It's not all about turbochargers and superchargers, folks. There's still room in the world for naturally aspirated engines, and they're just as fun to tune as their more modern counterparts. Naturally Aspirated V6s are a great choice for performance cars. They're simple, they're affordable, and "tune-able" to make some serious power.
You may have heard of these engines in stories about how they're used in drag racing, sports cars, and more. Drag racers love them because they're easy to work with, lightweight, and powerful—all traits that make them great for drag racing. But there are other uses for these engines: road racing, off-roading, and even general driving can all benefit from tuning up your engine!
10 Pontiac V6s
They used the Pontiac V6 in various GM cars from the late '80s through the early 2000s. While Pontiac V6s are not the most powerful engines, they're extremely reliable and are a brilliant choice for any car that needs a little more power.
They're also a superb choice for tuning because they have a lot of potential for upgrades—you can add different exhausts, intake systems, and other parts to make them even more powerful. If you want to get into performance racing or just want something fun to drive, these cars are a great option!
9 Golf R32 VR6
The Golf R32 VR6 is a naturally aspirated V6 engine that has a lot of tuning potential. It's got tons of torque, so it'll give you some serious power down low in the rev range, which is ideal for cruising down the streets or going on long road trips.
You'll notice right away when you drive with this engine that it has immediate pickup off the line—it's not as fast as some cars with turbochargers or superchargers would be, but it's still quick enough that you'll have fun with it!
8 Dodge Ram V6
You can also go with the Dodge Ram V6 if you're looking for something more American-made. The Dodge Ram V6 was first available in 2001, and it's currently being used by Ram 1500 trucks and Jeep Grand Cherokees.
The Dodge Ram 1500 comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower and up to 269 lb-ft of torque in its stock form; however, after some modifications, these numbers increase dramatically: as much as 955 horsepower with just under 1000 lb-ft of torque!
7 Volkswagen 2.8-Liter VR6
The VR6 is one of the most beloved engines out there, and it's got a lot to do with its tuning potential. The VR6 is a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 24-valve engine that was developed by Volkswagen in the late 80s. They have used it in cars like the Audi TT, VW Golf, VW Jetta, VW Passat, and many others.
Its performance is easily modified with custom intake manifolds and exhaust headers, as well as performance camshafts and pistons. You can also swap out the stock fuel injection system with an aftermarket unit, which will help boost your horsepower even more.
6 Alfa 3.0-Liter 24V V6 "Busso" Engine
The Alfa 3.0-Liter 24V V6 "Busso" Engine is an example of a high-performance naturally aspirated V6 engine. The Busso V6 is also an excellent choice for tuning because it has been around since 1976 and still performs well today. It's used in many Alfa Romeo models like the 159 and Brera.
It's known for having great power output and torque delivery at low RPMs—perfect for spirited driving! It also has a lightweight aluminum block construction, which helps reduce weight while keeping power levels high enough for daily driving needs.
5 Ford Duratec V6
The Ford Duratec V6 is the best-known example of a naturally aspirated engine that can be tuned to perform well beyond its stock state. These engines have been around since 2004 and have gone through many revisions over the years.
In fact, many people wonder if there's anything left to do with these engines after they've been modified—but there is! There's still plenty of potential for tuning these engines and getting more power out of them!
4 Nissan VQ35DE V6
The Nissan VQ35DE is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that was used in several cars, including the 350Z and Altima. This engine has a lot to offer, with plenty of power under the hood for any potential buyer. It's also pretty easy to work on, which makes it a great candidate for someone who wants to try their hand at working on their own car.
It's a great engine for anyone who wants something that can handle high horsepower but doesn't want to spend too much money on modifications.
3 Hyundai 3.8-Liter 24v V6
The silent but powerful Hyundai V6 could be a great engine swap for cheap! This is another great option if you're looking for something that will give you plenty of power but won't break the bank. It's not as powerful as some other engines out there, but it still packs a punch for performance.
This naturally aspirated engine has the potential for tuning because it features a high compression ratio and twin-cam design, which allows for greater air flow and higher torque.
2 Cadillac CTS 3.0-Liter V6
The Cadillac CTS 3.0-Liter V6 engine has a lot of potential for tuning. The engine was first introduced in the 2014 Cadillac ATS and CTS, and it's been around since then. GM's Performance Division, which is known for its high-performance engines, developed the engine.
A popular modification for the Cadillac CTS 3.0-Liter V6 is a supercharger kit from COBB Tuning, which will add about 50 horsepower over the stock version.
1 Acura NSX V6
The Acura NSX V6 is one of the most famous Naturally Aspirated V6 engines on the market today. The Acura NSX V6 is one of the most popular naturally aspirated V6 engines around because it's extremely reliable and powerful. It's also very efficient thanks to its VTEC technology.
The carmaker has developed a special intake manifold that increases airflow into the engine by up to 25%