Modifying your diesel truck can improve its performance and help you save on the cost of fuel. In addition, it’s also extremely satisfying to level up your vehicle. If you’re looking for ways to upgrade and modify your diesel truck, start with this list!
10 Ways to Improve Diesel Engine Performance
Not every modification has the same amount of impact on diesel truck performance. However, by choosing multiple changes, you can progressively improve your vehicle’s power and fuel efficiency. Here are 10 common diesel engine performance modifications to consider:
1. Fuel Additives
Putting additives in your fuel can help to maintain and clean your engine. There are several different types of additives, and each one is designed to help with a specific issue — like handling cold weather, improving lubricity or reducing buildup on engine components.
When you put fuel additives in your truck, you improve fuel efficiency and spend less on diesel. In addition, they can help your engine run more efficiently and improve acceleration.
2. Oil Additives
Oil additives are another way to upgrade your vehicle. With the right oil additive, you can extend the life of the engine and other parts like the turbo. Oil keeps everything lubricated and also works to keep your engine clean.
Additives enhance this ability and can even help remove buildups of stiction in your engine. With oil additives, your engine will perform better and longer.
3. DEF, DPF and EGR Delete Kits
Some people also like to remove equipment like diesel exhaust fluids (DEFs), diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems from their vehicles.
Although removing these systems could improve your vehicle’s performance, it comes at an environmental cost. For that reason, tampering with these systems is illegal in the U.S. What’s more, due to changes in engineering, many modern vehicles run better with these systems in place.
4. Performance Air Filters and Cold Air Intakes
Another way to improve engine performance is with a cold air intake kit. With this modification, you can funnel more air into your engine at a time, keeping your engine cool while increasing its power. Cold air intake kits also keep engine noise low.
You can also switch out your performance air filter. While installing a clean filter can boost your vehicle’s performance, you can also buy filters specifically designed to improve horsepower.
5. Bypass Oil Filters
As oil runs through your diesel engine, it collects soot and other particulates. Over time, it becomes sticky and can turn into buildup. One of the best ways to prevent this is by adding a bypass filtration system to your oil filter.
With this deep filtration, down to 2 microns, you can use the same oil for a longer time while reducing engine wear. Bypass oil filters can also help your oil stay cleaner, which can improve its efficiency and fuel performance.
6. Diesel Fuel Injectors
Another way to enhance your engine’s performance is by getting more fuel into the combustion chambers. Changing out your diesel fuel injectors for modified ones can give your engine more power. However, it’s important to ensure the change doesn’t cause pollutants to enter your exhaust stream.
7. Turbocharges
You can also upgrade the power of your engine with a turbocharge. This turbine and pipe system gets added onto your engine and brings more oxygen-rich air into the system. When this oxygen reacts with fuel, it gives your engine more power.
Because turbochargers add pressure to your engine, you might need to upgrade some engine parts, like the gaskets and piston rings. Most engines are designed to handle a specific ratio of air to fuel, so it’s crucial to ensure your engine can withstand a ratio change.
8. Exhaust System Upgrades
Investing in an aftermarket exhaust system can also improve your vehicle’s performance. Changing to your exhaust should be done carefully since modifying diesel emissions equipment like the catalytic converter is illegal.
As long as your modifications stay within legal noise and emissions ranges, you can legally improve your exhaust system. Exhaust modifications can help with backpressure, letting air flow more easily out of the engine. While this can improve engine power, it doesn’t always help with fuel efficiency.
9. Transmission Additives
To give your transmission a boost, consider using a transmission additive. These specially formulated liquids can help fight rust and corrosion in your vehicle. Using a transmission additive can help with smooth gear changes as well.
Transmission additives can help clean your transmission and protect it from excessive wear and tear. These solutions can achieve such results by reducing operating temperatures in your vehicle.
10. Regular Tune-Ups for Your Diesel Engine
Diesel mods, aftermarket parts and additives can all improve the way your diesel engine runs. However, regular maintenance is the best method of catching routine problems before they turn into an expensive repair.
If you want to invest in your vehicle’s function and longevity, schedule a dyno tune. This type of maintenance focuses on your vehicle’s performance and the small changes that can make a massive difference.
Why Should You Choose Hot Shot’s Secret Products?
At Hot Shot’s Secret, our products are designed to solve problems so you can stay on the job without needing expensive repairs. We strive to keep your engine running so you can keep your life running.
All our products go through rigorous testing, first in a lab, then with third parties and out in the market. If you’re not satisfied with our products, we’ll give you your money back. Browse our products to find the solution you need!