Engine Performance

Stock UTVs deliver adequate power for most situations, but "adequate" stops being good enough once you've installed bigger tires, added a bunch of weight in accessories, or simply experienced what your machine could be if it wasn't held back by conservative factory tuning. Side by Side Source carries a complete selection of engine performance upgrades that unleash your motor's potential, from simple bolt-on improvements like high-flow exhausts and intake systems to serious power adders like turbo and supercharger kits that can double your horsepower. Whether you're looking to restore lost power after installing 32-inch tires, crank up your existing engine's output, or build a fire-breathing monster that makes jaws drop at the trailhead, we've got performance solutions from manufacturers who live and breathe horsepower.

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Buyer's Guide for UTV Engine Performance: Helping You Shop!

Building Power: The Right Order for UTV Engine Performance Upgrades

Sequencing can absolutely make or break your result when it comes to side-by-side engine performance upgrading. Instead of just throwing everything at the wall randomly and seeing what sticks, taking a more informed and calculated approach to this will help you squeeze every last bit of performance (and, by extension, value) out of each upgrade. For example, you should start with side-by-side exhaust and intake upgrades. Get that airflow where it needs to be, then it’s time to think about clutching.

Once you’ve got more power from intake and exhaust, you need a clutch setup that can translate that into actual on-the-road performance. Aftermarket clutch kits built around your mod setup will do just that, making sure all that power makes it to the ground without slippage or overheating belts.

Finally, you know we can’t leave out the turbo kits, supercharger kits, and big-bore engine builds! This is where the real gains come in, but only if you’ve prepared for them.

Turbo vs Supercharger: A Simple Breakdown

A supercharger gives instant throttle response and linear power delivery. Just step on the gas and the power is right there. Installation is typically simpler than turbo systems, and there's no exhaust backpressure increase to deal with.

On the other hand, turbo kits promise an even larger power boost by using exhaust gas energy to power a compressor. They don't have the parasitic loss issue since they're powered by waste exhaust energy, but the downside to this is lag: you have to wait for the turbo to spool up after hitting the throttle.

If you’re riding on trails and/or more technical or varied terrain, you may prefer the instant throttle response of a supercharger. If you’re staying on the throttle longer, as with high-speed racing, desert racing, etc., you may want a full-on turbo to get that bigger power gain. The choice is yours!

Supporting UTV Engine Performance Mods

Making big power is fun until something breaks, and stock drivetrain components have limits you'll discover quickly once you start doubling horsepower. Clutches and belts need upgrading, too. You'll cook stock belts rapidly under serious power. Heavy-duty clutch components and proper tuning for your power level prevent expensive belt failures. Stock axles also love to snap once you start creeping past 150 horsepower.

Cooling system upgrades matter way more than most people realize. Additional power means additional heat, and if your cooling system can't keep up, you'll see heat soak, detonation risk, and potential engine damage. Bigger radiators, intercoolers for forced induction setups, and sometimes even oil coolers become necessary.

3 Top Selling UTV Engine Performance Brands

Aftermarket Assassins develops complete turbo systems and performance packages proven on high-horsepower builds that actually get ridden hard.
Kraftwerks Performance Group specializes in supercharger systems that deliver instant power with bolt-on installation and reliable operation.
Agency Power manufactures precision-engineered performance components for turbocharged machines, optimizing every aspect of forced induction systems.

5 Top Selling UTV Engine Performance Products

Keep your critical functions accessible with this OEM Replacement Trip Reset Push Button Switch with Boot by Custom Dynamics, perfect for custom dash builds and performance installations.
This Polaris Ranger Universal Endurance II Kit by Trail Tech gives you real-time data on temps and performance.
If you want instant power for your Yamaha YXZ 1000R, it’s very hard to beat this Supercharger Kit by Kraftwerks.
Master boost control on your turbocharged RZR XP with this Adjustable Blow-Off Valve by Agency Power.
When it’s raw power above all else, this AA Complete Turbo Kit (160-170 HP) by Aftermarket Assassins will turn your Polaris General into a behemoth.

UTV Engine Performance Frequently Asked Questions

When will I need internal upgrades for my stock engine?

Once you're pushing 50%+ more power (80 HP stock going to 120+ HP), you're really gambling on stock internals. As always, make sure to check with your manufacturer (both for your machine and your power upgrades) for recommendations.

Will a turbo or supercharger kit affect my fuel economy?

In normal cruising conditions, the effect on fuel economy is minimal. You might see 5-10% reduction just from the added weight and drag of the system. However, if you're actually using that power (which, let's be honest, you will be), fuel consumption increases significantly.

What kind of gas will I need after performance upgrades?

Always follow the tuner's fuel recommendations. Detonation destroys engines quickly and rebuilds cost thousands.