If driving cars is a passion, then driving faster cars could be an obsession. But every automobile is different in make, model, performance metric and even lifetime, which is why some of its parts tend to significantly deteriorate in efficiency over time.

To turn that around, some significant factors like air-fuel increment, e-part programming, weight reduction, part modification and accessory installation can be used to make the car’s performance better but it can cost a small fortune so it is usually taken on by an enthusiast only.

But let’s break the options down one by one.

1. REDUCING VEHICLE WEIGHT

All things being constant, which car will move faster in a race? A heavier one or a lighter one? Both logically and practically, the lightweight version trumps. So, ripping off unwanted heavy leather seats, carpets, rear bench and the likes can be the most attainable way to improve a car’s speed. This is why most race cars only have a driver’s seat and no trimmings inside the car. But if taking pre-attached necessary elements such as back seats sounds difficult to part with, then an easier way would be the following.

Cost Estimation: Free

2. REPLACE OLD SPARK PLUG

Designed for durability, a good spark plug can run up to a 100,000 KM. (cheaper versions of spark plugs only last 20,000km to 30,000km) Nevertheless, with ageing, the wear and tear it is inevitably going to lead to surging and misfiring. However, a new spark plug will help prevent that and in turn increase the car’s efficiency. Another benefit of replacing the old plug is to reduce the catalytic converter from overheating, which results from the un-burnt exhaust gas from misfires. Then there is also the issue of cold starting that a new plug can resolve via significantly reducing voltage demand for the ignition system leading to lesser battery drain and higher performance.

Cost Estimation: $80- $125

3. COLD AIR INTAKE

One of the easiest and cheapest hacks to get better car performance is, hands down, by installing a cold air intake (CAI) system. It essentially helps suck the cold air from the car’s underside into the combustion engine. Since cold air is denser than normal air, more of it can get to the engine freely and once it mixes with the fuel it burns to spawn extra power, typically increasing it by 5 to 7 hp. This way CAI impacts the efficiency of a car by using lesser fuel on account of the modified air to gas ratio.

Cost Estimation: POA

4. CATBACK EXHAUST SYSTEM

An effective way to complement the upgraded cold air intake system mentioned in point no. 3 is to install an upgraded exhaust system in Adelaide, the catback system, which is a conduit between the catalytic converter and the exhaust tips. Its function is to expedite the outflow of exhaust so as to make space for more fuel and air, thereby increasing torque to increase the horsepower. There is however one setback of using a catback system and that is loud noise generation, but it is nothing that cannot be solved with mufflers/ silencers and resonators.

Cost Estimation: POA

5. STRUT TOWER BRACES

A mounting place for the shock absorber tops, this aftermarket suspension accessory installation is one of the simplest and immediate ways to improve car performance. Strut braces transfer the force located on one side of the car and distribute it evenly to the other side, which keeps the car from toppling over on a turn, especially on a quick high speed one. Ergo, this affordable accessory can offer better suspension control and chassis rigidity, substantially improving corner handling and ensuring smooth ride and precision at speed.

Cost Estimation: $150 – $350