Call me an angry import driver but lets cover the basics of performance... ESPECIALLY when you want to be a racer.
Big Hp adders:
Turbo, Nitrous, Supercharger, an expensive (more than anyone can afford) all motor
Minor Hp adders:
Cams WITH I/H/E tuned!
0 (read ZERO) Hp adders:
An Intake (Wow that n/a 1.6ltr really pulls in the air!!!)
Dual exhaust on a 4 cylinder
Bolton exhaust tips (actuall diamater 1.5" underneath)
Stickers (I know this has been beat to death)
Dollar per HP... don't waste your money, save for FI.
Application of power-
What works:
Springs - but only if they are setup correctly. (A 3" drop might look tight but it will help destroy your undercarrage, exhaust, downpipe if turbo, shocks)
Traction bars/Strut braces/Sway bars - Again lets not kid ourselves... pep boys doesn't sell performance parts!
Tires - Smaller diameter = faster and less weight typically (Tight ass 18's not only look like shit on a 4 cylinder but well... you figure it out)
What doesn't work (despite popular belief)
Any wings on a street car larger than stock (They are just for looks guys, 4 cylinders don't need them unless your driving a lotus esprit turbo pushing 150+mph... Sorry to break it to you like this, but it's true
)
PHAT bodykit - looks don't mean shit when it comes to racing on the street, you might look fast YO! but when your 3 bus-lenghts back you actually look like a pathetic fool who wasted 50-70% of the cost of a turbo/supercharger setup. Of coarse that giant opening in front will definately allow you to show off your stock radiator and a/c lines!!!
Reality vs. Fiction Translation
"I'm going all motor" = I'm too broke and can't afford FI or I spent all my money on a body kit and rims.
"All motor is more reliable" = Jeleous that for the same amount of money someone will have more power, and I'm too broke.
"VTEC isn't that good for Turbo" = I couldn't get a car w/ it and I'm ignorant of the word DYNO and it's application.
'VTEC' = 2 cams in one, possible by use of a hydraulic like setup (i.e. moves the hp/tq curve up higher in the rpm band)
"I got the jump on him" = I deep staged into the intersection or ambushed him from a roll.
act of driving like an azz through a busy street after being challenged = I know you'll kick my ass so i'll show you how dangerous I can be to society by driving recklessly, and I'm too afraid to line up even though I revved on you..
act of performing a flyby = I have to show my friends how bad I am and save face in front of my girlfriend.
***I know I could go on forever but I think this will either be entertaining or an excercise in frustration....***
Bottom line -
I'm bored at work!