Installing a racing harness is one of the most important steps in the process of transforming your vehicle into a track-ready racer. Sure, they might not be as glamorous as slick racing tires, cold-air intakes, or coilover suspension, but racing harnesses do fulfill a vital role in improving the safety of any race worthy-vehicle and […]
Category: Aftermarket
Wheel Talk: Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Steering Wheels
When you’re looking to give your high-performance vehicle a little extra edge, there are plenty of options; from track tires and spoilers to racing seats, harnesses, and more, there is no shortage of aftermarket accessories catering to the would-be Formula One racer. While some are more about looking the part, others can have a real […]
Ready to Roll: Upgrading Your Convertible’s Rollover Protection
A convertible has a number of advantages over your run-of-the-mill sedan. From the wind in your hair to the feeling of the sun on your skin, few cars project that carefree, cruising lifestyle quite as well as the convertible. Unfortunately, the same feature that makes convertibles so fun to drive can also be a major […]
Comfort vs. Control: The Pros and Cons of Race Seats
When building a new track car, drivers typically start by upgrading some usual suspects. Stock brakes are switched out for high-performance pads and discs that can withstand higher temperatures, and the suspension–including new springs, dampers, and bushings–is swapped for a setup that prioritizes speed over comfort. Limited slip differentials, air filters, intercoolers, turbochargers, and superchargers […]
Which Turbocharger Is Right for You?
Turbochargers for engines are quite complicated but also surprisingly simple, with a vast array of different options available from many manufacturers. You’ll find some turbocharged engines coming straight from the factory, either to boost overall performance or to get decent performance from a small engine, while others are available as aftermarket options that you can […]
From the Comfort of Your Garage: 5 Must-Have Mods for Your 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a staple in the off-road realm, renowned for its versatility and praised for being the last of its kind as a body-on-frame midsize SUV. All too often, the rugged looks of modern SUVs are nothing more than aesthetics, with their unibody frames limiting their prowess to the pavement. However, that’s not […]
An Introduction to Body Kits
When it comes to aftermarket changes and modifications you can make to your vehicle, you have a ton of different options available. Nothing is quite as dramatic, at least in terms of visual impact, as a body kit that alters the look of your ride. There are a huge number of body kits available, with […]
Maintaining Your Toyota’s Integrity: Genuine OEM vs Aftermarket Parts
Whether you need a Toyota collision center to upgrade your Corolla’s paint or for extensive repairs after your 4Runner was involved in a collision, you’ll quickly discover that not all collision centers are the same. One of the most significant factors differentiating these centers is the types of parts used to make the necessary repairs. […]
Prepping for Winter With Undercoating and Other Tips
For those in colder climates, winter weather can wreak havoc on a vehicle. Not only are there snow flurries and slick roads to deal with, but between frost heaves, sub-zero temperatures, and road salt taking its toll, you might start to wonder if your vehicle is going to make it until spring. Corrosion is one […]
Dealing With Pesky Plastic Grommets? Start Here
While “plastic” might not be the first word that comes to mind when we think of our vehicles, they wouldn’t get far without a healthy dose of the stuff. From bumpers and insulation to the instrument panel and even the upholstery, various plastic compounds play an important role in the construction of the modern automobile. […]
Should You Install an Aftermarket Sway Bar?
Installing an aftermarket sway bar can be a simple way to improve the handling of your car, taming body roll and enabling flatter cornering. And unlike many performance upgrades, a sway bar is inexpensive, relatively straightforward to install, and will have zero effect on reliability. If you have some basic tools, are comfortable working under […]
Shocks and Struts – The Unsung Heroes of Your Suspension
The suspension in every car, truck, or SUV has two main components: the springs and the shocks or struts. Somewhat counterintuitively, the springs are what support the weight of your car, while the shocks or struts (collectively known as dampers) are there to smooth things out and keep the springs from making the ride too […]
What You Need to Know Before Lifting Your Truck
A lifted truck is one of the best ways to explore the trails around where you live or even just to show off your rig on the road. To get an adventure-ready rig of your own, you can either visit a lifted truck dealer or you can install your own lift kit. While buying a […]
How to Choose the Right Set of Wheels
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a new set of wheels for your car or truck. While most drivers will never even consider changing out the factory wheels for something new, putting a different set of wheels on your vehicle can be a great way to spruce up your ride, add […]
Beginners Guide to Vehicle Restoration
If you like old cars – whether “old” means a 1940 Ford Flathead, a 1969 Dodge Charger, or a 1993 Mazda RX-7 – then you may have discovered that finding one of these vehicles that’s still in good shape is easier said than done. When faced with the dilemma of wanting to own one of […]
Aftermarket vs OEM Parts (What To Look For)
Choosing Your Parts Whether you’re upgrading a part on your vehicle or replacing one, you may ask yourself if you should contact your car manufacturer or simply take a trip to reputable retailers such as AutoZone and shop around a bit. This question is very common, and many drivers can give you their opinions on […]
Aftermarket Parts for Chevy Trucks
Did you know that the first pickup trucks were made by the consumer? In the early days of the Ford Model T, drivers would modify the rear end, adding their own wooden cargo bed. Ford took notice and began offering his own pickup truck by 1925. Thus, the aftermarket industry was born. While consumers are […]