Standard Engine

Modify the standard engine

Lets face facts: Most vehicle owners do not convert their vehicles driveline to a different automobile manufacturer. Instead they tinker with the engine that was installed from the factory until the day they pass it on to the next generation (or get frustrated and drive it off a cliff).

Some people are satisfied with the factory horsepower, but you want more; That's why your reading this. That or your bored out of your mind. Modifying an engine with bolt-on modifications can provide a better rev range and give the car some get up but just don't expect it to be significant when you compare it to an engine swap.

Of course drastic changes to the factory engine such as larger bore and stroke, cross flow heads, and superchargers are fun. This usually adds to additional overhead and maintenance. Weak links in the chain are discovered and you need to address them as they come up. This can take away from the experience of your car (read: Ambulance at the bottom of the hill). You can also try to plan ahead and find you will spent far more then you intended for a higher horsepower engine only to be dominated by a drop in engine conversions mileage, power and reliability. The typical rule is when you start to alter the engine beyond what the factory intended issues follow such as mileage, driveability and reliability.

Now of course you can replace old technology with some of today's new technology and drastically improve all of the above.  Doing this of course makes for a very pleasant experience.  Some alterations could be ignition system updates, high torque starters and different fuel pumps.  Whatever it is, older automobiles can be improved with some of today's technology so you can take pride in keeping your sports car a fine road worthy example for years to come.

Now if having significantly more horsepower then the standard engine can reliably produce is your cup of tea, you might want to read on.