Mopsdrops' Tuning Parts Guide --- ENGINE PARTS ---

[Mopsdrops]

Since ZfrkS62 opened a topic how the engine works , I thought why shouldn't I open a topic about performance parts of the engine.

CHAPTER I. Exhaust

A. CAT-BACK EXHAUST

What does a cat-back exhaust do? Why buy a cat-back exhaust?

A performance cat-back exhaust system is used to increase horsepower for your car by allowing exhaust gases to pass through your exhaust system with less backpressure and less resistance. Larger-diameter piping is normally used, depending on the application, in order to gain more horsepower and torque levels throughout the power band. A performance exhaust system can be the most cost-effective modification you can do to get more horsepower out of your car, not to mention that it will give your car a deeper more aggressive sound. And depending on the brand, performance exhaust systems normally include gorgeous new mufflers that add a great appearance to your car.

What exactly does cat-back mean?
Many performance exhaust systems are also referred to as cat-back exhausts. Cat-back means that the exhaust piping starts from your catalytic converter and runs back all the way to the exhaust tip(s).


B. EXHAUST PIPES

Why buy an exhaust pipe? How do exhaust pipes differ from an exhaust system?
Exhaust pipes are used in creating an aftermarket exhaust system. While an exhaust system is already manufactured to fit and function on your vehicle, exhaust pipes are not. Imagine them as cutouts that need to be fit and welded together to function properly. If your vehicle does not have an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system available for it then a custom cat-back exhaust system should be looked into, and exhaust piping will get it made for you.

How do you install exhaust pipes?
Exhaust piping should be purchased and left to the pros for the install. The piping will need to be measured, cut and tapered depending on the size and fit of your vehicles exhaust setup. Welding will need to take place afterward to ensure airtight installation.

Which brand is dependable for exhaust pipes?
Magnaflow has plenty of different sizes and bends of pipes available.


C. MUFFLER TIPS

What is a muffler tip? Why buy a muffler tip?
Muffler tips are a universal fit and can be clamped to any exhaust system up to a certain inlet diameter, usually 2.5inch-3.5inch Muffler tips provide added style to your car’s exhaust system, as they come in a wide variety of finishes and shapes.

Can muffler tips be installed on any vehicle?
Muffler tips are universal and clamp on to any exhaust piping between 2.5inch-3.5inch inlet sizes.

How do you install a muffler tip?
Muffler tips are easily installed in seconds. Simply slip on your stock muffler tip and clamp it down on the backside.

Which brand is dependable for muffler tips?
Gibson and MagnaFlow both carry high quality stainless steel exhaust tips.


D. HI FLOW CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

What is a hi-flow catalytic converter? Why buy one?
All stock catalytic converters are restrictive when it comes to exhaust flow, and they essentially place a choke hold on performance. The hi-flow catalytic converters on the market today have a higher flow capacity than factory units. Still able to pass emissions and gain horsepower, how can you go wrong with a hi-flow catalytic converter?

How do you install a hi-flow catalytic converter?
There are two kinds of catalytic converters. The first are direct fit converters (no welding required) which have all necessary flanges and oxygen sensors just like the original equipment catalytic converters. There are also universal fit catalytic converters that are designed to be welded or clamped in place. Universal fit converters have the same flow characteristics as direct fit models with the same inlet and outlet diameter.

Which brand is dependable for hi-flow catalytic converters?
Magnaflow has a good variety hi-flow catalytic converters.

E. EXHAUST MANIFOLD / HEADER

What does a header do? Why buy a header?
An exhaust header is a performance product that replaces your factory exhaust manifold and improves an engines performance by allowing air to flow more freely. The easier an engine breathes the more power it produces. Headers generally use piping with a wider diameter than factory tubing, which allows more air to pass through the exhaust system than factory. A header is one of the easiest bolt-on modifications you can make to increase horsepower, making an effective use of money if your goal is to quickly gain horsepower.

How much does the material used to make the header matter?
There are two main materials that headers are manufactured out of: ceramic and stainless steel. Ceramic headers are less expensive, but are prone to cracking if they get to extremely hot. Stainless steel headers are more expensive but are more durable and generally more stylish. Stainless steel headers can take any kind of heat you throw at it and not prone to cracking. If you currently use or plan to use nitrous, we highly recommend the use of a stainless steel header system over Ceramic coated mild steel header system as stainless steel is more resilient to extreme temperatures.

What are the different tubing options for headers and what is the difference between them?
There are two major designs for headers: the 4-2-1 design and the 4-1 design. In many cases 4-1 headers are designed for racing applications where the vehicle is being driven at or near redline. The 4-1 design maximizes top end power, whereas the 4-2-1 evenly distributes it throughout the power band. There are cases where a 4-1 header works better than a 4-2-1 and creates more power in the mid or higher RPM ranges, but a 4-2-1 header will undoubtedly boost the horsepower of your car.

For which vehicles is it necessary to buy a pair of headers? Do headers automatically come in pairs for these vehicles?
When purchasing exhaust headers for a V-6 or V-8 engine, the header package is complete with two headers. If your vehicle is a V-4 there only a single header that is used.

How do you install a header?
A header is a direct bolt-on. Simply remove the factory OEM header is removed and the aftermarket header is put in its place. The header is attached the head of your vehicle. Remove all the bolts that hold the flanges in place and detach the factory header. The down pipe or exhaust pipe should be removed as well and then reattached once the header flanges are bolted back onto the head.

Which brand is dependable for headers?
A leading manufacturer is DC Sports with their performance tuned and engine matched headers. Pacesetter is a great brand for headers as well due to their fantastic selection.



CHAPTER II incoming air / air intake


COLD AIR INTAKES


What do cold air intakes do? Why buy a cold air intake?
Cold air intakes bring more air into the engine, which creates more power during combustion. Cold air intakes will generally help with throttle response and higher power gains, adding a pleasing induction sound to your engine under acceleration. A cold air intake also significantly cleans up your under-hood appearance and makes it easier to see and access components of your engine bay.

Do you have to buy an air filter if youre buying a cold air intake?
Cold air intakes are usually sold with all the components needed including the filter and all adapters.

Whats the difference between a cold air intake and a short ram intake?
Cold air intakes are usually placed in the fender well area, which brings in a cooler charged air from beneath the car (outside of the engine bay), which is denser and therefore creates more power. The piping is a lot longer than a short ram which means the power gains are not seen until the mid to higher RPM band. A short ram intake is located inside the engine bay and creates power with better response times than a cold air, however the air is not as dense, which means that it doesnt make as much power in the upper RPM region and makes less power overall.

Are cold air intakes offered for every vehicle?
Cold air intakes are not offered for every vehicle and are vehicle specific. There are no universal kits available on the market.

How do you install a cold air intake?
Cold air intakes are a true bolt-on application. The removal of your factory air box and resonator will be needed and the cold air intake installed in its place. Basic hand tools are needed, and the intake installs in minutes.

Which brand is dependable for cold air intakes?
AEM has the most dependable cold air intakes on the market today. With their proven horsepower gains and 50-state legal construction, AEM offers great intakes.

B. SHORT RAM INTAKES


What is a short ram intake? Why buy a short ram intake?
Short ram intakes bring more air into your cars engine, which creates more power during combustion. Short ram intakes will help with throttle response and gives your car more power, while at the same time adding a pleasing induction sound to your engine under acceleration. A short ram intake also significantly cleans up your under-hood appearance and makes it easier to see and access components of your engine bay.

Whats the difference between a short ram intake and a cold air intake?
Cold air intakes are usually placed in the fender well area, which brings in a cooler charged air from beneath the car (outside of the engine bay), which is denser and therefore creates more power. The piping is a lot longer than a short ram which means the power gains are not seen until the mid to higher RPM band. A short ram intake is located inside the engine bay and creates power with better response times than a cold air, however the air is not as dense, which means that it doesn’t make as much power in the upper RPM region and makes less power overall.

How do you install a short ram intake?
Short ram intakes are a true bolt-on application. The removal of your factory air box and resonator will be needed and the short air intake installed in its place. Basic hand tools are needed, and the intake installs in minutes.

Which brand is dependable for short ram intakes?
AEM has some of the most dependable short ram intakes on the market today.


C. AIR BREATHERS


What does an air breather do? Why purchase one?
An air breather replaces the intake vent hose on your crankcase, which vents the spent gases inside your head out into the atmosphere instead of back into your intake track. This keeps your engine clean and in top condition. Aside from that, air breathers also improve the appearance of your engine bay.

What makes an air breather different from an air filter?
An air filter is used to suck in air while an air breather is used to release spent gases.

How do you install an air breather?
Installation of an air breather is a simple process that takes minutes. Simply remove the hose on your crankcase and replace it with this breather. Most breathers come with a clamp already included.

Which brand is dependable for air breathers?
Airaid is a leading manufacturer of air breathers.


D. INTAKE MANIFOLD


What is an intake manifold? Why buy an intake manifold?
Air is routed through the intake piping, through the throttle body and into the intake manifold. Once the air is inside the intake manifold it’s distributed to each of the cylinders in equal parts. In order to increase the capacity of the intake manifold to carry more air into the motor for combustion, many tuners incorporate a larger chamber where the air collects into the manifold. An aftermarket intake manifold will therefore improve the performance of your car.

How do you install an intake manifold?
Removal of your factory intake manifold is done by unclipping the injectors and other parts that attach the intake manifold to the block. Once removed, bolts that attach the actual intake manifold must be removed and the whole unit replaced with your new unit. All existing parts on the old intake manifold must be swapped back onto the new manifold.

Which brand is dependable for intake manifolds?
GReddy and Venom both carry larger plenum intake manifolds for high performance cars. Manufactured out of aluminum usually, weight is cut down relative to the stock manifold, and air flow greatly increased.


CHAPTER III Turbo

A. TURBO KIT


What is a turbo kit? Why buy a turbo kit?
Think of a turbocharger as a fan that is blowing compressed air into your engine. The more air you give your engine, the more power your engine can give you. The extra air adds oxygen so you can burn more fuel. Turbochargers are powered by the exhaust gases generated by your engine after combustion. The time the turbo takes to spool up is seen by the driver as lag, or delay time. The driver may mash the throttle, but the engine wont produce power until the turbocharger is up to speed. The reason a turbo kit is such a great purchase is that it takes a tremendous amount of money and time to successfully increase the power of a naturally aspirated engine. Expensive head packages, along with expensive bottom block parts, will surely put a dent in your wallet while only making meager horsepower gains. With a bolt-on turbocharger kit you can obtain instant, very dramatic horsepower gains with less time and money while still having the potential for upgrading. The whistle of a blow off valve, the roar from an external wastegate, and the burst of power that makes your engine feel like it doubled in size, how could you resist?

Can any vehicle have a turbo kit installed in it?
There are several companies that make vehicle-specific turbo kits where everything is included in the kit for installation on that specific vehicle. These are by far the most popular turbo kits. That being said, any car can have a turbo setup customized for it. If there are no turbo kits made specifically for your car, you can take the following steps to put a turbo kit in your car:

1. You'll need a bare turbocharger, normally sold by most turbo manufacturers.
2. You'll need a turbo manifold (exhaust manifold) for your turbocharger to sit on. A custom one will need to be built since there is not one available.
3. You'll need a turbo downpipe to let the exhaust gases out. Most exhaust manufacturers have a variety of piping available.
4. You'll need an intercooler and piping. Universal ones are available.
5. You'll need some form of fuel management (which is probably the hardest part) unless you plan on going the full standalone route.
6. You'll need a better fuel system that utilizes larger injectors and an aftermarket fuel pump.

With this very basic setup you can run boost. How much boost depends on your motor but chances are you should go past 4-5psi. Again, it will of course take a lot of custom work to put it together. But that’s what car customizing is all about!


What do turbo kits come with?
Complete turbo kits normally include the manifold, turbocharger, intake, down pipe, fuel management unit and all lines and hoses needed. You need to purchase intercoolers, piping, blow-off valves separately in most cases, unless otherwise noted in our product descriptions..

Is there a pre-condition my vehicle needs to meet in order to be able to handle a turbo kit?
Any vehicle can be turbocharged but you must consider whether all of the engine, driveline, and chassis parts can handle big power increases. Most aftermarket turbocharger kits for naturally aspirated cars recommend running no more than 6-8 psi to prevent engine damage.

How do you install a turbo kit?
Turbochargers should be installed by professionals if you have no experience with turbo installations. If you’ve done the basic bolt-on performance modifications to your car (intake, header, exhaust) and know your way around your engine, then you might be capable of doing the install yourself. Normal installation depending on the vehicle takes around 20-25 hours in most cases, but depends on whether custom work needs to be done. The turbo manifold that comes with the kit replaces the factory exhaust manifold. The turbo doesn't replace anything assuming this is a turbo kit and not a turbo upgrade kit. The turbo is mounted to a flange on the turbo manifold. Remember the turbo is spooled by the exhaust gases, so once the gases pass through the turbo manifold, it spools the turbo.Â

Which brand is dependable for turbo kits?
All GReddy turbo kits are world-renowned for this excellent quality


B. INTERCOOLER
What is an intercooler? Why buy an intercooler?
Both superchargers and turbochargers heat air as they compress it. This heat can hurt the combustion process by changing the density of air entering the intake manifold from a cool charge to a hot one. An intercooler is used to lower the temperature of the air and in turn increase the density of that air, so more air can enter the cylinders and create more power.

Do intercoolers work for any vehicle? Is there any pre-condition needed for me to buy an intercooler?
Intercoolers are sold either individually as universal cores or as kits with piping and couplers included. Turbocharged and supercharged engines can utilize intercoolers effectively while naturally aspirated vehicles do not have use for them.

How do you install an intercooler?
Intercoolers are installed using piping kits. If there is a kit available for your car, intercoolers are placed in their desired location and piping routed to both the throttle body and the turbocharger side. Sometimes piping kits are not available and custom piping will need to be made.

Which brand is dependable for intercoolers?
GReddy, Apexi, HKS, and Blitz all have excellent cores which cool air at extreme rates. It is a great upgrade when installing a turbocharger or looking to increase boost.


C. WASTEGATE


What is a wastegate? Why buy a wastegate?
A wastegate regulates boost by allowing excess exhaust pressure to bleed off. Wastegates generally come in two different types. The first is an internal wastegate, which is controlled by a wastegate actuator and bleeds directly into the exhaust system. An external wastegate is controlled by a boost controller and can be directed to bleed either into the exhaust system or directly into the atmosphere. Its mounted wherever theres space for it. External wastegates can handle more boost, but can be too big to fit in the space next to the turbo.

How do you install a wastegate?
Wategates are mounted onto the turbo manifold by using a flange. Basic bolting of it is needed for installation.

Which brand is dependable for wastegates?
GReddy and HKS carry external wastegates for all turbocharger applications. One of the most important components in a well-designed turbocharged engine is the wastegate. GReddy external wategates are made from the highest quality materials to assure both stability and durability during boost control.


D. BLOW OFF VALVE


What does a blow off valve do? Why buy one?
A blow-off valve is mounted in the intake plumbing between the turbocharger compressor and the throttle plate. The blow-off valve is used as a safety measure against the turbocharger over-boosting and damaging the engine (commonly referred to as boost surge). When you're on the throttle your turbo will make a spooling noise, and when you release the gas, the blow off valve will flutter and make a PSHHHH sound that is the classic sound of a turbo.

Are blow off valves made to fit a specific vehicle? Or are they universal?
Blow-off valves are universal for all turbocharged vehicles.

Is there any reason for me to buy a blow off valve if I dont have a turbo kit?
Naturally aspirated cars will not benefit from a blow-off valve, only turbocharged or supercharged vehicles will.

How do you install a blow off valve?
Blow-off valves are bolted to a steel/aluminum flange. The flange must be welded onto your intake piping.

Which brand is dependable for blow off valves?
GReddy, HKS, ApexI and Blitz all have great blow off valves. The HKS SSQV is one of the most popular blow-off valves since theyre dual chambered.

E. DOWNPIPE


What does a down pipe do? Why buy a down pipe?
The factory catalytic converter assembly often chokes the exhaust system and prevents it from flowing at maximum velocity. In any turbocharged application a significant increase in horsepower and torque can be found by simply eliminating this restriction in the exhaust flow. Down pipes provide a larger diameter for turbocharged vehicles, providing better spooling times from the turbo and easier exhaust flow.

Do down pipes only work on certain vehicles?
Down pipes are meant for turbocharged vehicles only.

Which brand is dependable for down pipes?
HKS, GReddy, RSR, Apexi and DC Sports all offer excellent down pipes at great prices.


CHAPTER IV Supercharger Kit

What does a supercharger kit do? Why buy a supercharger?
A supercharger is a form of forced induction. Superchargers offer perhaps the most dramatic increase in horsepower to your car of any aftermarket products. By compressing the air, it lets the engine stuff more air into a cylinder. More air means that more fuel can be stuffed in, too, so you get more power from each explosion in each cylinder. A superchargers power supply comes from a belt that connects directly to the engine. It gets its power the same way that your water pump or alternator does.

Does a supercharger kit come with everything you need? Or is there a pre-condition a vehicle needs to meet in order to be able to handle a supercharger kit?
Superchargers are vehicle-specific, and they will come with everything needed for a direct bolt-on.

How do you install a supercharger?
We recommend professional installation, but it is a bolt-on procedure.

Which brand is dependable for superchargers?
Vortech Superchargers have been around since 1990. Most systems are 50 state emissions legal with a true OEM quality fit and finish and designed to fit under the factory hood. All kits come 100% complete, even down to the wire ties, making installation trouble-free.


CHAPTER V Fuel


A. FUEL FILTER


What is a fuel filter? Why buy a fuel filter?
A fuel filter is a unit placed in a fuel line to remove dirt and rush picked up from the bottom of the gas tank or service fittings. Aftermarket fuel filters feature a different filter to allow for a higher volume of fuel to flow through for higher performance motors.

Which brand is dependable for fuel filters?
AEM and Weapon R are known for making quality fuel filters


B. FUEL INJECTORS


What are fuel injectors? Why buy fuel injectors?
Fuel injectors are the primary means of getting gasoline into the motor. The injectors are mounted in the intake manifold so that they spray fuel directly at the intake valves. A fuel rail supplies pressurized fuel to all of the injectors. When running nitrous oxide, more boost, or a high revving naturally aspirated motor, larger fuel injectors are needed. Larger injectors are needed so that they can supply the engine with more fuel in order for it not to lean out.

Do fuel injectors come in sets of 4?
Fuel injectors are sold individually, so you have to buy the number of injectors necessary for your car. Four-cylinder cars would use four injectors, and six-cylinders would use six fuel injectors, and so on.

How do you install fuel injectors?
Fuel injectors are installed by unplugging the harness from the fuel rail and popping out the factory injectors. New o-ring seals should be installed at this time to prevent leaking with the new injectors.

Which brand is dependable for fuel injectors?
Venom and GReddy fuel injectors are both proven brand for fuel injectors.


C. FUEL PUMPS


What does a fuel pump do? Why buy a fuel pump?
An electric fuel pump is a diaphragm unit that activates once your key turns in the ignition. It primes the pump and allows for a quick start. When you are adding larger turbos, running higher boost or nitrous oxide, most race applications require a high-flow fuel pump.

How do you install a fuel pump?
Most modern electric fuel pumps are found inside the gas tank. This should be left to the pros since there is a chance of accidental spark and explosion. Usually in the back trunk of the vehicle there is a fuel pump cover. This will need to be removed and the pump lifted out of the gas tank. Once done, the aftermarket pump will be swapped in its place and lowered back into the tank.

Which brand is dependable for fuel pumps?
HKS and Venom make good fuel pumps.


D. FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS


What is a fuel pressure regulator? Why buy a fuel pressure regulator?
The fuel pressure regulator regulates the fuel pressure that goes into the engine. The cars computer does not control the fuel pressure regulator; it is controlled by the engines vacuum. Depending whether the idle is high or low the fuel pressure regulator opens and closes giving more or less fuel. With a high performance motor, an adjustable fuel pressure regulator is needed to increase the amount of fuel given to the engine since larger injectors and fuel pump will be utilized.

How do you install a fuel pressure regulator?
You disconnect a vacuum hose and one fuel line on your fuel pressure regulator and replace it with the new adjustable unit within minutes.

Which brand is dependable for fuel pressure regulators?
AEM and Weapon R manufacture quality fuel regulators


E. FUEL RAIL


What do fuel rails do? Why buy fuel rails?
Fuel rails are designed to keep pressurized fuel flowing to the injectors. When high performance motors are built and the fuel pressure is increased, sometimes the standard bore on the fuel rail is too small, restricting fuel flow to the injectors and causing your car to lean out.

Are fuel rails sold individually?
Fuel rails are sold individually unless otherwise noted.

How do you install fuel rails?
Fuel rails are installed by removing the injectors and fuel pressure regulator from your factory rail. The factory fuel rail is then removed and the new unit is installed in its place. Specialty tools are needed to remove the fittings on your standard rail and to install new fittings into the new fuel rail. This job should be left to the pros if youve never done a fuel rail before.

Which brand is dependable for fuel rails?
AEM has great performance high-volume fuel rails.


CHAPTER VI: Nitrous Oxide Systems


What is a nitrous oxide kit? Why buy a nitrous oxide kit?
Nitrous oxide is a form of forced induction available to you without having to go the supercharger/turbocharger route. Nitrous oxide is the most cost-effective way to add instant horsepower without compromising your engine. Nitrous kits are completely tunable, and can double the horsepower with a simple push of a button. Injecting Nitrous Oxide into your motor means more oxygen is available during combustion and a cooler intake charge is generated, which increases the density of the air creating, more power. Nitrous has been well tested and proven to cause no engine damage if used responsibly.

Do nitrous oxide kits work on any vehicle?
Nitrous oxide kits are available for fuel injected or carbureted gasoline motors and can be made to fit any vehicle.

Whats the difference between a wet nitrous system and a dry nitrous system?
A dry nitrous system is one where fuel is required in conjunction with nitrous, and will be injected through the fuel injectors, which means upper intake is kept dry of fuel. Hence, "dry" setup. Remember that fuel is what makes the power, nitrous is just there to help burn more if it. A wet nitrous system is one in which both fuel and nitrous are injected at the same time, normally about 3"-6" ahead of the throttle body. This system will make the upper intake manifold wet with fuel. Hence, the "wet" setup. So to recap, for the dry system nitrous oxide only is sprayed into the air intake and the wet setup is where nitrous oxide and fuel is sprayed into the air intake through one nozzle. These days, most nitrous system manufacturers make wet systems, as they are thought to more efficiently distribute air and fuel. That being said, dry nitrous systems will definitely give you a lot of bang for your buck, and are still a fantastic choice.

How do you install a nitrous oxide kit?
The nitrous bottle can be placed anywhere in the vehicle, and people often opt for behind the driver/passenger seats or in the bed of your car. The bottle connects to the rest of the kit by a stainless line that runs from the bottle to the inside of the engine bay. It connects to the nitrous solenoid or computer box, depending on which nitrous kit you get. Some kits utilize fuel and nitrous solenoids that are engaged with the push of a button, while others are used during wide open throttle and utilize an electronic management unit that puts the solenoids, switch and nitrous manifold all in one box to handle all the air/fuel ratio differences. Nitrous oxide kits can be installed in an afternoon, without custom fabrication, using typical hand tools. That being said, we recommend professional installation.

Which brand is dependable for nitrous oxide kits?
NOS (Nitrous Oxide Systems) has over twenty years experience with building nitrous systems for racing and street applications.


CHAPTER VII: engine


A. HEAD GASKET


What is a head gasket? Why buy a head gasket?
The head gasket is located in between your head and your bottom block to help prevent compression leaks and coolant leaks. When your vehicle overheats, theres a chance the head gasket is blown, or if youre running a high horsepower vehicle or one with a lot of boost, it can warp and blow. Aftermarket head gaskets are made out of copper or metal and protect against high horsepower levels and huge boost levels.

How do you install a head gasket?
Head gaskets should be left to the pros since the engine must be removed along with the head, and since machine work must be performed on the block.

Which brand is dependable for head gaskets?
GReddy, HKS, Apexi all have excellent metal head gaskets that can withstand the punishment you throw at it.


B. CAMSHAFTS


What do camshafts do? Why buy camshafts?
Air travels through your intake manifold into your intake valves and exhaust valves. By upgrading to more aggressive camshafts on both the intake and exhaust side, it will create greater duration and lift. This means the intake and exhaust valves can remain open longer, which allows for more air to move through the cylinder head efficiently. If youre looking to get more horsepower out of your turbocharged or naturally aspirated motor, aftermarket camshafts are a great option.

Do camshafts come individually?
Camshafts are sold individually unless otherwise noted in the product description. Single overhead cams (SOHC) utilize one camshaft while dual overhead cam (DOHC) motors utilize two.

How do you install camshafts?
Installation should be left to the pros on this one since timing will be involved. If you plan on doing it yourself removal of the upper timing belt cover will need to be done to reveal the cam gears. The valve cover along with the camshafts will need to be removed. Once this is done replace your factory camshafts the aftermarket camshafts and reinstall your cam gears. Make sure when you remove and reinstall the camshafts and cam gears they are at top dead center (TDC). Replace everything as you removed them and re-time your vehicle.

Which brand is dependable for camshafts?
Crower, HKS, GReddy and Skunk2 all make dependable camshafts for popular sport compact cars.


C. CAM GEARS


What do cam gears do? Why buy cam gears?
Cam gears are used by many for a reliable, precise and affordable method of fine-tuning the action of the valves. This complements the installation of performance add-ons such as headers, camshafts, intakes or specialty milling work on built motors. Cam gears are often used for adjusting the timing degree of newly installed camshafts in your motor. You want to adjust cam timing to make the maximum power with your motor. If you buy aftermarket cam shafts, you cannot fine tune them to make more power if you don't have a set of adjustable cam gears.

Do cam gears come individually?
Cam gears are sold individually unless otherwise noted. Depending on whether your vehicle is a single overhead cam (SOHC) or a dual overhead cam (DOHC), you will need one or two cam gears.

How do you install cam gearst?
Installation should be left to the pros on this one since timing will be involved. If you plan on doing it yourself, removal of the upper timing belt cover will need to be done to reveal the cam gears. The valve cover along with the camshafts will need to be removed. Once this is done, replace the factory cam gears with your new ones and reinstall onto your camshaft. Make sure when you remove and reinstall the camshafts and cam gears they are at top dead center (TDC). Replace everything as you removed them and re-time your vehicle.

Which brand is dependable for cam gears?
AEM Tru-Time cam gears are some of the most dependable on the market today being used by top race teams throughout the world. Their cam gears include recommended cam gears settings and can be advanced or retarded up to 10 degrees each with one-degree increments. Manufactured out of CNC machined 6061 T-6 billet aluminum, look no further than AEMs Tru-Time gears.


D. THROTTLE BODY

What is a throttle body? Why buy a throttle body?
Air travels through your intake piping through your throttle body and into the intake manifold. The throttle body, which includes a throttle plate that opens and closes as you press and release the throttle, can be a major bottleneck to air flow on some cars. A larger throttle body allows more air to pass through, thus creating more power.

How do you install a throttle body?
Throttle bodies are easily removed by taking off the factory bolts holding it in place along with all the sensors. Re-connect your sensors to your new throttle body and then install the aftermarket throttle body for power gains.

Which brand is dependable for throttle bodies?
Venom manufactures some of the worlds largest throttle bodies. For increased performance and a beautiful show room shine, check out Venom.

E. VALVES

What are valves? Why buy valves?
Valves are used to let a mixture of air and fuel into a cylinder and allow exhaust gases to get out. Each cylinder has at least two valves each, multi-valve engines have more, often four per cylinder. Upgraded head valves are able to withstand more heat from nitrous oxide use and turbo/supercharger use, so its an excellent upgrade for people looking for added compression without sacrificing any reliability.

How do you install valves?
Valves require headwork and should be left to the pros. While replacing valves, valve guides, retainers, valve springs and camshafts should all be considered for upgrades at the same time.

Which brand is dependable for valves?
Skunk 2 valves can be counted on for quality

F. VALVE SPRINGS

What are valve springs? Why buy them?
Valve springs are used in conjunction with retainers in order to take the impact of running high RPMs. When purchasing camshafts or looking to increase the revs of your motor, a set of valve springs and retainers should be purchased. Single and double wound valve springs are designed for high stress and have a high resistance to vibrational contact and harmonic wear from the motor.

Which brand is dependable for valve springs?
Skunk 2 makes quality valve springs


G. RETAINERS


What are retainers? Why buy retainers?
Retainers are used with valve springs in order to take the impact of high RPMs. When purchasing camshafts or looking to increase the revs of your motor, a set of valve springs and retainers should be purchased. Retainers are designed for high stress and have a high resistance to vibrational contact and harmonic wear from the motor.

How do you install retainers?
Retainers require headwork and should be left to the pros. While replacing retainers, valve springs along with camshafts should all be upgraded.

Which brand is dependable for retainers?
Skunk 2 is a dependable brand for retainers.


H. PISTONS

What are pistons? Why buy pistons?
Pistons are part of your block assembly that are connected to the rods, and they compress the fuel/air mixture creating an explosion that drives the piston back down to start over again with a new charge of air and gas.

Do pistons come in sets of 4?
Pistons are sold in sets or individually, depending on your vehicles motor. They are car specific and all pistons should be replaced at the same time during a rebuild.

How do you install pistons?
Pistons should be left to the pros because removal of your engine will be needed. The head will be taken off from the bottom block and internals will be replaced. Machine work will be done with specific tolerances achieved.

Which brand is dependable for pistons?
Greddy is a quality manufacturer is every respect, and their pistons can be counted on for quality.

I. PULLEY KIT


What are pulley kits? Why buy a pulley kit?
Pulleys are what drive your vehicles power steering, alternator and air conditioning unit. Belts attach to these pulleys and keep all the units running smoothly. By increasing the diameter of these pulleys, you slow down the power steering, alternator and air conditioning unit, reducing the amount of energy needed to drive them. Significant horsepower gains can be realized with a simple install package that has no recorded effect on emission levels.

What exactly is included in a pulley kit?
Pulley kits are car specific, and depend of whether you have power steering and/or air conditioning. The basic pulley set includes pulleys for power steering, alternator and air conditioning as needed.

How do you install a pulley kit?
Pulley kits are installed using air tools. First remove your factory belts (this is a good time to buy replacements), and then remove the bolts to take your factory pulleys off. Replace them with the lightweight, larger diameter pulleys.

Which brand is dependable for pulley kits?
AEM Tru Power pulleys are manufactured from CNC machined 6061 T-6 billet aluminum to increase horsepower and engine response. They are a great choice.

J. MOTOR MOUNTS

What are motor mounts? Why buy motor mounts?
Motor mounts are what your engine sits on. Usually manufactured using rubber to combat engine vibrations and chatter, rubber begins to deteriorate after continual use. Engines with failed mounts will usually allow the engine to rise during acceleration and slam back down on the front member during braking, creating a loud thud. Replacing these keeps your car in balance.

How do you install motor mounts?
Motor mounts are should be left to the pros as removal of the engine is needed. Mounts are usually reinstalled along with transmission mounts at the same time since theyre easily accessible once the engine is pulled.

Which brand is dependable for motor mounts?
Energy Suspension and Prothane are two of the best aftermarket bushing manufacturers.


CHAPTER VIII: Cooling / Oil


A. RADIATOR

What is a radiator? Why buy a radiator?
A radiator is a device that cools the entire engine by using a water and antifreeze mixture. The mixture flows through your cooling system, passing through the radiator and back where it is cooled again by convection with the air. Aftermarket performance radiators offer 30% more cooling than standard radiators in many cases, and are great for high performance motors.

How do you install a radiator?
Radiators are manufactured specifically per vehicle application to ensure the best in fitment, just like your original radiator. Remove your factory unit and install the aftermarket radiator in its place.

Which brand is dependable for radiators?
Koyo radiators are some of our favorite units. Manufactured in Japan, these radiators are aircraft quality aluminum and are heli-arc welded for the strongest in enforcement.


B. COOLING PLATE

What is a radiator cooling plate? Why buy one?
Radiator cooling plates work by increasing the air flow into the radiator by redirecting the air stream above the radiator. Most vehicles will see an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit reduction in water temperatures.

Can radiator cooling plates be used on all cars?
Radiator cooling panels are car specific and are made to fit and function perfectly.

How do you install a radiator cooling plate?
GReddy sells high-pressure radiator caps for many applications.

Which brand is dependable for radiator cooling plates?
APR Performance makes high quality radiator cooling plates.

C. OIL FILTER

What is an oil filter? Why buy an oil filter?
It is a can-like device that screws onto the outside of the crankcase and is used to strain the oil that runs through your engine, thereby removing abrasive particles.

Which brand is dependable for oil filters?
K&N makes very dependable oil filters

D. OIL COOLER

What is an oil cooler? Why buy an oil cooler?
An oil cooler is a heat exchanger for the engines motor oil. Most automatic transmissions are equipped with an oil cooler that’s located inside the radiator. The engine’s cooling system is usually adequate to keep oil temperatures within safe limits, but when you start modifying your motor with high performance parts, sometimes heat plays a factory.

How do you install an oil cooler?
Oil coolers are installed using aluminum fittings and high quality hosing. Placement must be decided first and then installation of all the fittings and lines should be done.

Which brand is dependable for oil coolers?
Greddy is a top-of-the-line manufacturer of oil coolers

E. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COOLER

What does an automatic transmission cooler do? Why purchase one?
The hotter your transmission oil gets, the more damaging it can be for your transmission. During road racing, drag racing or uphill driving, your transmission is put through a lot of strain. If you put your transmission through this type of strain regularly, it is important to add extra protection for your transmission. For ultimate heat control you’re going to need a transmission cooler - it's not worth sacrificing your expensive transmission.

How do you install an automatic transmission cooler?
All coolers come with fittings for connections to either steel-braided or high-pressure lines. These lines are routed from your oil filter through the cooler into your engine and vice versa, this gives the oil a chance to cool down before returning back into your engine.

Which brand is dependable for automatic transmission coolers?
GReddy has dependable tube and fin design racing coolers that are specifically intended for racing. They are constructed entirely of aluminum and are powder coated GReddy blue for an aggressive look.

F. THERMOSTATS

What is a thermostat? Why buy a thermostat?
A thermostat is a unit that sits between the engine and the radiator. The thermostat blocks the flow of coolant to the radiator until the engine has warmed up. When the engine is cold, no coolant flows through the engine. Once the engine reaches its operating temperature, the thermostat opens up. Aftermarket performance thermostats open up at a lower temperature than a factory unit allowing the coolant to flow through your engine sooner, reducing coolant temperatures. If your vehicle’s cooling system is efficient, you're less prone to overheating when putting you car through extreme performance measures.

How do you install a thermostat?
A thermostat is installed by removing the thermostat housing unit. Once removed you can replace the factory thermostat with the aftermarket unit and help your engine cool off faster.



CHAPTER IX: Ignition

A. SPARK PLUG WIRES

What are spark plug wires? Why purchase spark plug wires?
Factory spark plug wires deliver voltage to your spark plugs. Sport spark plug wires deliver a hotter, more powerful, and longer spark to the spark plugs, resulting in more power while reducing the chance for misfires and eliminating radio static.

Are spark plug wires the same thing as ignition wires?
Ignition wires are another term used for spark plug wires. They are two terms that mean exactly the same thing.

Are ignition wires available for every vehicle?
Spark plug wires are available for most vehicles. They are not universal.

How do you install spark plug wires?
Spark plug wires take seconds to install. After removing your factory spark plug wires from the valve cover and distributor, you simply replace them with your new ones. 4-cyl motors have 4 spark plug wires; 6-cyl motors have 6 spark plug wires, and so on.

Which brand is dependable for spark plug wires?
Nology is a dependable brand for spark plug wires.

B. SPARK PLUGS

What are spark plug wires? Why purchase spark plug wires?
Spark Plugs deliver sparks for the combustion, with sport spark plugs there is a bigger spark then with a regular factory spark plug.

Which brand is dependable for spark plug wires?
Greddy delivers one of the best Pro Iridium Spark Plugs today on the market.


CHAPTER X: Engine Fill Up

A. OIL CAPS

Why buy an oil cap?
Oil caps are accessories that improve the appearance your engine bay. All oil caps are engineered to fit like OEM.

How do you install an oil cap?
Installation is done by unscrewing your bland factory oil cap and replacing it with a show-quality cap.

Which brand is dependable for oil caps?
GReddy, Injen and Matrix all manufacture nice oil caps.

B. BATTERY TIE DOWN

What do battery tie downs do? Why purchase one?
Under extreme driving conditions you need to keep things bolted down where they belong. This is exactly what battery tie downs are designed to do. Additionally, they look better than your factory one.

How do you install battery tie downs?
Simply unscrew your factory one and replace it with your new one. Battery tie downs install in minutes and can be installed with basic hand tools.

Which brand is dependable for battery tie downs?
DC Sports has the nicest battery tie downs on the market, with their billet 6061 aircraft quality aluminum CNC machined tie downs that are available in polished aluminum and red and blue anodized finishes.

C. RADIATOR CAPS

Why buy a radiator cap?
With a high horsepower motor that sees the track often, you’ll need a high-pressure radiator cap. With a higher pressure rating it raises the boiling point of the coolant.

How do you install a radiator cap?
Radiator caps are installed in seconds by removing your factory cap and replacing it with a high-pressure unit.

Which brand is dependable for radiator caps?
GReddy sells high-pressure radiator caps for many applications

D. SPARK PLUG WIRE COVER

What is a spark plug wire cover? Why purchase one?
Spark plug wire covers protect the spark plugs from getting any gunk in or around them. Factory wire covers are bland and boring in terms of appearance, so aftermarket spark plug wire covers spruce up the look of your engine bay.

How do you install a spark plug wire cover?
Covers are installed by unbolting your factory unit and replacing it with your new cover. Installation is done in minutes with basic hand tools.

Which brand is dependable for spark plug wire covers?
DC Sports spark plug wire covers are great.


That are all the engine modifications I can think of right now, hope you'll understand it a bit more now, if there are any questions don't be afraid to ask , i'll try and answer them