How to Increase the Horsepower in a 2013 Subaru Outback

Are you looking to add some more power to your 2013 Subaru Outback? There are several ways to increase the horsepower of your vehicle, and in this guide, we’ll go through the most effective methods to get that extra kick you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking to improve the acceleration or just want to have a more thrilling driving experience, these tips will help you achieve your goal.

Key Takeaways

  • Upgrading the air intake and exhaust system can significantly increase horsepower.
  • Tuning your engine’s computer can optimize the air and fuel ratio and improve performance.
  • Swapping out the stock spark plugs with high-performance ones can improve combustion and increase horsepower.
  • Adding a turbocharger or supercharger can provide a substantial increase in power, but it can be expensive.

Now, let’s dive into the different methods you can use to increase horsepower in your 2013 Subaru Outback.

Upgrade the Air Intake

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase horsepower is by upgrading your car’s air intake system. The stock air intake is designed to minimize engine noise and improve fuel efficiency. However, it also restricts the airflow, which limits the engine’s power potential.

By upgrading to an aftermarket air intake system, you can increase the amount of air that flows into the engine, resulting in improved combustion and increased horsepower. A high-quality air intake system will also come with a high-performance air filter that can further enhance the airflow.

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🔑 Tip: Choose an air intake system that is designed specifically for your 2013 Subaru Outback for optimal performance.

Install a High-Performance Exhaust System

Another way to improve the airflow in your engine is by installing a high-performance exhaust system. The stock exhaust system is designed to minimize engine noise and emissions, which means it restricts the exhaust flow.

By upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust system, you can increase the diameter of the pipes and optimize the airflow, which will improve the engine’s power potential. A high-quality exhaust system will also come with a high-performance muffler that can further enhance the engine sound.

🔑 Tip: Choose an exhaust system that is designed specifically for your 2013 Subaru Outback for optimal performance.

Tune Your Engine’s Computer

The engine’s computer, also known as the ECU (engine control unit), controls the air and fuel mixture that goes into the engine. By tuning the ECU, you can optimize the air and fuel ratio and improve the engine’s performance.

There are several ways to tune the ECU, such as using a handheld tuner or taking the car to a professional tuner. A handheld tuner is a relatively inexpensive option and allows you to adjust the air and fuel mixture yourself. However, it requires some knowledge of tuning and can be risky if not done correctly.

A professional tuner, on the other hand, has the experience and knowledge to optimize the engine’s performance without risking damage. However, it can be more expensive than a handheld tuner.

🔑 Tip: Make sure to choose a reputable tuner and discuss your goals for the tune before starting the process.

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Upgrade the Spark Plugs

The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine, and the quality of the spark plugs can affect the combustion process. Upgrading the stock spark plugs to high-performance ones can improve the combustion and increase horsepower.

High-performance spark plugs can ignite the fuel more efficiently and provide a more complete combustion, which results in increased power. However, it’s important to choose spark plugs that are compatible with your engine and driving style.

🔑 Tip: Consult with a mechanic or do some research to find the best spark plugs for your 2013 Subaru Outback.

Add a Turbocharger or Supercharger

A turbocharger or supercharger can provide a substantial increase in power, especially if your engine is naturally aspirated. A turbocharger or supercharger works by forcing more air into the engine, which improves the combustion process and increases horsepower.

However, adding a turbocharger or supercharger can be expensive and requires a significant amount of mechanical expertise. Additionally, it can put more stress on the engine, which can lead to more wear and tear.

🔑 Tip: Consider consulting with a professional mechanic to determine if adding a turbocharger or supercharger is the right choice for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I increase horsepower without sacrificing fuel efficiency?

A: Yes, upgrading the air intake and exhaust system can improve horsepower without sacrificing fuel efficiency. However, adding a turbocharger or supercharger can lower fuel efficiency.

Q: How much horsepower can I expect to gain from these upgrades?

A: The amount of horsepower gained from these upgrades varies depending on the type of upgrade and the condition of your engine. You can expect to see a gain of up to 20 horsepower from an air intake and exhaust system upgrade and up to 50 horsepower from a turbocharger or supercharger.

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Q: Do I need to upgrade the fuel system to increase horsepower?

A: Upgrading the fuel system can help improve engine performance, but it’s not necessary for all upgrades. If you’re adding a turbocharger or supercharger, upgrading the fuel system is recommended to ensure proper fuel delivery.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can increase the horsepower in your 2013 Subaru Outback and enjoy a more thrilling driving experience. Remember to choose high-quality parts and consult with a professional mechanic to ensure proper installation and tuning.

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Davis Bellew

As a Subaru owner and enthusiast, Davis has a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of Subaru drivers. He specializes in writing informative and engaging content about Subaru maintenance and repair, and his articles are always well-researched and easy to understand. When he's not writing, he enjoys hiking and photography.

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