Showing posts with label Tuning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tuning. Show all posts

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Aftermarket Lamborghini Gallardo Tuning Options

There are many different ways and products that can be used to improve handling, acceleration, and looks for the Lamborghini Gallardo. Because it was Lamborghini's most produced car in company history, there is a large aftermarket marketplace for these sports cars.

The stock Gallardo is capable of staggering 0- 60 mph acceleration times that range from 4.3 seconds with the 2006-2008 Spyder, to 3.4 seconds with the LP 570-4 Superleggera model. Two V-0 engines are also used: a 5.2 liter V-10 that was used in the more powerful "LP" models and the 5.0-liter V-10 that was standard in the rest of the model line. One of the most popular modifications for the Gallardo is an exhaust system. Usually made of stainless steel, the aftermarket system is lighter and reduces backpressure, resulting in more power. In conjunction with the exhausts, aftermarket intake systems that increase airflow to the engine are also used to increase power. Owners can choose to install ECU tunes that will yield a moderate power increase depending on the other aftermarket modifications that have been fitted. However, no singe modification will result in the incredible power increases that forced induction is capable of. Some companies such as Heffner Performance have designed twin-turbocharger upgrades that are capable of producing 1,200 horsepower.

After power upgrades, the next step is usually upgrading the handling so that the Gallardo can better perform on the track. Numerous companies such as Hamann Motorsports offer suspension upgrades such as springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars. Buying adjustable versions of each of these allow drivers to create the optimum suspension setup for the road or racetrack. Another way to improve handling is to equip the Gallardo with new carbon fiber spoilers and diffusers that help create downforce and channel air at high speeds for better stability.

But for some owners, power and handling just aren't enough. Those that want to give their Gallardo that extra aesthetic upgrade will often install aftermarket Lamborghini wheels. The most popular Lamborghini wheels are forged 3 piece wheels. These wheels offer the strength and low weight advantages of forging while still providing a unique multi-piece look. Most forged 3 piece wheels can also be finished to complement the outlandish colors that Lamborghini offers for the Gallardo models.

Along with the wheels, many can choose to upgrade the stock braking system to larger big brake kits. These brakes will provide fade-free stopping power that drivers desire on the track. By decreasing the stopping times, drivers can also reduce their lap times.

The Lamborghini Gallardo has the largest aftermarket tuning market for any Lamborghini model as it was the most produced car by the Italian automaker. A number of upgrades from Lamborghini wheels to ECU tunes are available to increase performance figures and add that extra styling element.

Braxton Herring is a contributing writer at COR Wheels. COR Wheels specializes in forged 3 piece wheels and Lamborghini wheels in a variety of both traditional step lip, reverse, and concave designs.


View the original article here

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Car Tuning and Styling - Why Do It?

The rule of effective car tuning and styling in my eyes "Subtly is the key".

Everyone has their own opinion but personally (and I know a lot of people think the same) the more brash the revamp, the more tacky it can look. I have personally witnessed fourteen year old cars having literally thousands of pounds spent on tacky body kits, loud exhaust systems, spoilers that can could slow down a jumbo jet, and I ask myself why?

Unless your car is on the TV show 'Pimp My Ride', chances are it will look the same way. What I am saying here is that obviously not all expensive modifications look tacky - not at all but there are people out there who could have transformed that car into literally a new car. Subtly is the best way, it presents class, style, and brings an air of professionalism to a car rather than someone who is trying to show off. Some one who applies subtle changes to their car often makes it look more stylish and aesthetically pleasing to them and anyone who comes into contact in it.

There are 2 types of car tuning - interior and exterior. By interior I mean engines, brakes, suspensions, and by exterior I'm talking body kits, headlights, spoilers, which could also be classed as styling.

Having a very subtle spoiler, slick sills, angel headlights, windows slightly tinted can literally transform a car and elevate to a new level and these are only minor changes. This is what I believe is the most effective type of car tuning and styling not just for the sake of cost but also appearance, so in a way less is more from that perspective.

On the engine front, well they can always do a remap - that way they can not only preserve the life the engine but enjoy noticeable power, torque, responsiveness and flexibility without it impacting on their fuel consumption which is a real plus point especially in this economy with sky high oil prices.

The latter could be a factor in why the demand of remapping has increased as people do not want to splash out on a new car thus tune it up to make it last longer and more enjoyable to drive.

I have a lens that highlights why people have started paying serious attention to car tuning and styling. This article is just my opinion on why I think car tuning is becoming more popular

Thank you for reading


View the original article here

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Tuning Your Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevy Corvette is a potent rear-wheel drive, V-8 powered monster. But, owners ranging from the base model all the way to the ZR1 are always in the search for more power. There are a number of ways to get those extra ponies and sound good doing it as well. One of the most popular ways is to install an aftermarket exhaust. The most beneficial exhaust systems utilize headers, larger tailpipes, and free flowing catalytic converters to reduce backpressure and thus increase horsepower. Another popular method of increasing performance is to install an aftermarket air filter or air intake system. This allows more cool air to enter the engine and at a lower resistance. For a more modest gain, owners can purchase an ECU chip, or retune their computer chip to achieve optimal ignition and injection mapping, and configure the timing to run on certain grades of gasoline. For those looking for extreme performance, forced induction (turbochargers or supercharger) is the way to go. Although this route is expensive, it provides the biggest performance increase.

For owners that aren't just about going fast in a straight line, there are a number of options that will improve handling for the Corvette. Buying new suspension components such as springs will help to lower the car and reduce the center of gravity, making the Corvette feel more stable through corners. Additionally, owners will install new sway bars that will reduce body roll. Buying the right aftermarket exterior components such as front and rear spoilers will also increase downforce and improve handling and stability.

One of the most important upgrades to the Chevrolet Corvette is the wheels and tires. Upgrading to forged wheels will decrease weight at the wheel hub, and thus improve acceleration, decrease stopping distances, increase fuel economy, and provide better handling. These aftermarket Corvette wheels are also very durable because of their strength and are built to handle the immense power of a modified LS-series V-8 engine. Traction is also an important factor, especially with a potent engine. Tires are the only part of the car that touches the road, and by upgrading to low-profile tires in combination with forged wheels will vastly improve all areas of performance.

Whether you're looking for more power or better handling, there is a wide variety of modifications available for the Corvette ranging from aftermarket Corvette wheels to a full exhaust system. Modifying your Corvette will not only make it fun to drive, but perform better on and off the track.

Braxton Herring is a contributing writer at COR Wheels. COR Wheels specializes in forged wheels and Corvette wheels in a variety of both traditional step lip, reverse, and concave designs.


View the original article here