If you’re a proud owner of a sports car, you know the importance of keeping it in top-notch condition. Regular maintenance and care are crucial to ensure a smooth-running vehicle and avoid hefty repair bills. Luckily, there are several popular aftermarket upgrades available that can not only enhance your car’s performance but also contribute to its long-term maintenance. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most sought-after upgrades that can take your sports car to the next level in terms of both performance and maintenance. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the world of aftermarket upgrades.
Engine Upgrades
Cold Air Intake
A cold air intake is a popular engine upgrade that can greatly improve the performance of your vehicle. By replacing the stock air intake system with a cold air intake, you can increase the amount of cool air that reaches your engine. This allows for more efficient combustion and can result in increased horsepower and torque. Additionally, a cold air intake can also improve fuel efficiency and throttle response. Overall, installing a cold air intake is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to enhance the performance of your engine.
Exhaust System
Upgrading your exhaust system is another popular aftermarket modification that can significantly improve the performance of your vehicle. By replacing the stock exhaust system with a high-performance aftermarket system, you can increase exhaust flow and reduce backpressure. This allows for more efficient combustion and can result in increased horsepower and torque. In addition to the performance benefits, upgrading your exhaust system can also enhance the sound of your vehicle, giving it a deeper and more aggressive tone.
Performance Tuner
A performance tuner, also known as an engine programmer, is a device that allows you to optimize the performance of your engine. It connects to your vehicle’s onboard computer and allows you to modify various engine parameters, such as fuel and ignition timing. By making these adjustments, you can achieve maximum power and performance from your engine. Additionally, a performance tuner can also be used to adjust other settings, such as rev limiter and throttle response, to further enhance the driving experience. Investing in a performance tuner can unlock the full potential of your engine and take your vehicle’s performance to the next level.
Turbocharger
If you’re looking for a significant boost in horsepower and torque, installing a turbocharger is a great option. A turbocharger works by compressing the intake air that enters the engine, resulting in more air being forced into the combustion chamber. This allows for a higher volume of fuel to be burned, resulting in increased power output. Turbocharging is a popular upgrade for performance enthusiasts, as it can provide a substantial increase in engine performance. However, it’s important to note that installing a turbocharger requires proper tuning and other supporting modifications to ensure the longevity and reliability of your engine.
High-Flow Fuel Injectors
Upgrading your fuel injectors to high-flow ones can improve the fuel delivery and combustion process in your engine. High-flow fuel injectors allow for a greater volume of fuel to be sprayed into the combustion chamber, providing more power and better fuel atomization. This upgrade can result in increased horsepower and torque, as well as improved fuel efficiency. It is especially beneficial if you have other engine modifications, such as a cold air intake or a turbocharger, as it ensures that your engine is receiving an adequate amount of fuel for optimal performance.
Suspension Upgrades
Lowering Springs
Lowering springs are a popular suspension upgrade that can improve both the performance and aesthetics of your vehicle. By replacing the stock springs with shorter and stiffer ones, you can lower the ride height of your car, resulting in improved handling and reduced body roll. Lowering springs also provide a more aggressive stance, giving your vehicle a sportier look. It’s important to note that when installing lowering springs, it’s recommended to also upgrade other suspension components, such as shocks and struts, to ensure a balanced and optimal setup.
Strut Bars
Strut bars, also known as strut tower braces, are aftermarket components that connect the front strut towers, improving chassis rigidity and reducing flex during cornering. By reducing chassis flex, strut bars can improve the handling and stability of your vehicle, allowing for more precise steering and better overall control. Additionally, strut bars can also help distribute weight more evenly across the front suspension, resulting in improved traction and grip. Installing strut bars is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to enhance the performance and handling of your vehicle.
Sway Bars
Sway bars, also known as stabilizer bars, are suspension components that connect the left and right sides of a vehicle’s suspension. They are designed to reduce body roll during cornering, improving stability and handling. By minimizing body roll, sway bars can provide a more controlled and balanced feel when navigating curves and corners. Upgrading to larger or adjustable sway bars can further enhance the performance of your vehicle’s suspension, allowing for fine-tuning to suit your driving style and preferences.
Coilovers
Coilovers are a popular suspension upgrade that combines both coil springs and adjustable shock absorbers into a single unit. Unlike traditional shock and spring setups, coilovers allow for precise adjustments of both ride height and damping characteristics. This allows you to fine-tune the suspension to your specific needs, whether you’re looking for improved handling on the track or a more comfortable ride for daily driving. Coilovers are highly versatile and can greatly improve the performance and handling of your vehicle, making them a favorite among performance enthusiasts.
Performance Shocks
Upgrading to performance shocks can greatly enhance the ride quality and handling characteristics of your vehicle. Performance shocks are designed to provide better damping control, resulting in improved stability and responsiveness. They are typically firmer than stock shocks, which helps to reduce body roll and improve overall handling. Additionally, performance shocks can also help to absorb bumps and impacts more effectively, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride. Upgrading to performance shocks can significantly elevate the performance and driving experience of your vehicle.
Brake Upgrades
Performance Brake Pads
Upgrading to performance brake pads is a crucial modification for those who want to enhance the stopping power of their vehicle. Performance brake pads are formulated with high-friction materials that provide improved bite and consistent performance under high temperatures. This means that they can deliver stronger and more responsive braking, allowing for shorter stopping distances and better control. Additionally, performance brake pads are less likely to fade under heavy braking, making them ideal for performance driving and spirited driving maneuvers.
Slotted Brake Rotors
Slotted brake rotors are an excellent upgrade for those looking to improve the cooling and performance of their braking system. Slotted rotors feature slots or grooves on the rotor surface, which help to dissipate heat and gases that can build up during braking. This improves overall brake performance by reducing the risk of brake fade and improving braking feel and modulation. Additionally, slotted rotors can also help to prevent brake pad glazing and enhance the bite of the brake pads, resulting in more consistent and effective stopping power.
Big Brake Kit
If you’re serious about performance driving, a big brake kit is a must-have upgrade. Big brake kits typically consist of larger rotors, calipers, and brake pads, providing increased stopping power and improved heat dissipation. The larger rotors offer better leverage, allowing for more effective braking, especially during high-performance driving. The larger calipers increase the clamping force, resulting in improved brake performance and modulation. Investing in a big brake kit can greatly enhance the safety and performance of your vehicle, especially if you frequently participate in track days or other high-performance events.
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Upgrading to stainless steel brake lines is an often overlooked but highly beneficial modification for improving brake performance. Unlike the stock rubber brake lines, stainless steel brake lines are constructed from a braided stainless steel hose, which provides superior strength and durability. This eliminates the expansion and flex that can occur in rubber brake lines, resulting in a firmer and more responsive brake pedal feel. Stainless steel brake lines also have a higher resistance to heat, ensuring consistent brake performance even under demanding conditions. This upgrade can greatly improve the overall braking performance and feel of your vehicle.
Brake Cooling Kit
A brake cooling kit is a specialized upgrade designed to improve the cooling of your vehicle’s brakes, particularly during intense driving conditions. A brake cooling kit typically includes air ducts, deflectors, and additional ventilation components that help to direct cool air to the brakes, reducing the risk of brake fade and heat-related issues. By improving brake cooling, this upgrade ensures that your brakes maintain optimal performance even during prolonged and aggressive driving. Investing in a brake cooling kit is essential for performance enthusiasts who frequently engage in high-performance driving or track events, as it can significantly improve brake longevity and performance.
