Overhaulin'

Steps in Upgrading/Modifying Car Performance?

I want to start enhancing my car's performance to make faster and more powerful, but I don't know too much about the various parts to add or replace other than a few words I hear thrown out when people modify their cars (exhausts, intakes, turbos, etc). Basically, I'm asking for the "car upgrading for dummies" rundown of what I should do. The car is a 1995 Nissan 200sx. All parts are stock (except for the car audio) and are running well.

Public Comments

1. First, research which mods work well for your car. Second, I would start with an air filter, and exhaust. Beyond that, Bigger intake, Bigger Headers, performance chip if applicable to change your fuel ratios. Don't bother with a turbo unless you make sure your internals can handle it ie. crank, pistons, pushrods, rockers, valves. There is no point in throwing on a Turbo if you blow your engine using it. Upgrade your tires and brakes, if you want to go fast, it would be smart to be able to stop fast as well. Air filter will bring the air in, the intake adjust how much air enters the engine, headers are the exhaust pipes that come right out of the engine block, exhaust follows the header. More airin, then more air needs to come out. Chips regulate the fuel to air ratio to make sure the engine runs at an optimal level. Not too rich, not too lean. Everything you change on your car engine affects a different part of the engine, just remember that and recognize what your "weak link" is after the mods are on.
2. g"s
3. Old-time speed shops frequently had a sign which read, "Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go." A cold-air intake and low-restriction exhaust are relatively cost-efficient mods that don't require huge amounts of expertise or many specialized tools. After that, you might want to consider a suspension lowering kit, stiffer shocks and an anti-roll bar upgrade. Larger rims and tires will further enhance cornering. then you'd probably want a brake upgrade.