Could it be that, as men, we need to find out just much power we can harness? Are cars a substitute for our manhood? Frankly, that's a question for psychologists and sociologists. Let's state facts as they stand; a modified car will always do wonders for our popularity.
The first thing to keep in mind, though, is that some cars aren't suitable for modification. A souped up Rolls-Royce is just plain weird. So read on to learn what you can do to make your car go faster and give it a different look.
Aesthetics
You might have the biggest engine under the hood, giving your ride the most horsepower ever, but unless you put up a sign, nobody will ever know about it. Here are some suggestions that'll help enhance the appearance of your trusted steed.Tinted windows
Originally designed to protect the car's occupants from the sun, they are also useful to keep people from peeking in. You can either change the entire window or, if your budget is a bit tighter, you can apply a stick-on filter. Just be aware that tinted windshields and front windows are illegal in some jurisdictions.Spoiler
Made of lightweight fiberglass or polyurethane, rear spoilers give a sporty look to your automobile. Some can be custom-made to fit any kind of vehicle. Not only does it make you seem like you're ready to race, it also improves the aerodynamic performance.Neon lights
While it may be that less is more in this case, there are a number of places on your rod where neon lights can be applied. You can run a straight one on either side under the frame, around your rear window, or simply around the license plate.License plate
For an annual fee, you can order a vanity plate from the DMV to spell whatever word(s) that is dear to you. Also, if you live in an area where front license plates aren't mandatory, there's the possibility of putting up a decorative plate.Halogen headlights
Currently, halogen headlights are standard on high-end vehicles. There are expensive High Intensity Discharge (HID) kits on the market to make a complete switch to this technology. On the other hand, there are cheap halogen bulbs with a blue tint that will give the same appearance without providing as good a lighting experience.Stereo
Driving without music is like having sex without a partner -- you still reach your destination but the ride isn't as enjoyable. There are sound systems available for all kinds of budgets. Select one that fits your needs.Smaller steering wheel
Be like a professional racecar driver and install a smaller steering wheel, which will give you a more ergonomic and sporty style. In addition to being comfortable for your hands, it makes the machine easier to steer; you'll feel it when making sharp turns. The drawback is that your view of the gauges might be partially obstructed.Lower or higher frame
You can lower the frame or jack it up to give your car a distinctive look. If you intend to speed with it, a sunken frame will be more effective as the center of gravity will be lower. If you feel adventurous, install a hydraulic system to deal with the elevation.Skirt kit
Skirts can be applied anywhere you wish: on the sides, at the rear, or in front. They are fiberglass extensions that make your car seem lower than it really is.Shorter stick
Some cars have a very long gear stick and it can take forever to shift up or down. You can literally cut the stick with a saw and put a new gear knob on top. While the overall shifting performances won't be enhanced, you'll feel the difference when driving hard.Rims and mags
Hubcaps are cool up until you lose one. Invest in some quality rims or mags to give your hot rod a unique appearance. As an integral part of the wheel, thieves will have to be dedicated to steal them from you.Electric horns
Tired of your mundane car horn beeping in the tone of F? Electric horns are rather cheap and connect easily to an ordinary 12-volt system. There's a wide array of melodies from which to choose, from "Dixie" and "La Cucaracha" to the latest Top 40 hits.Modified clutch pedal
Normal use of your car can wear out the clutch pedal. The plastic bushings and retainers get damaged over time. Modifying this pedal with a kit using ball bearings will allow for a smoother drive and a more flexible clutch.Paint job
The body of the car is the first thing people notice. Applying decals is an economical solution to make the vehicle appealing. However, nothing beats a professional paint job with flames, metal flakes, or whatever strikes your fancy.Sports seats
Bucket seats were a giant leap forward in the auto industry. Now you can get sports seats installed instead of the standard chairs. They are styled to fit every curve of your body so that you feel utterly supported when driving fast.Sports belts
Seat belts are designed to provide adequate protection for those driving at regular speeds. If you have it in mind to race your newly souped-up car, you need a better safety system. Get yourself some sports belts, which will make sure your body remains tightly fastened to the seat.Want to make your car as fast as possible?
Performance
Now that your honey looks good, you can take some time to make it run just as great. There are modifications you can make so that your car can be faster and more powerful than the manufacturer ever thought possible. Here are some of them:Speed chip
If you own a 1963 Corvette, you can skip this section. Performance chips are found in modern cars and they control what's going on under the hood -- things like fuel injection, engine timing, and automatic transmission. Installing a performance chip will increase your power, especially if you have a propensity for revving your engine to over 3,500 RPMs. The downside, though, is that you will have to use premium gas.Supercharger
The best way to increase your horsepower is to supercharge your engine. Once you install this device on your engine, it will increase the amount of air and fuel that can be crammed into the cylinders. The effect will be that this combustion charge will become more vigorous and the engine will produce more power and torque.Ignition
The ignition system is the heart of a high-performance vehicle. Electronically controlled, the module allows the spark energy to be optimized from the coil. It's usually quite simple to install.Low-profile tires
Low-profile tires are actually bigger than regular tires. The difference is that the space between the outer edge and the rim is smaller, hence the term "skinny." They help the car's acceleration properties and, some believe, overall fuel consumption.Air filter
A good air intake pipe is mounted under the fender so that it won't absorb warm air from the engine. If your car's set-up is already laid out this way, all you'll need to do is substitute the stock paper filter for a reusable one. You could gain up to 11 horsepower.Nitrous Oxide System
When installed properly, N2O can turn your car into a rocket. The way it works is that, when injected into the engine, nitrous oxide gas is heated and divides into oxygen and nitrogen. More oxygen in the engine leads to more gas being pumped into it and therefore the engine produces more energy and power. Use this only if fuel economy isn't a pricey issue for you.additional gauges
Most cars come with a speedometer, a tachometer, and a fuel and temperature gauge. If you're serious about souping up your car, you'll need more dials on your dashboard to inform you about how your automobile is behaving under the hood. Consider installing an oil pressure gauge, and, to control the battery's performance, a voltmeter and an ammeter.remember...
Before you get to work on turning your baby into a monster, make sure that all systems complement one another. Everything must be compatible otherwise you may find a few bumps in the road.Moreover, make certain that your potential modifications comply with local regulations. The DMV and Police Department are aware of the rules in your area so don't be afraid to consult them before shelling your hard-earned cash on upgrades you might not even be allowed to use.
And speaking of money, establish a budget before you start and make sure you respect it. Expenses can pile up quickly but if you go into it prepared, you shouldn't have any nasty surprises.
When it comes to performance, there is virtually no limit to what you can modify on your car to enhance it. Changing the suspension, exhaust system, brakes, or starter will always give it that extra oomph .
When it's time to test the vehicle, don't fall prey to street racing just because it seemed cool in The Fast and the Furious . If you absolutely feel compelled to race, rent time at a local track and have fun with your friends. Most importantly, always play safe!
Resources:
http://www.consumerreports.org/main/detailv2.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=302615&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=113261
http://www.carreview.com/pscParts/Misc.,Parts/Momo,Leather,Steering,Wheel/PRD_8759_1599crx.aspx
http://www.cordiapower.com/mycordiaturbo.html
http://www.wolo-mfg.com/spec.htm
http://www.mustangsteve.com/clutchbearings.html
http://home.total.net/~bstephen/indchipinfo.html
http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLine/Products/IS/ISA/891-100.html
http://www.trucktires.com/library/technical/bftechnical/fuel_economy_b.htm
http://www.netstang.com/moroso_cold_air.htm
http://www.k12.nf.ca/janecollins/teacher/outlines/science/gases/nitrous_oxide.htm
http://www.familycar.com/Classroom/dashboard.htm
http://www.racerwheel.com/
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