The Toyota Corolla has been a hugely popular car among owners seeking a
practical, fuel efficient way of getting around. But while the Corolla
gets great gas mileage and is a very reliable mode of transport, with
the exception of a few performance versions like the Corolla FX-16,
speed and performance has never been this model’s strong suit. There are
several ways to make a Corolla faster.
1 Install
a cold air intake. Like most cars, the Toyota Corolla has a restrictive
stock air box. By replacing it with a more free flowing cold air
intake, colder, more dense air is delivered to the motor, allowing it to
make more power. The motor will also sound better.
2 Upgrade
the exhaust system. Replace the small diameter stock exhaust with a
larger diameter performance exhaust and muffler. These are available
from multiple companies.
3 Replace
the stock and restrictive cast exhaust manifold with a more
free-flowing tubular header. A tubular header features larger internal
passages and smoother construction that encourages faster air flow from
the exhaust gasses as they exit the motor. The quicker the motor can get
rid of spent exhaust gasses, the more power it can make.
4 Install
a set of underdrive pulleys for accessories like the alternator that
are belt driven. These pulleys are lighter than the stock pulleys and
free up extra horsepower by reducing the parasitic drag that the heavy,
stock parts create.
5 Replace
the stock flywheel with a lighter performance flywheel. A light-weight
aluminum flywheel works on the same principle as the underdrive pulley
by reducing power-robbing drag. The stock flywheel on a Corolla is
relatively heavy, so free up revs and horsepower with a light flywheel.
6 Install
higher revving camshafts. Performance cams allow the motor to rev
higher and produce more power thanks to more extreme lift and duration
created by re-profiled camshaft lobes.
7
Turbo
or supercharge the motor. This is by far the best route to go if you
want massive horsepower gains. Forced induction is method that forces
more air into the motor and results in dramatic power gains. A
turbocharger or supercharger should be installed by a professional shop
to ensure reliable results.
