Engine Modifications for ALTO LX

Dear Sir I own an ALTO LX which has a 800CC engine (NO LPG). Acceleration (Pickup) is less when the aircon is switched on. Are there any modifications which can be made so that the pickup is not affected when the aircon is on?? Thank You Prashant

Dear Prashant,

Maruti Alto is a bit under-powered car, no doubt. It has got very little to offer. Still, maximum Alto owners don't find this car as under-powered because they don't have great expectations. Alto's AC is considered to be very good and most of the people don't find car sluggish while AC is switched on.

There is not much to do in Alto to enhance its power. We suggest you to show your car to workshop and confirm with the mechanic that if car is behaving normal or not. If its behaving normal then you have no choice but sell it off and buy some better car. If its abnormal then get the problem rectified.



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Dear BLS Thanks for the feedback.Is it possible to replace the existing engine with a more powerful engine eg.of a Zen or WagonR ? Will this rectify the pickup problem ? If possible what will be the costs and modifications involved? Prashant

Dear Prashant,

Its possible on papers but is not feasible in real world. Where will you find a Zen or Wagon R engine? If you buy too old Zen engine then you will definitely increase the pick-up but your car will have maintenance issues. If you go for a new engine then consider this all setup as costly as buying a new car! If you are this much unsatisfied with your Alto, you can simply sell if off and buy a relatively powerful car. This approach would be much affordable and hassle-free.



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Can you consider engine overhall and use oversized pistons to increase the power.Whether better fuel will do the trick?Keeping the air ballon at the back when ac on will imrove the performence?Any additives in the fuel will do the trick?

Pl. see my note on cleaning of fuel injectors of Xing.  You can also get in touch with hoecbardahl to locate a distributor in your city if you are interested.  HOEC Bardahl offers a hydrocarbon-based Octane Booster in their product portfolio.  When you mix this product in the recommended ration whenever you fill petrol there is a noticable change in the vehicle's driving characteristics especially pick up. NVH levels reduce slightly and there is a marginal increase in fuel efficiency although this may not offset the cost of the additive completely.