Joseph Weaver If you’re a Subaru Crosstrek owner, you may be wondering how you can increase your vehicle’s horsepower. After all, more horsepower means better acceleration, higher top speed, and an overall improved driving experience. Luckily, there are several ways to achieve this goal, including engine upgrades, tuning, and adding performance parts. In this article, we’ll walk you through how you can get more horsepower out of your Subaru Crosstrek, from basic modifications to more advanced options.
What is Horsepower?
Before we dive into how to increase your Subaru Crosstrek’s horsepower, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what horsepower is and how it affects driving performance. Horsepower is a unit of power used to describe the output of an engine. In simpler terms, it’s the force that moves your car forward. The more horsepower your car has, the faster it can accelerate and the higher top speed it can reach. That’s why upgrading your car’s horsepower can greatly improve its overall performance.
Methods for Increasing Horsepower
There are several ways to increase the horsepower of your Subaru Crosstrek, depending on your budget and performance goals. Here are some of the most common methods:
Engine Modifications
One of the most effective ways to increase your car’s horsepower is to modify its engine. This can include replacing the air intake system, upgrading the exhaust system, or installing a new turbocharger or supercharger. These modifications can significantly increase the amount of air and fuel flowing into the engine, resulting in more power and torque.
Tuning
Engine tuning is another effective method for increasing horsepower. Tuning involves adjusting the engine’s software or settings to optimize its performance. This can include adjusting the fuel-to-air ratio, ignition timing, or boost pressure. A well-tuned engine can provide a significant boost in horsepower and torque.
Performance Parts
Another way to increase horsepower is by adding performance parts to your car. These can include aftermarket air filters, cold air intakes, performance exhaust systems, and lightweight flywheels. These parts are designed to improve the car’s air intake and exhaust flow, resulting in more horsepower and improved driving performance.
Types of Performance Parts for the Subaru Crosstrek
If you’re looking to add performance parts to your Subaru Crosstrek, there are several options available. Here are some of the most popular upgrades:
Cold Air Intakes
Cold air intakes are designed to increase the amount of cool air flowing into the engine, resulting in more horsepower and torque. They work by replacing the factory air intake system and using a large diameter pipe that allows more air to flow into the engine. This results in improved combustion and better power output.
Exhaust Systems
Aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to improve the exhaust flow, resulting in more horsepower and a better sound. They are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, titanium, and carbon fiber. Installing a high-flow cat-back exhaust system can provide a significant increase in horsepower and torque.
Turbochargers and Superchargers
Turbochargers and superchargers are both forced induction systems that increase the amount of air flowing into the engine. They work by compressing the air and forcing it into the engine, resulting in more power and torque. However, they can be expensive and require professional installation.
Tips for Choosing the Best Upgrades
When choosing performance upgrades for your Subaru Crosstrek, it’s important to consider your budget and performance goals. Here are some tips to help you choose the best upgrades:
Budget
Performance upgrades can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Consider how much you are willing to spend and choose upgrades that fit within your budget.
Performance Goals
Do you want your car to have more horsepower for drag racing or daily driving? Different upgrades will provide different levels of horsepower gain, so it’s important to choose parts that align with your goals.
Compatibility
Make sure that the performance parts you choose are compatible with your Subaru Crosstrek. Some parts may only be suitable for certain model years or engine types.
Tuning and Dyno Testing
Once you’ve installed performance parts on your Subaru Crosstrek, it’s important to have it tuned and tested on a dyno. Dyno testing involves measuring the car’s power output on a specialized machine. This can help ensure that the car is running at its optimal performance and can identify any potential issues or performance gaps.
Safety Considerations
When modifying your car for performance, it’s important to consider safety. Upgraded parts can put additional stress on the engine, transmission, and other components, which can increase the risk of failure or damage. It’s important to use quality parts and have them installed by professionals to minimize these risks.
FAQ:
Q: Will upgrading my Subaru Crosstrek’s horsepower void its warranty?
A: It depends on the specific modifications and your car’s warranty policy. Some modifications may void the warranty, while others may not. Check with your dealership or review your warranty policy before making any modifications.
Q: Do I need to install all these upgrades to get a significant horsepower increase?
A: No, you can pick and choose which upgrades to install based on your budget and performance goals. However, the more upgrades you install, the greater the horsepower gain will be.
Q: How much horsepower can I gain from these upgrades?
A: The amount of horsepower gain will depend on the specific upgrades you install and your car’s baseline power output. Generally, you can expect to gain between 10-50 horsepower with basic modifications, and up to 100+ horsepower with more advanced upgrades.
Conclusion
Increasing your Subaru Crosstrek’s horsepower can greatly improve its overall driving performance. From engine modifications to tuning and performance parts, there are several ways to achieve this goal. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can unlock maximum power and take your Subaru Crosstrek to the next level.
