Looking to gain some more horsepower and better handling from your car? Whether you consider yourself a "gear head" or not, there are several different easy-to-perform modifications that will boost a vehicle's performance. From improving your car's handling to boosting its horsepower and speed, these are four modifications drivers should not overlook.
Arguably, one of the single most effective ways to boost an engine's horsepower is to install a turbocharger. Not to be confused with a mechanically driven supercharger, a turbo charger uses forced induction technology to push air into the combustion chamber. This increased air, and pressure, ultimately gives the engine a significant boost in horsepower. The exact amount of horsepower increased depends on a variety of factors, but it's not uncommon to see a gain of 40-110 horsepower, sometimes even more. The only disadvantage with turbochargers is their price tag of $1,000-$4,000 on average.
Does your car feel like a roller coaster when you are driving? If so, you should look into replacing the shocks with high-performance models. Shocks begin to wear down after years of use and may no longer offer the same absorption they once did. Driving over potholes or even small bumps will create an unpleasant experience without proper shocks. A set of high-performance shocks will typically cost about $400-$600, making it a relatively inexpensive modification.
A strut tower brace (STB) is used to create more stability between the strut towers (under the chassis). It's a simple modification that will improve your vehicle's performance while increasing the life expectancy of your tires. By having the additional support between the strut towers, your tires are less likely to be knocked out of alignment. This alone is reason enough for some car owners to install a STB under their chassis.
It's important to note, however, that not all make and model vehicles are designed to hold a STB. Check your owner's manual beforehand to determine whether or not it can hold one.
Installing high-performance brake pads on your car will offer several different benefits, one of which is faster braking. High-performance pads are designed to handle faster braking without wearing down as quickly. As a result, you won't have to replace them as often, which is yet another reason why they are a smart investment.
Performance Mod #1 - Turbocharger
Arguably, one of the single most effective ways to boost an engine's horsepower is to install a turbocharger. Not to be confused with a mechanically driven supercharger, a turbo charger uses forced induction technology to push air into the combustion chamber. This increased air, and pressure, ultimately gives the engine a significant boost in horsepower. The exact amount of horsepower increased depends on a variety of factors, but it's not uncommon to see a gain of 40-110 horsepower, sometimes even more. The only disadvantage with turbochargers is their price tag of $1,000-$4,000 on average.
Performance Mod #2 - High-Performance Shocks
Does your car feel like a roller coaster when you are driving? If so, you should look into replacing the shocks with high-performance models. Shocks begin to wear down after years of use and may no longer offer the same absorption they once did. Driving over potholes or even small bumps will create an unpleasant experience without proper shocks. A set of high-performance shocks will typically cost about $400-$600, making it a relatively inexpensive modification.
Performance Mod #3 - Strut Tower Brace
A strut tower brace (STB) is used to create more stability between the strut towers (under the chassis). It's a simple modification that will improve your vehicle's performance while increasing the life expectancy of your tires. By having the additional support between the strut towers, your tires are less likely to be knocked out of alignment. This alone is reason enough for some car owners to install a STB under their chassis.
It's important to note, however, that not all make and model vehicles are designed to hold a STB. Check your owner's manual beforehand to determine whether or not it can hold one.
Performance Mod #4 - High-Performance Brake Pads
Installing high-performance brake pads on your car will offer several different benefits, one of which is faster braking. High-performance pads are designed to handle faster braking without wearing down as quickly. As a result, you won't have to replace them as often, which is yet another reason why they are a smart investment.
