Back in our previous issue, we talked about customization through style. As you all know, every commercial car that comes out of its own manufacturing site looks exactly the same. Part by part, each model with their respective make looks exactly alike. Despite what manufacturers say about a car having it’s own personality, it’s still its own personality–and not yours. That is why you try to add something more personal to your car.

May it be in the form of decorations (like hood ornaments and bumper stickers), gadgets (e.g. flat-screen TVs, an infotainment system, sound systems, etc), or even things that may require a second-thought (e.g. lava lamps,  fondue machines, disco balls, whatever). And the more you add stuff, the more your car gets an identity that it shares with yours. That is, it gets “customized” to your own tastes.

(And that’s what last issue was. Now on to this issue…)

However, there is another way of customizing your car. And that is, by altering, upgrading, or modifying its performance. Some people may want to save up on gas for example. They may opt to change some engine parts like replacing its air intake system or by adding a better set of headers. On the other hand, if someone wants more speed, he or she could add a spoiler (given that he or she could drive through the auto bahn), a turbocharger, or perhaps even some nitro (if it’s legal). Either way, the point is you can significantly change your engine’s performance just by adding custom parts for your car.

There are so many custom parts that would improve your car’s performance, and most of them are quite expensive to begin with. But don’t worry, we’ll be tackling some parts that could boost your car’s performance and at the same time leave you enough change for some chinese take-out. But while we’re still here, it’s better if you could think and plan way before you’d even browse through the net’s numerous auto parts store. Ask yourself what you’d like to improve on with your car. Would it be its engine’s performance? The suspension system? the handling? or all of it?

Always.

Always.

Always plan ahead.

There’s nothing more frustrating than realizing that you don’t have the right amount of cash in the middle of an upgrade. So think first of what you’re planning to upgrade, the parts that you’d need, how much they cost, the mechanic who’d install it, and most of all, how much cash there is in your pocket.

So there you have it. We’ll be discussing more about customizing your car’s performance soon. But for now, get a piece of paper, and plan ahead!

“Sometimes, all it takes is a bit more effort… and performance.” - Chief Ed.

“That’s what my girlfriend said.” - Brad, frustrated lover/writer