus reducing power output.
Blizzak Racing
This is the power man's drag radial. The soft compound of these tires gives you great grip at the cost of people laughing at you.
Two Step Rev Limiter
This feature comes with aftermarket ignitions, but it can be pruchased separately as well. This device helps build boost on the line by spooling the turbo and acts as a launch control by enabaling you to launch at optimum rpm
Copper Seal
This high temperature gasket maker is handy when building a custom turbo kit, as it can be used as added insureance against power robbing exhaust leaks.
Dust Off
This is a compressed gas that is found in art supply stores, used for dusting off art work with out touching it. In our case spraying it on the parts that need to be cooled, (i.e. the intake manifold). If you hold the can upside down, you get liquid nitrogen.
Transmission Fluid
If you change the type of fluid in your automatic transmission, this could result in better shifts. The accumulators react faster, allowing the various clutch controls to react quicker. This is due to the viscosity and friction modifiers in the fluid. Try it next time.
Titanium Wheel Nuts
These are more expensive than regular lug nuts, but when you weigh all the lugs together, they do help reduce un-sprung weight. Enough attention in these areas and presto- you got yourself a serious diet.
Titanium Exhaust
The same goes for lightweight titannium mufflers and exhaust systems. While it isnt as exotic as it sounds and is more expensive than stainless, it's also lighter. Less weight is better and if you can't afford it all at once start with mufflers, add the pipes.
Rear Camber Adjustment
If you have access to a die grinder, you can grind out a portion of your rear upper control arm so that you have a little more adjustment. You will notice the interference to be removed.
