5 Simple Car Upgrades That You Can Do Now
Assuming that you have a relatively newer vehicle or one that has been rebuilt to the point of achieving strong mechanical performance, it is time to consider the many modifications available to upgrade your stock vehicle. After driving a vehicle with performance upgrades for a long time, it is disappointing to mope around in a stock vehicle afterwards.
Vehicles that can stop on a dime, handle like a go-kart, crank out concert quality sound, and throw you back in your seat when you accelerate make driving exciting.
Instead of cruising around in a car that is built to universally serve the elderly market and budget-minded commuters, why not tweak the car to fit your expectations of what a vehicle should be.
You can tune your current vehicle into that mock-supercar you always wanted but couldn’t afford. Let Brisbane Euro Specialists help you on your quest by transforming your vehicle with these simple upgrades.
Brake System
When it comes to braking, larger brakes have notably greater stopping power. If it is possible to upgrade your brakes to a larger rotor size that was available stock for optional 17″ or 18″ wheels, this is a huge advantage.
If you really want to make the upgrade worth your time or can’t find larger brake kits, slotted rotors and quality ceramic racing pads are universally beneficial.
A brake upgrade may require larger slotted rotors, larger calipers, a larger master cylinder, bigger wheels, and performance brake pads. It is really that easy!
Just remember to bed your pads properly by hard braking at various speeds to get a solid even bite on the rotors. Heating the brakes and coating them with the brake pad friction material will prevent them from squealing and vibrating.
Slotted rotors are also a huge upgrade for the rain and inclement weather because the slots clean the pads. A performance ceramic pad may wear down quicker but will make each moment on the brakes smoother and easier to control.
Suspension & Steering
Control arm bushings, stabilizer bar bushings, and rubber shock mounts are typically made of a soft rubber that deteriorates quickly. These rubber parts create too much play in the steering and suspension. The result is a vehicle that drives like a boat.
You shouldn’t have to guesstimate and perpetually recalibrate your trajectory when you are driving. Mushy steering and vehicles that bounce all over the place may have a smoother ride over rough terrain.
However, they can make driving downright dangerous at high speeds where accurate maneuvering is essential to avoiding collisions and cutting through intense traffic.
Coil overs, adjustable air suspension, and upgraded polyurethane or stiffer rubber bushings can make a big difference in handling accuracy and stability at speeds.
The suspension and steering system in your vehicle is designed for cruising around town and picking up groceries. It is easy for people who are not that into driving to turn the wheel and float into turns.
On the highway, you will become more stressed out and suffer more mental exhaustion because your vehicle can seem harder to control. The benefit of sporty suspension and steering upgrades is that you feel like you are driving at 20 mph when you are doing 80 mph.
Chip/Fuel-Mapping Upgrade
Like the stock suspension in your vehicle, the fuel-mapping and tuning of your engine are designed for elderly people and novices who don’t want to get too excited when they drive a vehicle.
If you are looking for some fun and excitement, chipping your vehicle may be an easy solution. Not only is it possible to overcome the governor that limits your speed by halting acceleration over 110 mph, but you also win big with engine performance.
For vehicles that are underpowered from the factory, this simple upgrade can bring newfound appreciation for even a grocery-getter. The upgrade is easy.
It usually is a matter of just swapping out the engine computer with one that has been reprogrammed. While the higher RPMs and different fuel mapping may create premature engine wear and increase fuel consumption, it is still a lot cheaper than upgrading your base model to a V8 before you buy it to get those extra horses.
Sound System
When you are cruising around or taking long trips in your vehicle, after upgrading the other items and finding it more relaxing to drive, a premium sound system is all you need. Instead of looking at what concerts are playing in town, why not make your car the best venue in the region.
There are some serious high-quality stereo systems available on the market. Many times, you can simply find a wiring harness that converts your factory wiring to fit the aftermarket upgrade of the high-end head unit.
However, it is always best to have a professional install the system and get the latest state-of-the-art equipment.
If you are going to install a new sound system, an amp and subwoofer in the trunk is a must! This will give your sound system the full presence that builds respect for your vehicle.
Heavy bass can be very relaxing and make sitting in your vehicle like attending a concert every day of the week. Instead of just listening to music, you can feel it! A good car stereo system is better than the mp3 quality systems in many bars and smaller music venues.
Exhaust & Cold Air Intake
When it comes to performance, adding a high-flow cat-back exhaust system can do wonders for your airflow and horsepower. After all, an engine is little more than an air pump that explodes fuel every revolution.
Cold air intakes that cool the air going into the engine make the air oxygen-dense and provide for better combustion.
While your exhaust may sound a little louder, that is the beauty of having a bassy sound system. No one will even notice because they will hear the jams pumping out of your vehicle as your turn down the street. Of course, all things must be done in moderation to comply with local ordinances.
Category: Automotive
