Car Tuning

Car Tuning

by Alex

Car tuning is both an industry and a popular hobby, in which a car is modified in order to improve its performance and handling and better suit the owner's driving style. As most cars leave the factory set up for average driver expectations and average conditions, tuning has become a way to personalize the characteristics of the vehicle to the owner's preference. For example cars may be altered to provide better fuel economy, produce more power at high RPM or the ride comfort may be sacrificed to provide better handling.

Car tuning is related to auto racing, although most performance cars never compete. Rather they are built for the pleasure of owning and driving such a vehicle. Another major facet of tuning includes performance modification to the car exterior. This includes changing the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle via side skirts, front and rear bumpers, adding spoilers, splitters, air vents and light weight wheels.

Engine tuning

Engine tuning involves modifications designed to increase the power of the engine. These modifications can range from a simple chip tuning, to adding nitrous injection, to a complete engine swap.

"Tuning an engine" has many different meanings today. Traditionally, to actually tune an engine meant adjusting the timing and the air/fuel ratios. Today, many people consider tuning to be adding cold air intakes, exhaust systems, turbochargers, or any other part that could conceivably produce more power. It is important to note that the two different meanings behind the word "tuning" refer to two completely different methods of making a car faster.

Adjusting engine timing and air-fuel ratios generally improves the power and reliability of an engine without any further modifications. On the other hand, performance tuning an engine becomes increasingly beneficial after already modifying the engine with upgrades like a low restriction intake, forced induction, nitrous, exhaust headers, larger exhaust pipes, etc.

Adding parts to increase horsepower and torque is mechanical performance tuning while modifying the interior and exterior is aesthetic tuning.

Suspension tuning

Suspension tuning involves modifying the springs, shock absorbers, swaybars, and other related components of a vehicle. Shorter springs offer an improved lowered look and a lower center of gravity. The stiffer shock absorbers improve the dynamic weight shifting during high speed cornering. The stiffer sway bars reduce body roll during cornering improving a car's high speed turning grip. Other components that are sometimes added are strut bars. These improve the body stiffness and better maintains the proper suspension geometry during high speed cornering.

For offroad vehicles, the emphasis is on lengthening the suspension travel and larger tires to increase ground clearance.

Lowriders with hydraulic/pneumatic suspensions are another unique kind of suspension tuning.

Body tuning

Body tuning involves adding or modifying spoilers and a body kit. Sometimes this is done to improve the aerodynamic performance of a vehicle, as in the case of some wings or bumper canards. More often, these modifications are done mainly to improve a vehicle's appearance, as in the case of non-functioning scoops, wide arches and the like. Very rarely does an after market body kit improve performance, the majority add weight and make the car handle worse.

Another common body modification is called "shaving". This involves removing door handles, removing bumpers, removing emblems, chrome trim pieces, and key locks. The reason for this is to make the appearance of the car look smoother and cleaner with less disruptions on the body lines. The doors and trunk are alternately opened with keyless remote.

Another popular body modification is to alter the way that the doors open. One method is called "Lamborghini Doors" or "Lambo doors" and the other is called "Suicide Doors". Lambo doors open outwards a bit and then swing upwards. Suicide doors open on the front side of the car instead of the back like a normal car. Most of these modifications are done with aftermarket kits that are available. Sometimes the hood and trunk are also modified to open differently.

Terms

"Pimped" cars are usually referenced to classic cars.

"Streeted" or "Tuner" cars are Japanese imports, such as a Toyota Supra or Lancer Evolution series, these cars are most commonly modified with the more expensive mods available. The most popular modifications include suspension upgrades, exhaust systems and turbos.

Legal requirements

Many countries have legal requirements in regard to what car owners can and can't do in relation to vehicle modifications. For example, all vehicles in Victoria, Australia, must conform to construction standards to ensure vehicles provide drivers and passengers with a maximum level of safety. The construction standards are contained in the Vehicle Standards Information Bulletins. There are also High Powered Vehicle Restrictions for P Plate drivers which can prevent young drivers from driving modified vehicles.

Also in the United Kingdom it is illegal for any car to have Blue lights as they are used by the emergency vehicles.

In Scotland, it is illegal for any car to have neon lights under a car as it distracts other drivers.

Sanctioning organizations

Many organizations involved in competitive motorsports establish safety guidelines that far exceed legal requirements when viewed in terms safety. The NHRA, IHRA and SOLO programs all require that vehicles pass inspection to ensure that all regulations are being complied with.