Diesel-powered vehicles have greatly improved compared to predecessors, but you still can’t help wanting to squeeze out more power from the engine.
Modern diesel engines are flexible enough to be optimized for more power and torque without having to rely on expensive tools and modifications.
If you want the best performance from your vehicle’s diesel engine, here are seven tips we recommend:
1. Schedule regular tune-ups
Consistent maintenance of the engine will allow you to detect any issue that could potentially hamper engine performance and lead to expensive repairs in the future.
Diesel engines operate at a much higher pressure than gasoline counterparts, so regular inspection and repairs are crucial to keep wear and tear at bay.
2. Invest in air intake upgrades
If you acquire some extra cash, a cold air intake or an air flow kit gives a significant boost in engine power.
These upgrades draw more oxygen-rich air into the engine, making it more efficient at burning fuel. It leads to increased horsepower and improved fuel economy.
3. Get a turbocharger
If your vehicle still doesn’t have one, a turbocharger can also give a significant performance boost.
The turbo pushes more air into the engine, creating a pressurized stream that combusts more easily with the fuel. An engine with a standard turbocharger provides three times more airflow, while performance turbochargers can push that figure up to five times as much.
4. Switch to performance injectors
Upgrading to performance fuel injectors can also increase the power output. It might even improve the mileage of a diesel engine.
The right adjustments on the injectors should see an increase of 50 to 100 Hp with a set of specialized performance injectors. If you can’t afford performance injectors, switching to a new set of diesel fuel injectors will still result in a significant improvement in engine power.
Experts recommend changing the injectors every 36 months or 45,000 miles, whichever comes first.
5. Reprogram the ECM
The engine control module or ECM is responsible for managing engine performance through a system of engine parameters, such as the air-to-fuel ratio and maximum RPM rating.
A professional mechanic can quickly modify these parameters to increase the engine’s maximum horsepower and torque to optimum levels, for example.
6. Upgrade the exhaust
If you are planning on investing in upgrades for your vehicle’s intake, consider improving the exhaust as well.
Performance-grade exhaust parts are designed to have wide diameters and fewer bends, allowing exhaust fumes to move and dissipate more efficiently. It results in smoother acceleration, lower engine noise, and significantly improved fuel mileage.
7. Consider using additives
Diesel fuel additives come in various forms, but these components all have the same function—improving the performance of your vehicle in a variety of ways.
Diesel fuel injector cleaners, for example, can help prevent clogging from happening, and antifreeze ensures the engine runs smoothly while in frigid weather conditions. Check with your service manual, however, to determine if a particular additive is right for your ride.
For more information or a quote on these upgrades, call Taylor Diesel today.
