When it comes to affordable methods of increasing aircraft performance—notably cruise speed—drag reduction is the most common. Approaching performance enhancement from the other end of the equation—applying more power—initially seems unrealistic because of the depressing realities of squared functions when it comes to power needed to obtain more speed. Plus, we’re quite aware of the cubic money spent trying to extract one or two more knots out of the Reno air racers.
However, because we’re talking about boosting cruise speeds only 5 to 10 percent, there are realistic and affordable ways to boost power for prices comparable to the drag reduction mods.