catalogs logo
catalogs.com logo

Top 10 Ways to Soup Up a Car

By Editorial Staff

One of the top ten ways to soup up a carContributed by Paul Seaburn, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

The days of Detroit muscle cars roaring down American highways may be over, but that doesn’t mean guys and gals too don’t still dream of souping up their rides to get a little more speed, power and style.

We’re not suggesting breaking any speed laws here, just having a little more fun when you drive. Some of these suggestions can be handled by a backyard mechanic while others should be left to a professional. In either case, get ready to get a little grease on as you soup up your car.


10. Call in the Air Force

One of the top ten ways to soup up a car

Replacing your standard air filter with a high-flow filter and keeping it clean is a quick and easy way to get a small boost in horsepower and fuel efficiency. Shop in a catalog for the muscle car enthusiast to get the right filters and parts for your model.

9. Go Electric

One of the top ten ways to soup up a car

If you’re driving an older car, you know that the engine is cooled by a fan that is turned by a belt which uses engine power. You can regain some of that power by replacing the mechanical fan with an aftermarket electric fan.

8. Chip Ahoy

One of the top ten ways to soup up a car

The efficiency of today’s car engines is managed by a computer chip which regulates fuel injection. Preprogrammed performance chips are available or you can purchase a programmer device and modify it yourself. If you can’t find the chip, ask a mechanic.

7. Put It On Your Turbo-Charge

One of the top ten ways to soup up a car

Turbo chargers use the exhaust to spin a rotor that pushes more fresh air into the fuel mixture. Aftermarket turbo chargers are expensive and challenging to install because the air intake system and the exhaust system have to be modified, but the performance improvement is significant.

6. Get Exhausted

One of the top ten ways to soup up a car

Once you get more fuel and air into the engine, the next step is to get the exhaust out more efficiently. That starts with replacing the standard exhaust manifolds with exhaust headers that eliminate back pressure. Another boost can be obtained by adding a true dual-exhaust system, but check you local regulations on noise and removal of catalytic converters before doing this.

5. Spin Your Wheels

One of the top ten ways to soup up a car

Where the rubber meets the road is another good spot to soup up your car’s performance. Performance tires improve acceleration and cornering and give better response to the driver in higher speed conditions. On the downside, they wear out quicker and are nosier, rougher-riding and more expensive. Just keeping your old tire properly inflated will also help.

4. Lose Some Weight

One of the top ten ways to soup up a car

Cars are like humans – the less weight they have to carry, the faster they are. Get rid of unnecessary items inside the car and consider replacing the front hood with a lightweight fiberglass hood. If you have to carry anything, put it in the trunk where the weight will help the rear traction.

3. Get Spoiled

One of the top ten ways to soup up a car

Lightweight fiberglass rear spoilers give your car a speedier and sportier look while also offering a bit of aerodynamic performance.

2. Sound Big

One of the top ten ways to soup up a car

A thumping bass speaker that sounds like you’re searching for oil will make your car feel more powerful and move others out of your way – even if it’s just to pull over to put their fingers in their ears. And nothing makes a ride more fun that loud car songs by the Beach Boys, The Boss and the Cars.

1. Look Souped Up

One of the top ten ways to soup up a car

Popular Savings Offers

The safest way to put some ‘hot’ in your hot rod is with flames, stripes and a smoking paint job. This tip isn’t limited to any one kind of car. In fact, even your little four-cylinder snail sedan or eco-friendly hybrid will feel like a muscle car decked out with custom-painted flames.

cc

Top Deals

See All

Recent Posts

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Categories

Saving Tools

Follow Us

Logo

Since 1996, Catalogs.com has been considered the web's catalog shopping authority. Our trends experts have carefully reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores and have featured only the most respected, distinctive, and trusted ones. From popular favorites to new discoveries, you'll shop and save with exclusive coupon codes!

Invitations for applications for insurance on Catalogs.com are made through QuoteLab, LLC and transparent.ly. Submission of your information constitutes permission for an agent to contact you with additional information about the cost and coverage details of health and auto insurance plans. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Insurance plans may not be available in all states. For a complete description, please call to determine eligibility and to request a copy of the applicable policy. Catalogs.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.