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Power gains from a sports catalyst

Catalysts are a vital component in our modern tree hugging environmentally conscious society. First TorqueCars will look at what a catalyst does and how it works.

A catalyst is actually a term used to explain anything which accelerates or performs a chemical reaction. In a car the exhaust fumes are fed through a matrix of ceramic honeycomb lined with precious metals.

What is an induction kit and what does it do.

As induction kits are probably one of the most popular modifications for car tuning projects we thought we should add a introductory article to explain what they are, what they do and the theory behind them.

An induction kit is quite simply an air filter. Most cars have air filters mounted in an air box. These filters are generally constructed of paper which filters out the particles from the air and prevents these from getting into the engine. The airboxes are designed to reduce the noise of the engine and have various vanes and angles cut to maximise this noise reduction.

How to avoid engine knock and pinging

So what exactly is engine knock and how dangerous is it? What causes engine knock and how can it be avoided?

You may notice a knocking or rattling noise from your engine or a sudden loss of power under full throttle.

Immediately back off the throttle and only use low rpm engine speeds until you can get the engine investigated.

The chances are that you are suffering from a condition known as “engine knock”.

Ceramic exhaust coatings and exhaust wraps

Under bonnet temperatures are one of the biggest performance killers around.

Quite simply, you want your engine to be sucking in cold air as this carries more oxygen and will allow you to burn more fuel.

The exhaust system is one of the contributors to under bonnet temperatures. You can therefore lag the exhaust to help prevent this heat soak into the engine bay.

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