The Most Cost Effective Ways to Improve Performance of Your Car

So you have a car that you love, but could love it more if you made some improvements.  Common problem right?  But where to start?  Which modifications give you the best bang for your buck, and which improvements actually add value to your car?  Well here is a short list of some of the most common methods to improving your vehicles performance without breaking the bank.

Replacing the factory air filter with a high-flow air filter or upgrading to a cold air intake system can increase airflow to the engine, improving combustion efficiency and slightly boosting horsepower.  Air intakes can be found at nearly every tuner shop, company, or catalog and are relatively easy to install yourself depending on your comfort level, time, and resources. A great way to provide some nice clean, cold air to your vehicle.

Exhaust System Upgrade:

A performance exhaust system can reduce backpressure and allow the engine to expel exhaust gases more efficiently. This not only increases horsepower but can also enhance the sound of your vehicle.  Much like wheels and tires, this is another common modification by car enthusiasts looking to personalize their vehicle.  A nice, 'tasteful' (key word tasteful) exhaust upgrade can add value to your car as well as improve the performance, look, and sound.

Reflashing or remapping the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can optimize fuel and air delivery, timing, and other parameters to increase power and torque. This is one of the most effective ways to get more performance out of a stock engine.  Find a shop/ mechanic you trust and this is a very affordable and easy way to get some extra power out of your motor.

Reducing unsprung weight by switching to lighter wheels and performance tires can improve handling, acceleration, and braking. High-performance tires also provide better grip, which can enhance overall driving dynamics.  Wheels are probably one of the first things petrolheads think of when modifying their cars...and why not right?  In addition to performance, visually a nice set of wheels and tires can drastically improve the look. You don't put on a swaggy outfit with busted shoes do you?  Same principle applies here.

Upgrading your suspension with performance shocks, struts, or lowering springs can improve handling and stability. A stiffer suspension setup reduces body roll and improves cornering speed.  In addition to performance, a car with a lowered stance almost always looks better.  Now, if performance is your goal, there is a fine line between low and 'too low'.  A couple of inches is plenty, we don't recommend resting the frame on the ground or sacrificing body panels to tuck the wheels.  To each their own, but not our style.

Upgrading to performance brake pads, rotors, and stainless steel brake lines can improve braking efficiency and reduce stopping distances, which is crucial for high-performance driving.  Afterall, it seems kind of silly to make your car go fast if you cant stop it.  Brakes are a great improvement, and should be a must as you add power to your vehicles motor.

We preface this one with a disclaimer.  Depending on what the primary purpose of your vehicle is this might now be a relevant modification.  If the primary purpose of your car is a daily driver, then removing the interior is not recommended.  However, if you are building a purpose built track car or race car, then removing unnecessary weight from the car, such as stripping out the interior or replacing heavy components with lightweight alternatives, can improve acceleration and handling.  This is a relatively inexpensive way to improve the power to weight ratio, especially if you do the work yourself.

Upgrading to iridium or platinum-tipped spark plugs can improve ignition and combustion efficiency, leading to smoother engine performance and a slight power increase.  Spark plugs are probably not top of mind for most, however this can be a very inexpensive way to improve your motors performance.  Next time your car goes in for service add it to the list.

Now the sky is the limit here, however as you may have assumed by our motto of "dress quiet, race loud" we like understated, subtle, and tasteful modifications.  Whether that be a carbon fiber front lip, a new shift knob, or a set of Recaro seats, a few tasteful aesthetic upgrades can really personalize your vehicle.  The goal, for us anyway, with any modification is to make them appear as though the car could have came from the factory that way.  At the very least, appear as though the modifications are from the period and don't detract from the cars original appearance.

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These upgrades can offer noticeable improvements in performance without the need for extensive or expensive modifications. Additionally, they should improve the overall appearance and curb appeal if done tastefully.  We don't recommend opening the parts catalog and ordering everything you see (regardless of whether you can afford it).  We appreciate subtle, tasteful modifications rather than hitting us over the head with upgrades. The ole 'a little can go a long way' methodology.

Also, it must be noted that depending on the year/ mileage of your vehicle you should always check your manufacturers warranty before making any changes as they could render the contract void.  If this does not apply then skies the limit...have fun and keep the rubber side down.