How Can I Get More Performance Out of My Car?
While each vehicle is different, there are some modifications that are proven to produce the best performance gains.
Starting modifications
Aftermarket Intake
An aftermarket intake can introduce more air and colder air into your engine (Make sure you buy an intake with a shield to keep heat away and one that is not located directly next to the engine)
Most cars can run an aftermarket intake without an ECU tune, however like other modifications, benefits are only realized with a tune
Exhaust (Headers, Test pipes/downpipes, resonator, muffler)
Another common starting modification is aftermarket exhaust. The most restrictive part of the exhaust on a car is the catalytic converter(s). With a high flow cat or a completely free downpipe/test pipe, more exhaust flow is able to escape faster. Turbo charged cars use a downpipe that is connected between the turbo and rest of the exhaust, while naturally aspirated or supercharged cars would use "test pipes" that connect from the headers to the rest of the exhaust. Keep in mind removing catalytic converters is illegal in some states and may not be possible with emissions testing, but aftermarket converters allowing more flow, but with filtering may be an option. This will also change the sound and tone of the exhaust. If your goal is to shoot flames or have loud exhaust pops, removing cats is a must.
Res/muff
A less restrictive muffler or resonator can improve exhaust flow, reducing back pressure. This can lead to better engine efficiency and potentially increase horsepower and torque. Upgrading to a lighter aftermarket muffler or resonator can reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, which can improve acceleration and handling.
Headers
-Aftermarket headers typically feature larger diameter tubing and more efficient designs than stock headers. This reduces back pressure and allows exhaust gases to exit the engine more freely, improving overall flow.
-By facilitating better exhaust flow, headers can lead to gains in horsepower and torque. This is particularly noticeable at higher RPMs, where improved scavenging helps the engine breathe more efficiently.
-Many aftermarket headers are made from lightweight materials like stainless steel or aluminum, which can help reduce the overall weight of the exhaust system.
Heat Dissipation: Aftermarket headers often have better heat management compared to factory units. This can help keep engine temperatures down, contributing to more consistent performance.
Mid level modifications
Camshaft replacement
Replacing a camshaft can result in better airflow, increased power and torque, more efficient combustion, and better throttle response, all of which contribute to overall improved vehicle performance. However, the right camshaft for your vehicle depends on the specific goals you have, such as better low-end torque for daily driving or higher RPM power for racing. Keep in mind that camshaft replacement may also require other supporting modifications, such as tuning, fuel system upgrades, and timing adjustments. Many owners find a change in exhaust tone when a aftermarket camshaft is added. This process does require removing some top end components for installation.
Lifter replacement
Often lifter upgrades are done in conjunction with camshaft upgrades. Lifter replacement can improve vehicle performance by reducing friction, ensuring precise valve timing, increasing durability, and supporting high-performance components like camshafts. Whether you’re looking to enhance high-RPM stability, boost overall engine efficiency, or ensure that your engine is able to handle aggressive camshaft profiles, lifter replacement plays a key role in maintaining and improving engine performance. For performance engines, especially those designed for racing or heavy-duty use, the right lifters are essential for maximum efficiency and longevity. Similar to camshaft replacement, there will be some top end removal required to access the lifters.
Advanced level modifications
Built engine
A built engine is often the final/ most intensive step to modifying a vehicle. This means taking the engine out of the vehicle and replacing major components with stronger and possibly larger and/or lighter components. This includes pistons, connecting rods, cylinder heads, crankshaft, valve springs, and bearings. These things go along with upgraded oil, fuel, and cooling systems. Ultimately, the result is higher performance and better durability, since a stock engine has limits as to how much power it can handle before components give out.
Built transmission
Similar to a engine, the transmission also has limits to how much power it can handle. Upgrading gears, clutches, bands, synchronizers, torque converters, housing/case, valve body, bearings/bushings, and shifter modification all are a part of a built transmission.
Supporting modifications
Some of the most important mods have nothing to do with increasing engine power output. In order to get the best performance and function of the car, there are modifications that should be implemented along with power modifications.
Suspension
Some cars have higher tuned suspension from factory than others. Implementing upgraded suspension can improve handling, cornering, aerodynamics, and staying planted to the ground.
Tires
Better tires will allow for more traction at all times and can improve braking time. A car that has a lot of power, but cannot gain traction to put the power down, can prove to be useless. Improved acceleration due to better traction and friction, is often the largest benefit. Often upgrading to wider tires can offer more friction and grip. This modifcation may go along with wheel
Brakes/Rotors
If you are accelerating faster and reaching higher speeds, it is safer and more optimal to be able to brake faster and smoother.
Sway/Subframe support
This modification will allow the vehicle to stay planted when accelerating from low speeds and especially during turns and cornering
Drivetrain insert
Many cars benefit from drivetrain inserts which allow smoother shifts with less drivetrain/transmission movement when weight transfer occurs
Differential brace
Aftermarket gauges
Many gauges are offered (most digital) that monitor temperatures within your engine, any fault codes, performance output, boost levels, and even to change tunes.
Weight reduction
This modification can be done at any time and the best part is, it is free. If your engine is moving less weight than the car originally had, the car will be faster.
Often changing a vehicles components may not have a direct or substancial change on power, but it may change the sound, feel, and overall experience of the vehicle.