What does it take to make a street racer?

Prism Onlineby Jody Geons

Walee Gon of Mach III Auto Accessories says "suping up a car" is a three step process: engine work and computer upgrades, intake and exhaust system modifications and suspension changes. Mach III Auto Accessories only sells street legal parts, however many people can easily acquire items that are not legal.

Computer chips

Changing the timing or turning off r.p.m. limiters can add power and the ability to rev the car higher than the manufacturer designed for. Modifying the control unit can cost up to $500.

Intake and exhaust

Changing the intake manifold for a Honda Civic will costs up to $200, not including labor. The horsepower gain may be as high as 10 h.p. On the exhaust system, it is necessary to spend $350 to $500 (not including labor) on headers, which can provide an additional 12 hp. A performance muffler, costing another $100, is also needed. For higher power (maybe 6 hp), a $600 increase in the piping after the catalytic converter is needed.

Suspension

High performance shock absorbers, designed to provide superior traction, can cost up to $800 for a set. Lowering the car by changing the springs, thereby lowering the center of gravity, which improves handling, can cost $300. Installation of these can cost several hundred dollars.

Wheels, vital to the handling and appearance of the car, can cost from $500-3000. Tires can cost another $800. Sway and strut bars, designed to stiffen the suspension up more can be another $300.

And then, of course, there is the alarm and stereo system which is a whole 'nother story.

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