Diesel engines already pack a punch when it comes to power and performance, but there are times when you could use a little extra muscle. If you want to increase your vehicle’s performance, check out these simple ways to get more horsepower out of your diesel engine.
Keep It Tuned Up
First and foremost, a diesel engine can’t perform to its potential if it’s not tuned and serviced correctly. Before investing in parts and upgrades, ensure your diesel engine is healthy with frequent services and tune-ups.
Pro Tip: Most diesel engines should be serviced every 3,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.
Diesel engines operate at higher pressures than gasoline ones, so their services and tune-ups are even more crucial to follow. Consult your owner’s manual for your specific model’s recommended service schedule and follow it strictly.
Upgrade the Air Intake
One of the best reasons to upgrade the air intake system for your diesel truck is that it’ll give the engine a performance boost. As its name suggests, the air intake system takes air and funnels it into the engine.
An upgraded intake system draws air from outside the engine compartment, which means colder air that’s denser and holds more oxygen. With more oxygen-rich air, your engine will perform better and increase your fuel economy for a fun and practical one-two punch.
Consider Performance Exhaust
If you’re adding an upgrade air intake system, you should also consider opting for performance exhaust. Like the air intake system, the performance exhaust is about circulating air except it’s about driving the dirty air out of your diesel engine.
Performance exhaust systems are wider and feature fewer bends, making it easier for exhaust fumes to circulate and dissipate efficiently. The result you get for your diesel vehicle is smooth acceleration, less engine noise, more horsepower, torque, and even better fuel mileage.
Invest in a Turbocharger
A simple way to get more horsepower out of your diesel engine is to invest in a turbocharger. A turbocharger pushes more air into the engine, pressurizes the intake, and provides better airflow.
The result is an instant performance boost, and you can even opt for a performance turbocharger for even more significant gains than a standard turbo.
What will you do to boost your diesel engine’s power and performance? Whichever option you choose, you’ll be adding even more muscle to your already powerful diesel engine!
