How to Get More Horsepower From a Dodge 4.7
by Jen Davis
The Dodge 4.7 V8 engine is commonly found in vehicles such as the Dakota, Durango and Charger. The 4.7 is one of Dodge's smaller eight cylinder engines, and while it is powerful in comparison to smaller engines, the weight of some of the heavier vehicles make the 4.7 seem noticably less powerful than some of its larger counterparts. Fortunately, there are several upgrades available to increase the horsepower, torque and performance of your Dodge 4.7 liter engine.
Step 1
Install a performance chip. Performance chips work by electronically fine tuning the fuel mixture to provide your engine with optimum power. The chip does not change the vehicle physically, but it works with the powertrain control module to determine the most effective way for your 4.7 engine to run. Performance chips can improve both horsepower and fuel economy.
Step 2
Add a supercharger. Superchargers are mounted to the intake manifold of the engine and increases the horsepower by injecting additional air into the fuel-mixture, increasing the engine's horsepower.
Step 3
Upgrade the vehicle's exhaust system. Performance exhaust will allow a better exhaust flow and keeps gases from building up inside the engine. The more quickly exhaust gases leave the engine, the more cleanly the engine will run and new fuel and air will be burned.
Step 4
Use higher octane fuel. Most vehicles will run on 87 octane, however your engine will get both better performance and fuel economy out of a higher quality fuel. Higher octane fuels burn better in the engine, providing your Dodge car or truck with more power.
References
Writer Bio
Jen Davis has been writing since 2004. She has served as a newspaper reporter and her freelance articles have appeared in magazines such as "Horses Incorporated," "The Paisley Pony" and "Alabama Living." Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in journalism from Berry College in Rome, Ga.
