When it comes to improving your car’s performance, one of the most talked-about topics is torque. Torque is the twisting force that helps your engine move the car. It’s what gives you that push when you press the gas pedal and makes your car feel powerful, especially during acceleration or when hauling heavy loads.

But how can you increase torque?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s start with a quick overview. Torque is the force that turns the engine’s crankshaft and, in turn, gets your wheels moving. It’s different from horsepower, although they work together to give your car the power you feel on the road. Torque is responsible for acceleration and getting the car to respond quickly when you put your foot down. So, if you’re wondering how can you increase torque, know that more torque means better acceleration and more pulling power.

Now, let’s explore how you can increase torque.

1. Upgrade the exhaust system

One of the easiest ways to increase torque is by upgrading your exhaust system. When you improve the flow of exhaust gases, your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to push them out. This leads to better airflow, which directly contributes to more torque. A high-flow exhaust system allows gases to exit faster, letting your engine breathe better and produce more power.

So, how can you increase torque with an exhaust system? A simple upgrade, like a performance muffler or headers, can help your car get rid of exhaust gases quicker, improving engine efficiency. If you’re serious about improving torque, you could go for a full exhaust overhaul, which includes replacing the catalytic converter and installing a bigger diameter pipe for better gas flow.

2. Cold air intake for better breathing

If you’ve ever asked yourself how can you increase torque, the answer could be as simple as giving your engine better air. The air intake system is responsible for getting the air into the engine for combustion. But if your engine is sucking in warm air from around the engine bay, it won’t be as efficient.

By installing a cold air intake, you can increase the amount of cool, dense air getting into your engine. Cooler air has more oxygen, which leads to better combustion. Better combustion means more power, which results in increased torque. Cold air intakes are relatively simple to install and offer a noticeable improvement, especially for those looking to increase torque without breaking the bank.

3. Tune the engine (ECU tuning)

If you’re wondering how can you increase torque without major mechanical changes, engine tuning might be the answer. A lot of modern cars have an engine control unit (ECU) that manages how the engine operates. ECU tuning, also known as remapping, involves adjusting the settings in the car’s computer to make the engine more efficient and responsive.

ECU tuning can be a great way to unlock hidden torque. By adjusting the fuel-to-air ratio, ignition timing, and other settings, you can get your car to produce more torque without changing any physical parts. A professional tuner can fine-tune the engine to maximise torque and power, making a noticeable difference in performance.

4. Forced induction: Turbochargers and superchargers

One of the more powerful ways to increase torque is by adding a turbocharger or supercharger. Both of these devices force more air into your engine, which in turn increases the combustion process and gives you more power. For many car owners, this is the ultimate solution to “how can you increase torque?”

A turbocharger uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine that forces air into the engine. It’s a great option for cars that want to increase torque without taking up a lot of space. A supercharger, on the other hand, is powered directly by the engine’s crankshaft and is often used for more immediate torque gains. Both of these forced induction systems can dramatically increase torque, but they can be expensive and require a bit more maintenance, so they’re typically best for those who want a major performance boost.

5. Upgrade the camshaft

Your camshaft controls the timing of your engine’s valves, determining how much air and fuel the engine gets at different points in the cycle. If you’re still asking, “how can you increase torque?” upgrading your camshaft could be a great move. Performance camshafts are designed to provide better airflow, allowing your engine to produce more power and torque.

A camshaft upgrade can be a more involved job, as it requires removing and replacing the camshaft, but the payoff in torque and overall engine performance is worth it for those looking for serious improvements. This upgrade can give your engine the ability to take in more air and fuel, which will help it generate more power and increase torque.

6. Upgrade fuel injectors for better efficiency

If you’ve got a high-performance engine or plan to upgrade other parts, you may need to consider upgrading your fuel injectors. Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering the right amount of fuel to the engine. If they’re not working properly, you may not be getting the most out of your car’s engine.

Upgrading to higher-flow fuel injectors can provide a better fuel mixture for increased power. This can help your car’s combustion process and improve torque. Keep in mind that if you make big upgrades like adding a turbocharger or upgrading the camshaft, your car may need larger injectors to handle the extra air and fuel.

7. Use a larger diameter throttle body

The throttle body controls the amount of air entering the engine. If it’s too small, it can limit the airflow and reduce torque. By installing a larger throttle body, you allow more air to enter the engine, which can help increase torque. This is a relatively simple upgrade, and it can complement other modifications like a cold air intake or exhaust system.

8. Don’t forget about the differential

The differential is the component that helps distribute power to the wheels. If your differential is worn out or inefficient, it can reduce the amount of torque that’s actually getting to the wheels. Upgrading or replacing the differential can help ensure that the torque generated by your engine is effectively transferred to the wheels, improving overall performance.

How can you increase torque?

There are plenty of ways to increase torque, from simple upgrades like a cold air intake to more advanced options like turbochargers or ECU tuning. Whether you’re looking for a small boost or a full-on performance car upgrade, there are many options available to help you get more torque and improve your car’s power.

So, if you’ve been asking yourself, “how can you increase torque?” hopefully, these tips give you a good place to start. Each upgrade has its own benefits, and the best one for you will depend on how much you want to spend and the kind of performance you’re aiming for. Whatever route you take, increasing torque is a great way to make your car feel more powerful and responsive on the road.