Contents
Looking to upgrade performance, power and looks in your daily driver? Millions of parts promise that extra something, but it’s the basics – airflow, body kit and suspension parts – that deliver on all fronts. For more oomph, a more enjoyable driving experience and faster track times, fit your car with uprated air intakes, revised exhaust systems, front, side and rear body parts, and slap on a decent set of coilovers. Let’s break down what these aftermarket car parts do for your car.
Air Intakes
Air is a basic component, and mixes with fuel in the right ratios (around 14:1) before it’s ignited to produce power. Where stock air intake systems fail are the smaller diameter pipes, inadequate filters, and the heat generated from surrounding parts until the air reaches the cylinder. The layout creates unwanted restrictions, reduces air volume, and negatively affects efficiency.
Cold air intakes are car auto parts consisting of revised piping, heat shields for cooler and oxygen-rich air, and bigger cone filters. Air is scooped through intake tubes or scoops lower in the engine bay, travels at higher speeds into throttle bodies or airboxes and enters the cylinders at optimal angles before it mixes with fuel. It is also cooler and denser, a prerequisite for bigger bangs.
Another overlooked benefit besides more horsepower and torque is the filtering ability of aftermarket air filters. These have thicker cotton pleats to contain more contaminants and prevent oil, water and road debris from damaging the engine. The filters are also reusable, so reduce purchase and labour costs with replacements.
Choose between short ram air intakes when you need snappier throttle response and more torque at lower RPMs, for instance in turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, or ram-air intakes to push more air in when paired with aftermarket ducts and scoops fitted to the front bumpers. The latter increases air volume and extends power bands. Good for track and race use.
Pair Intakes With Matching Exhausts
Beefier air intakes create a distinct engine rumble. They also work best when matched with appropriate exhaust systems with straighter and wider pipes to accommodate the increase in air volume, and the higher temperatures and pressures that come with more power. This is what’s missing in stock exhaust systems.
To counter airflow restrictions and let the engine breathe, aftermarket exhausts have simpler layouts that additionally increase exhaust velocity, or how fast the spent gases leave the car. The higher this is, the more efficient the engine becomes. Combustion improves, there’s less stress on the exhaust valves and engine internals in general, and drivers get an engine that can reach its full potential.
Varying parts and configurations deliver varied results. Choose cat-back exhaust systems, fitted with wider mid-section pipes, and reworked mufflers to hear more of the engine rumble and improve airflow. Or go the whole hog and throw in header or turbo-back systems that effectively replace all stock parts with components made of higher-grade materials (stainless steel, titanium, or carbon fibre), have reworked headers to draw out exhaust gases faster and include straighter high-flow pipes for increased power. Conservative estimates are between 5 to 10 per cent of additional horsepower and something you can feel (and hear) when pressing the acceleration pedal. A side benefit, especially for track use, is the lower weight. Full systems can shed 25 kilos or more, which is not negligible if you’re after faster track times.
Add a Body Kit for Improved Aerodynamics and Visual Appeal
Separate car body parts, including splitters, spoilers, side skirts, rear diffusers and wings, or packaged full-body kits make your car stand out from the crowd of similar vehicles. Each addition has its own purpose. Splitters for instance ‘split’ oncoming air to reduce drag, and redirect air over and under the car for increased downforce and better tyre grip. Pair these with rear diffusers to keep the rear axles stable in turns and you get superior handling both for the street or the track.
Side skirts prevent air from collecting under the car and between the wheel arches. Kits offer a rounded set of balance, stability and efficiency. Choose lip and aero kits for improved performance, better acceleration, and more stability along straights or in turns; bumper kits for a meaner, slammed look, or kits based around fender flares to increase space in the wheel arches and when going with bigger tyre and wheel sets.
Prices vary on what’s included and the materials the parts are made of. Polyurethane car auto parts are inexpensive, rigid, easy to install and easy to paint. They’ll last in everyday street driving and can manage some track work. However, the higher weight, compared to something like ABS or carbon fibre body kit can affect acceleration and top speeds. The latter materials are preferred for serious racing applications (especially carbon fibre), have superior strength and flexibility when countering high forces, and have a race-ready look. Carbon parts deliver on all fronts, but you’ll be shelling out more cash to get the expected results.
Better Handling With Coilovers
Coilovers are pre-assembled spring and shock combos, tuned with the vehicle weight in mind. They offer more rigidity, improved stability at higher speeds, and better turning. Drivers get more feedback from the wheels, meaning more control. These performance car parts handle road imperfections and bumps, improve tyre and road contact and prevent body roll when cornering, keeping the car glued. They’re an essential addition if speed is your end goal.
Choose between monotube coilovers to better manage dampening and rebound rates in the springs and shocks for racing and high-speed applications. Or go with tamer twin-tube types if you use the car for track and street purposes while maintaining a good balance between comfort and performance.
Lastly, body, performance and handling upgrades should be matched with proper braking power. Check the condition of brake pads and discs, and consider if you need brake part upgrades to get more out of your car and stay safe at the same time.
