Performance Tips for Suzuki Swift

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By Sylvester Lim

 

Hi-Flow Air Filter (K&N, Simota)

The replacement-type is easy to change as it is virtually identical in shape and size. Cone-type air filter flows better but needs to be fed with cool air and not heated air in the engine bay. The element used in these performance air filters is less restrictive to the air flow compared to the original paper element and they maintain higher flow rates even when dirty. These filters can be cleaned and reused and will last as long as the car. From $100

 

 

Performance Spark Plugs (Splitfire, Denso)

Normal spark plugs offer adequate sparking performance but should be changed frequently. These performance spark plugs offer greater sparking abilities for far longer periods due to the centre electrode design and materials used. Bigger spark means improved combustion giving you more torque and power. Some engines adopt the twin spark technology for better performance. From $78

Re-Tuning AF Air/Fuel Mixture & Ignition Timing (Unichip Q)

These electronic gadgets help fool the car’s computer into using different settings instead of the original ones for better performance. AF & Ignition Timing are also tuned to match modifications such as exhaust & air intake. Tuning AF increases response when stepping more than 50% of the throttle whereas tuning the ignition timing improves response throughout the rpm bandwidth. The Unichip Q can be used to sharpen the response of the auto transmission of the Swift.   From $850

 

Electric Supercharger (ADM Air Charger2)

Unlike the full fledge force induction systems such as the mechanical turbochargers or superchargers that are rather costly, this helps to feed force feed more air by lightly pushing in more air. With gains similar to an increase in engine capacity of 200-300cc, the increased torque will improve throttle response and acceleration. Also helps to remove any restriction in the standard air intake system. The electronic controller of the ADM Air Charger2 automatically varies the speed of the blower according to the engine load. $680 w/installation.

Cold Air Induction

As cool air has more oxygen molecules, the engine makes more power and torque just by taking in more oxygen. The fuel injection system also responses automatically to the air intake temperature and makes changes to the air & fuel ratio as well as the ignition timing. This mod consists of either simple piping to feed the air filter box with cooler air or an elaborate piping from the throttle body right down to the cone-type air filter that is placed in the wheel well where it is cooler. Placing an Open Pod air filter inside the engine bay will reduce your low-end response and increase fuel consumption. Just driving at night when the ambient temperature is lower, makes the engine more responsive and smoother and the difference in temperature is just 6-8 degrees C. Under bonnet temperatures can go up to 70 degrees C. On the Swift, the air has to travel though a very long route in the stock induction system. By-passing this for a direct route improves the engine response but is slightly noiser. From $60 to $280.

 

Aircon Compressor Cut-off (ADM Power Pass)

The aircon compressor saps a huge chunk of power and torque. By removing this additional load especially during acceleration, the difference in throttle response is very large. On a Swift, you will regain 10bhp and 15Nm. This is similar to switching off you aircon but without the stress of manually controlling it yourself. Although the aircon clutch comes on and off more often, it has no significant impact on the compressor lifespan. $225 w/installation.

 

ADM Bolt-On Turbo Kit *

Nothing beats power increases by forced induction such as TurboCharging or SuperCharging. By forcing more air into the engine, a small engine can work like a much bigger engine. As a rule of the thumb, 1psi equals 7% in power and running at 7psi or 0.5bar, you will get 50% increase in power. For better drivability especially in normal traffic conditions, nothing beats a small turbo. From $4600.  

 

ADM Power Voltage Stabilizer

This stabilizes the charging voltage and delivers a constant surge-free voltage to the electronic sensors and ecu allowing them to response better. This translates into improved engine response and in many cases, better fuel consumption. Price $140

ADM Spring Adjusters

Stiffening the stock springs slightly can improve the handling characteristics as it helps to reduce body roll and can help dial out understeer characteristics. Stiffening the rear springs will increase load carrying and reduce rear-end squat especially when accelerating from stationary. Price $90

ADM Lowering Springs

By lowering the Swift by approximately 30mm and effectively the centre of gravity of the car, you are able to corner faster as there is less body roll. Lowering springs are typically harder by about 25-30% and this is will increase the harshness of the ride as the slightest bump on the road is transmitted into the cabin. Load carrying is compromised as there is less clearance between the tyres and bodywork. Price $380