PERFORMANCE UPGRADES

Performance upgrades are common amongst 4WD owners and when done correctly they generally gain excellent results. We regularly get asked about the best way to increase engine performance on modern turbo diesel vehicles, the answer to this question varies depending on the specific vehicle and the intended use. Performance upgrades can include physical parts such as exhaust systems, intercoolers and clutches or software & tuning to enhance the engine output, often a combination of both will be most suited to the application. With an appropriate performance upgrade the end result will generally be gains in power and torque with reductions in fuel economy. Modifying the performance of your engine will also improve the overall driveability and efficiency of the engine which can improve longevity & reliability.

OUR FACILITIES

Our specialist workshop is equipped to facilitate modifications and upgrades to 4WD vehicles including performance upgrades & engine enhancements. We invest heavily into high quality workshop equipment specifically suited to the line of work we perform. It is our belief that high quality equipment allows for high quality work to be performed whether it be basic hand tools, general workshop equipment or specialist performance related gear such as our ‘DYNOTECH’ dyno. Our team take pride in what they do and undergo thorough staff training which results in professional workmanship.

TRUSTED BRANDS

We only use trusted brands when it comes to performance upgrades & engine related products. Have you ever heard sayings such as ‘the quality will remain long after the price is forgotten’ or ‘the poor man always pays twice’? These are very valid sayings in regards to performance upgrades. Cutting corners when modifying your engine is the fastest way to cause yourself a problem and potentially hurt your wallet. In our opinion it is simply not worth the risk to skimp on quality when modifying your engine or enhancing the vehicles performance, this is why we stick to quality trusted brands.

DYNO TUNING

Vehicles come from factory with a standard tune in the ECU (engine control unit). Standard tunes are generally conservative and leave plenty of room for improvement, we are able to tune your vehicle on our in house dyno by safely altering the factory parameters to increase performance and improve efficiency. Custom tuning your vehicle on our dyno rather than using a ‘one size fits all’ approach provides a safe and reliable option for increased performance.

EXHAUST SYSTEMS

Factory exhaust systems are generally not manufactured with performance in mind and can often be restrictive. Fitting an aftermarket exhaust system to your turbo diesel will increase exhaust flow which reduces restriction, lowers exhaust gas temperature and improves performance. Most high quality exhaust systems will be mandrel bent in an appropriate size tubing to suit the vehicles engine size, we offer a variety of high quality exhaust systems from various brands depending on the application.

SNORKELS

Snorkels have always been a popular upgrade, they offer a raised air intake to provide the engine with clean air by keeping dust and water out. In recent times snorkel manufacturers have now started producing bigger snorkels with the aim of increased airflow which allows more potential for power upgrades. Creating horsepower is quite simple in theory, the more air and fuel you have the more power you can make. Fitting a high flow snorkel will ensure you have no issues getting the air into your engine.

INTERCOOLERS

Most turbo diesels are fitted with an intercooler from standard, these are generally mass produced to a budget and don’t perform well. Upgrading your intercooler to a better performing unit will provide the engine with cooler and denser air, thus resulting in improved engine efficiency. This improved efficiency is beneficial on a standard vehicle and even more beneficial when fitted in conjunction with other performance enhancements, better intercoolers allow for greater ECU tuning results.

CLUTCHES

Standard clutches are generally suitable for the standard power output of engines in manual vehicles. Often when increasing the power output of your engine you will also need to upgrade the clutch. Heavy duty clutches have more clamping force than standard clutches which allows them to operate properly with higher power and torque. The requirement of a heavy duty clutch will depend on the vehicle model and the seriousness of the performance upgrades.

LOCK UP KITS

Vehicles with automotive transmissions such as the 200 series Landcruiser can be fitted with a torque converter lock up kit. These kits provide direct drive from engine to transmission which prevents hunting of gears, allows engine braking, reduces transmission temperatures and improves fuel economy. We fit a dual stage speed sensing lock up kit to maintain factory driveability, this allows the torque converter to automatically lock and unlock based on the vehicles speed.

FUEL FILTERS

Modern turbo diesel engines have fine tolerances to diesel quality, bad fuel can easily cause damage. Protecting your engine and fuel system is essential to ensure you have trouble free motoring and avoid costly repairs. The easiest way to add some extra protection is by fitting an additional fuel filter, this will catch water and debris to avoid it from entering your fuel system. In comparison to the potential cost of repairs an additional fuel filter is cheap insurance.

CATCH CANS

Most modern turbo diesel engines suffer from a build-up of black sludge in their intake system. Excess crank case pressure and exhaust gases are vented back into the intake, oil from the crank case pressure combined with carbon from the exhaust gases create a thick black sludge. Over time this will effect engine performance and efficiency, it can also reduce longevity. Fitting a catch can will catch the oil prior to entering the intake system which keeps things clean and efficient.

INTAKE CLEANS

If a catch can has not been fitted to a turbo diesel engine from new it is highly likely the intake has a build-up of black sludge, the more kilometres the vehicle has done the worse it will be. The build-up of black sludge in the intake can be restrictive to airflow which hinders engine performance and economy. Over time if this build up becomes severe it can also dislodge from the intake and enter the engine which could cause damage. Depending on kilometres travelled we may recommend performing an intake clean.