How To Increase Horsepower - Explained

How can you increase horsepower? There are several fundamental principles if you are going to increase the acceleration of your car, aside from obviously shedding some weight. I'll explain some different methods of how to increase horsepower.

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[EngineeringExplained]

I graduated as a mechanical engineer.

[EngineeringExplained]

You have to have good enough air flow (volumetric efficiency) at higher RPMs, which typically requires modification of the valvetrain/cams. Also the valve springs need to be strong enough, and be able to last through many rapid compressions. The materials also need to be able to withstand the added friction.

[EngineeringExplained]

The valve timing is connected directly with the crankshaft (geared to the camshaft) thus the timing shortens as you reach higher RPM. You would likely however need cams which open the valves a bit more to allow for greater airflow.

[EngineeringExplained]

Sounds like you're more organized than I am! I have my notes scattered about on my desk, on individual sheets. Glad to hear you've found the videos useful. Just send me a PM with your video whenever and I'll check it out.

[Querencias]

Every time I see the EE videos I'm impressed by, 1) The knowledge of this young engineer put into down-to-earth terms and, 2) How much he looks like George Harrison (my favorite Beatle). Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work. God bless.

[jackhobbs]

Smh everyone knows a stripe over the top of the car adds 100whp, pointlss video...

[EngineeringExplained]

It doesn't let out less exhaust, it's turns the heat of the exhaust into useful energy, thus increasing the efficiency of the engine. The answer is yes, but many turbos are there for increased power, not necessarily for the most fuel efficient cars.

[EngineeringExplained]

Just a note, that'd be maximum theoretical speed based on gearing. Horsepower and air resistance will likely be the limiting factor.

[okaythen]

How To Increase Horsepower- add a lot of cool stickers!

[EngineeringExplained]

Spoilers increase downforce, thus increasing the maximum lateral g's that a car can hold (check out my video "traction circle" for more details) and allowing the car to go around corners at higher speeds.

[samo]

I love you bro, that was the only key missing form my project !!!! I will never forget that

[EngineeringExplained]

Engineering Explained, where people go to learn about cars! :)

[pavlo.]

Instructions not clear enough cracked my pistons.

[EngineeringExplained]

Thanks, my apologies about the sound! Perhaps I can try opening a door and see if that helps cancel out the echo.

[EngineeringExplained]

It's not the "downforce" that the engine has to compensate for in order to accelerate, it's the drag. A 1000 kg car with 1000 kg of downforce still only has to accelerate 1000 kg of mass, not 2000 kg, however it has to compensate for the additional drag which will be significant.

[alyssamiller]

Okay, confession time. I know NOTHING about engines, cars, pretty much anything of that sort. This is only the second video I've seen and I feel so informed! It's put into terms I can (for the most part) understand. I'm getting ready to get my first car and I need some stuff explained and this has helped tremendously! You're doing fantastic, keep it up!!

[TheCarPassionChannel]

If you really think this video is inaccurate, you clearly have no understanding of internal combustion engines or physics in general. This video is spot on.

[EngineeringExplained]

No, I mean an overall reduction in the heat created at any moving contact points. For example, with the new CR-V Honda reduced friction by about 5-10% along the drivetrain, which was good for a real world increase in power.

[EngineeringExplained]

It's not something you typically modify, but would require new cylinder heads/valvetrain for modified air flow at high RPM. And of course the strength to cope with higher RPM.

[Benda]

These videos are just in time!! I'm working on a Porsche 944 for a track day car! Doing a good job and these and you actually know what your talking about! Keep it up!!!