There’s a reason why enthusiasts choose aftermarket air intakes as one of the first performance modifications. Not only are most intake systems fairly straightforward to understand and easy to install, they typically yield substantial power gains as well. With that said, don’t let air intakes’ apparent simplicity fool you. Aftermarket […]
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ECU Tuning – Harnessing the Power of Technology | Bolt-On Basics
ECU tuning is the tie that binds an engine’s performance together. Gone are the days of jetting and synchronizing carburetors, replaced instead with modern handheld tuning devices and laptops. With numerous options available ranging from a simple reflash blackbox up to infinitely adjustable fuel and ignition mapping software, tuning solutions […]
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Fuel Systems – Quench Your Engine’s Thirst | Bolt-On Basics
Your average internal combustion engine may sound smooth and composed from the outside, yet the internals work constantly to generate a series of explosions that set metal components into motion at a high rate of speed. Sure, an engine must be tough in order to produce hundreds or even thousands […]
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Forced Induction – Boost for Max Power | Bolt-On Basics
When it comes to increasing your vehicle’s power output, forced-induction systems are the pinnacle of bolt-on performance. Out of all the bolt-on modifications available for today’s popular vehicles, forced-induction kits can offer the greatest gains in horsepower and torque. High-quality turbocharger or supercharger kits can bump power output by 40- […]
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Cooling Systems – Less Heat for Longer Life and More Power | Bolt-On Basics
Heat is a killer. It boils fluids, starts fires, melts and warps important components. There’s no sign of frictionless engines arriving any time soon, so until then, we’re stuck with the byproduct of friction that is heat. Given that cars are filled with moving parts, electrical currents and combusting materials, […]
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Suspension – Upgrades to Enhance Handling Performance | Bolt-On Basics
Racecar drivers that double as engineers will almost always excel in competition. However, the backseat-driver-equivalent of engineers that claim to be racecar drivers are the worst. These types that love to chase setup adjustments down to the molecular level, they treasure logged data and long debates about spring rates, chassis […]
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Brakes – The Science of Stopping | Bolt-On Basics
Making more horsepower and going fast is both fun and rewarding; however, there’s really no point to any of it if you cannot stop quickly and safely. While most factory braking systems prove adequate for the daily commute, going to the track or even spirited driving through the canyons could […]
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Wheels – Fashion and Function | Bolt-On Basics
Like eye-catching shoes, wheels make an automotive fashion statement with practical application when properly selected. Wheels are arguably the first thing that people notice about a car. They can be practical, sporty, casual or formal. The reality is wheels make more than a fashion statement, they can influence the acceleration, […]
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Tires – Get a Grip, Don’t Slip | Bolt-On Basics
It’s surprising how little is understood about tires. Just look at the number of cars with tires worn down to the belts lining up at your local tire shop when the first rain of the season begins to arrive. What’s worse is that some people think tires are just chunks […]
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Exhaust Systems – Uncorking Your Engine’s Potential | Bolt-On Basics
If your car were an orchestra and the engine the conductor, the exhaust system would be made up of horned instruments. Sure the band could play without the brass, but the melody would be off and it’ll sound like crap. When it comes to understanding how aftermarket exhaust systems work, […]
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