Ponies gone to Pasture? Time for a POWER PACKAGE

Jumpstart that Project Vehicle with a POWER PACKAGE

The spring season is quickly approaching, so maybe you want to put a power package together for yourself, OR that special someone. The only problem is you’re not really sure where to start. And it can be a bit intimidating if you aren’t very informed about all-things automotive.

A power package is simply a bundle of upgrades that, when combined, significantly increase performance. When searching for examples, you may come across complex top-end kits from Edelbrock that contain a series of major modifications to greatly change the entire behavior of a vehicle’s engine. Don’t be overwhelmed though; power packages can be a series of less complex components that add up to be remarkable power gains. And along with power, who wouldn’t want to turn some heads with a vastly improved sound too?  We’re going to look at a few upgrades that work well in combination with one another in order to channel that inner grease-monkey as the warmer weather approaches.

Intakes

From time to time you may have heard that engines are air pumps. It doesn’t matter if it’s diesel, gas, or even a rotary, this concept is true. Air is taken into the engine, mixed with fuel, and then pushed out after the combustion cycle. The more oxygen you can get into the engine for the combustion, the more power and performance it can make.

This concept makes it easy for you to start thinking about taking the choker off your ride and letting her breathe. K&N, aFe Power, Airaid, and Volant are all cold air intake manufacturers that offer a wide range of vehicle applications. They have offerings for trucks and cars—both domestic and foreign—and diesel powered or gas. So, when starting to put a power package together, be sure to take a look at what they have to offer for your application.

For older cars, you can pick up an intake manifold as well. If you’re unsure of the specifics, talk to a professional for help, but know that a premium brand like Edelbrock provides superior performance upgrades both on the track and the street. This makes your life much easier. And of course, don’t forget about the air cleaner.

Exhaust

Moving air out of the engine is just as important as it is to cram it in there. Wider exhaust pipes assist with airflow and make for a much better exhaust sound. Magnaflow is a brand that is one of the absolute best in the business. They offer kits for just about every application under the sun.  Corsa is another legendary name in exhausts and they’re running a nice little Header rebate through JUNE, as well. In addition, Borla also just blew everyone away with the introduction of their new crate mufflers. These units have been custom tailored to specific engines in order to create the best note possible. This type of power package mod is always a popular place to start.

Cat-back exhausts have long been the preferred option, but axle-backs are carving out a nice slice of pie for themselves. An axel-back system follows many of the same principles as a cat-back in the sense that it only replaces a portion of the exhaust. But it takes the concept one step further and only modifies what’s beyond the rear axle.  Trusted names like Magnaflow, MBRP, Borla, Kooks, and Flowmaster have various axle-back applications available on the market.

If it’s just a muffler you’re after, the latest mufflers from Gibson Performance Exhaust come with maximum sound, best-in-class flow, and all that attitude!  The straight-thru design promotes exhaust gases to flow at the highest rates for a muffler, flowing only 3 cfm less than a 3-in. straight pipe. This minimizes the interior drone while increasing power potential. With no internal packing or weak baffles, the Gibson MWA Superflow Mufflers have a lightweight design with a unique and powerful sound.

Computer Programmers

Programmers and tuners are ideal options for anything late model. DiabloSport, Superchips, Bullydog, and Edge are just a few of the brands on the market that offer up an excellent product. These units are designed to reprogram the ECU at the touch of a button. Not only will they boost performance, but also will improve the vehicle’s ability to take advantage of the other modifications in your power package.

Oils & Additives

It’s detrimental to power to add a whole bunch of performance parts to an engine with old fluids in it. Oil is more important to power and performance than most understand. Having the right oil in an engine will not only make for proper operation but also allows for more consistent performance. It will even prolong the life of the motor. When shopping for the oil itself, don’t be shy grab the good stuff like Mobil 1, Motul, or Royal Purple.

Lucas Oil offers a variety of oil and fuel additives to consider as well. Cleaners are always an excellent choice, as carbon deposits and dirt can accumulate in the engine over time. These can cause the engine’s performance capabilities to drop. They may even destroy the engine entirely.

So, needless to say, throwing these in the bundle is just as important to ensure your power package modifications weren’t made in vain.

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