Professional “tune ups” that include air and fuel filter changes, spark plugs, and even transmission fluid and filter changes are a great way to keep your vehicle running properly. Ensure your tires are inflated to their recommended pressure to improve fuel economy and extend the life of the tire.
Cold air intakes usually include an aftermarket air filter that increases the filter surface. This allows for more air to travel through it at a higher volume. Some cold air intakes even include heat shielding to prevent the engine temperature from warming the air as it travels into the engine. The cooler the air, the denser it is with oxygen, allowing for a hotter burn which creates more horsepower.
Larger diameter, higher flowing exhaust systems have a more significant effect on turbocharged vehicles. The increased exhaust flow also serves to increase the efficiency of the turbocharger. Some states have strict regulations about replacing your catalytic converters. Check on the website of your local Department of Motor Vehicles prior to modifying or replacing your catalytic converter.
Some vehicles can be reprogrammed through their OBDII ports using programmers you can buy for your specific vehicle or “chips” you can install. Higher end models of these programmers allow you to utilize more than one program or profile. This allows you to switch between air/fuel ratios that prioritize performance, gas mileage, or even using lower octane fuel.
Pay attention to the speed rating on the tires you purchase. The rating is usually a single letter that refers to the maximum speed the tire is rated for. Most cars come with “S” rated tires that are safe up to 112 miles per hour. Many performance tires carry a “Z” rating, which is rated for speeds in excess of 149 miles per hour. [6] X Research source Some high performance tires produce more ride noise than their stock alternatives.
Some spark plugs are made from different materials: copper conducts best but has to be replaced far more often due to corrosion, so many people choose iridium plugs for performance applications as they conduct nearly as well and last much longer. Make sure you consult your car’s repair manual when gapping your spark plugs before you install them. The gap on the spark plug is the distance the spark needs to arc from one piece of the plug to another. An incorrect gap height can compromise the plug’s ability to ignite the air fuel mixture.
Coil-Overs are adjustable shocks and springs that allow you to lower the vehicle and stiffen the ride based on your preference and driving style. Many stiffer suspensions also lower the vehicle, which lowers its center of gravity and also serves to improve handling.
Anti-roll bars are also referred to as sway bars, anti-sway bars, stabilizer bars or roll bars. High strength tubular steel is often a better alternative to solid bars, which can be extremely heavy.
Polyurethane bushings will make loud squeaking noises if not properly greased when installed. Bushings can be replaced one by one or kits can be purchased to replace all of your bushings at once. Some bushings may require the use of a press to remove from their housings.
You may not be able to access the rear strut towers to install a bar in the back of some cars. Strut tower bars may need to be removed when working on the engine of your car in the future.
Aftermarket brake pads are designed to improve your car’s ability to stop. They use the stock brake components and are a great option for most street applications. Different brake pad compounds are designed for different uses. Ask your local auto parts store about the options available for your specific car. Kits can be purchased to replace your car’s brake calipers and rotors with larger ones, increasing the friction surface of the brake pad and improving your ability to stop. It’s important to ensure your wheels are large enough to clear big brake upgrades.
Many turbocharged cars have intercoolers installed between the turbocharger and the car’s intake to cool the air and increase its density. Turbocharging your car requires extensive tuning of the air/fuel ratio that may be best left to professionals.
Roots style superchargers do not mount in the same way but are still belt driven. These superchargers are traditionally found on older model, carbureted engines. On forced induction applications like supercharged cars, you should use a higher octane fuel to increase the stability of the air/fuel mixture in the engine.
Nitrous oxide kits only affect power output when they are in use, reducing the wear and tear on your engine as compared to consistent power adders like turbochargers and superchargers. After turning on your nitrous kit, you usually control the spray of nitrous with a button or throttle switch that activates when you press the pedal to the floor. Some dry nitrous kits use the fuel pressure regulator to increase fuel pressure going into the engine to compensate for the added oxygen, while some others do not.
Wet nitrous oxide kits are usually engaged using buttons just like dry kits. Nitrous oxide is not flammable on its own like movies might have you believe. It must be mixed with a fuel to burn. Nitrous oxide kits can be used in conjunction with a turbocharger or supercharger.
