Ever get that sinking feeling when your ATV bogs down on a hill climb, or your buddy smokes you on their new machine? Stock ATVs are a blast, don’t get us wrong.
But there’s something addictive about that raw, throw-you-back-in-the-seat power. That adrenaline rush of pure, unleashed power makes you want to tackle the gnarliest terrain and push your limits.
And the best part? You don’t have to drop thousands of dollars on a new ATV to get that extra kick. It’s time to unlock the beast hiding within your ride. In this blog, let’s turn your machine into the powerhouse you know it can be.
Start With The Basics (Maximize Existing Power)
Even the best athletes can’t perform at their peak if they’re out of breath or running on empty. Before you start throwing money at fancy upgrades, let’s make sure your machine has the essentials to unleash its full potential.
A clean air filter is like your ATV taking a deep breath. If it’s clogged, the engine struggles to get the air it needs for power. Swapping in a fresh one is cheap and easy, and you might be surprised by the difference it makes.
Oil is your engine’s lifeblood. Old, dirty oil makes everything work harder, stealing power. Your ATV’s oil can get polluted with dirt, metal, and other substances. Although there is an oil filter in the ATVs, it can’t work if you do not change the oil regularly. You should change your engine oil once a month or every 50 hours if you ride regularly.
Level Up: Proven Power Boosters
Okay, you’ve mastered the basics, and it’s time to get serious. Think of these upgrades as the next step in turning your ATV into a trail-blazing monster.
Race gas sounds awesome, right? It packs more punch than regular pump gas, but here’s the thing: it’s also more volatile. Using it without adjusting your engine is like feeding campfire gasoline – things get wild fast, and not in a good way. If you want to go this route, be prepared to re-jet your carb or remap your fuel injection system.
Now, let’s talk about what makes your engine tick. Camshafts and power valves control how air and exhaust flow in and out. The camshafts are designed to give valve lift and time for how the engine needs to work.
The camshafts and valves allow how much the air and fuel mix goes in the engine and how fast it goes. Upgrading these is like giving your ATV a lung transplant. You’ll change how it feels across the entire powerband, adding snap-down low or boosting top-end performance.
Ever revved your engine to the moon and felt like you weren’t getting anywhere? That could be a slipping clutch. A new clutch delivers the power your engine’s making straight to the tires. You’ll feel the difference in acceleration.
Let’s get back to breathing. From a performance air filter to a bigger airbox, letting more air in can lead to more power. A high-performance air filter can significantly boost your ATV’s horsepower.
It allows more airflow in the engine, increasing its performance. A high-flow air filter can increase your horsepower by 2.6% and the torque by 3.7%. Just be ready to tweak your fuel settings to match.
On the flip side, you gotta let your ATV exhale properly. Full exhaust systems offer the biggest horsepower increases, but even a slip-on muffler helps your engine breathe easier. Plus, they sound way cooler than stock.
Grip It And Rip It: The Power Of The Right Tires
You can have the most powerful engine on the planet, but if you’re spinning stock tires in the mud, you’re going nowhere. The right tires are like turning your ATV’s power into real-world traction – that’s what gets you up steep hills and through nasty terrain.
Choosing tires is a whole topic in itself. You check the tire width, aspect ratio, speed rating, radial construction, and rim diameter shown on the tire sidewall. You should also check the height of the tires on the sidewall. According to Can-Am Parts Nation, most manufacturers have started making tires that allow rims up to 12 and 14 inches in height.
Consider where you love to ride mostly, hardpack, sand, or mud. The right tread pattern and tire size can transform how your ATV handles.
The Big Guns (Serious Power, Serious Commitment)
A big bore kit gives your ATV a bigger engine that gives a major leap in power. It means more torque, the kind of grunt that throws you back in the seat and tackles insane climbs.
But hold on, this isn’t a quick afternoon project. Installing a big bore kit takes serious mechanical skills or a trusted mechanic. If you’re not confident with engine disassembly and reassembly, it is advisable to have a qualified mechanic at your side to perform the installation.
Also, before you even buy a big bore kit, make sure it is designed to work with the specific year, make, and model of your ATV. Incorrect kits won’t fit in your ATV and can severely damage your engine.
More power from a bore kit might necessitate upgrades to other components like the exhaust, intake, or even the clutch to handle the power and function optimally. These big-ticket upgrades will make your machine rip, but they’re an investment–not just in money, but in knowledge.
You should question yourself first. Are you comfortable tackling complex big-bore kit installation work yourself, or do you have the budget for a pro? It’s better to be honest with yourself upfront than end up with a half-finished project.
FAQs
How Do I Increase The Torque Of My ATV?
Replace the restrictive stock air filter with a high-flow performance filter. This allows more air into the engine for greater combustion, boosting torque.
How Do I Increase The Top Speed Of My ATV?
Big bore kits increase engine displacement, resulting in significantly more power. While this is a pricier option, it’s a highly effective way to boost your ATV’s top-speed potential.
How Do I Add Horsepower To My ATV?
If your ATV has electronic fuel injection, remapping it can optimize fuel and air delivery at different RPMs. This fine-tuning can unlock hidden horsepower.
How Many Volts Should An ATV Have?
Most ATVs use a 12-volt battery system. This is the same standard voltage in typical cars and motorcycles. It’s important to maintain the proper voltage for your ATV’s battery.
So, what’s your first move? Are you going for quick wins like a fresh air filter and oil change, or are you diving straight into race fuel and performance exhausts? Share your plans in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going and learn from each other’s wild ATV builds.
