Buick Encore engine upgrade - More power?

rbrooks802

Thinking about buying this but wanted to know if there is a way to upgrade the engine. Larger intercooler? CAI?

Mr_Shiftright

As for the larger intercooler or CAI, the rule of thumb is that for every 10 degrees you can lower intake manifold temperature, you'll gain 1% more HP. So you'd have to view the claims made for the new intercooler or the CAI to see if it's even worth it.

Apparently you CAN get a tune for the Encore:

https://badnewsracing.3dcartstores.com/Trifecta-Tune-2013-Buick-Encore-14T_p_191.html

worth a few phone calls---price seems reasonable. I guess this'll work for Cruze, Sonic and Encore.

Mr_Shiftright

In some ways, slapping a Tune on an engine is pretty simple if you have the equipment to implement it. It's all software, no nuts and bolts need apply. But of course, the problem is that you don't stop there. If you increase boost you may want to increase size of the intercooler, and larger injectors, and colder spark plugs, and then an improved intake, and a better cat-back exhaust system, and better suspension parts and brakes, and maybe strengthen the cylinder head bolts, and maybe a header-----you reach a point sometimes when it's much better to buy a faster car if you want a faster car. In some states, you also run into smog laws.

drewdanube

I have an encore with the Trifecta tune I got through bad news racing. It absolutely changes the car. Its not just engine changes but transmission too and it is worth the money and should be the factory tune. The trade-off is you run premium fuel to get the extra power but if you look at this as a Euro-spec car, then you buy Euro-spec fuel and you are fine. (you have to run 91+ in anything from Europe these days so comparing it to a Mini or VW, you are comparing apples to apples). I put a K&N drop-in air filter in as well when i did the ECU changes and everything runs great. MPG's went up almost enough to justify the change to premium fuel too.

suydam

Have you actually driven it? Most owners I know find it has plenty of power for normal driving. I think the car mag reviews are somewhat misleading.

notfast

Google Trifecta Tune

rbrooks802

Trifecta Tune only works with Cadillac.

rbrooks802

Thanks for the info. I thought this would or could be easy but it looks like the design of the engine isn't built for simple and easy.

rbrooks802

I'm just a normal guy who likes the way the Encore looks but wants a little more power. What you are talking about would end up costing as much as the car itself.

rbrooks802

Thanks

rbrooks802

No, I haven't driven one yet but with 138 hp and 10 seconds to get from 0-60, I think this vehicle will be a nightmare to get up to highway speed. With all the 4-cycle engines on the market, to use one with that little hp in a vehicle that weights 3800 pounds, is not a good match.

suydam

With the turbo its a breeze to get up to highway speed. No problems at all. It also weighs less than 3800 pounds. I think FWD is around 3100 lb. Again, try driving it.