Methods (in order of increasing cost and invasiveness):
1. Performance Tuning: This is the least invasive and cheapest starting point. A custom tune from a reputable tuner who understands these engines can optimize the fuel delivery and ignition timing to squeeze out a few extra horsepower. However, you're unlikely to get 50hp from a tune alone. Expect maybe 5-10hp at most.
2. Cold Air Intake and Exhaust: Upgrading to a cold air intake system allows for cooler, denser air to enter the engine, improving combustion. A high-flow exhaust system reduces backpressure, allowing for easier expulsion of exhaust gases. Combined, these might yield 10-15hp, but gains are highly dependent on the existing system's restrictions.
3. Performance Camshaft: A higher-lift and more aggressive camshaft profile will increase airflow into and out of the engine. This is a more involved modification, requiring professional installation and potentially impacting drivability (e.g., rough idle, reduced low-end torque). You might gain 15-20hp, but it's a significant change. You'll likely need to adjust other components to get the most out of it.
4. Port and Polish: This involves smoothing and reshaping the intake and exhaust ports in the cylinder head to improve airflow. This is a labor-intensive process best left to experienced engine builders and only yields a modest horsepower increase (perhaps 5-10hp) when combined with other mods.
5. Forced Induction (Turbocharger or Supercharger): This is the most effective way to achieve significant horsepower gains, but it's also the most expensive and complex. Adding forced induction to a naturally aspirated engine necessitates significant modifications, including upgraded fuel injectors, fuel pump, intercooler (for turbochargers), engine management system, and potentially reinforcement of internal engine components. A well-executed turbo or supercharger setup *could* get you to your 50hp goal, but it's expensive and requires considerable mechanical knowledge or professional assistance.
Important Considerations:
* Reliability: Pushing a naturally aspirated 2.2L engine this hard will significantly increase the stress on its components. You'll likely need upgrades to the clutch, transmission, and potentially other drivetrain components to handle the extra power.
* Cost: The cost of parts and labor for significant modifications can easily surpass the value of the vehicle.
* Emissions: Significant modifications can affect emissions compliance.
* Professional Help: For anything beyond basic bolt-on modifications, seeking the assistance of a qualified mechanic or engine builder is highly recommended.
In short, while 50hp is achievable, it's not a simple bolt-on affair. It's a project requiring significant investment, expertise, and careful planning to balance performance gains with reliability. A more realistic target for straightforward modifications might be 15-25hp, depending on your budget and willingness to perform or pay for more extensive modifications.
