6 Pocket Rockets!

Just because your car is small, doesn’t mean that it has to be slow. In fact, some of the fastest cars on the road today are subcompacts. How so? Because their owners have modified them to the point where they can squeeze out additional horsepower and acceleration. Let’s take a look at six cars that qualify as genuine “pocket rockets.” For the sake of argument, here are some ground rules for a pocket rocket:

The car must be a compact or smaller.

The engine must be normally aspirated; no turbo charged cars – four cylinders only.

New versions of the car must all retail for less than $20,000. The following six cars all qualify as pocket rockets when each of the above stipulations has been met: Dodge Neon; Ford Focus; Honda Civic; Scion tC; Subaru Impreza; and Volkswagen Golf. Unfortunately, the Mitsubishi Eclipse retails for just above $20,000 so it does not qualify. Besides, it looks too much like a sports car; we are only examining those vehicles that are somewhat plain before being transformed by aftermarket parts. Dodge Neon – Technically, the Neon is no longer in production as 2005 was its last model year. Still, with a 2.0L 132hp engine, the Neon remains an affordable favorite of the youth set who enjoy customizing their vehicles Ford Focus – A lemon no more! Earlier models of the Focus were problem plagued, but the car has made significant strides in the past few years and has received Consumer Report’s recommended buy label too. The stubby ZX3 produces 136 horses with its 2.0L engine Honda Civic – Redesigned for 2006, the Civic has been a fan favorite for over thirty years. Its teeny 1.8L engine pushes out an impressive 140 horses. The new Civic is a far cry from the “pregnant roller” skate look of the first Civics. Owners are grateful. Scion tC- Unlike its two boxy brethren, the tC is sleek looking and has a rocket demeanor. With a 2.3L under its hood, the tC has the second largest engine of any car in this class. You net 160 horses with the Scion. Subaru Impreza – The biggest car in this class has the most powerful engine, a 2.5L boxter engine producing 173 horses. Very competitive with larger and more powerful cars, but a favorite among “pocket rocket” fans nevertheless. VW Golf – A 2.0L 115hp drives the Golf, but the car’s light weight allows for it to buzz down the highway at a fairly good clip. Favorite ways of squeezing out additional power for pocket rocket owners include installing the following aftermarket parts:

Reusable air filters; top providers include: K&N and Green.

Cold air intake systems; favorites include: K&N, AEM, and Airaid.

Cat-back exhaust systems; leading manufacturers include: Magnaflow and Vibrant.

Performance chips; Hypertech and Jet Chips lead the way. Performance level increases are measured in horsepower, thrust, and acceleration. Depending on the parts installed and model selected, improvements can range from slight to significant. Regardless, all six models have the potential of becoming true pocket rockets and that is part of the thrill in owning one.

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4 Ways To Increase Automotive Performance

In these days of high gasoline prices, it may seem ridiculous to consider ways to increase your car's performance as they are almost always associated with increased fuel consumption. However, there are four ways to increase performance that do not have to negatively impact your gas mileage. Let's take a closer look at each one. 1. Reusable Air Filters. Landfills are stuffed with items we use once and then throw out. Auto air filters are one such item and through the life of a car you can go through 6-12 of them with no problem. For approximately three times the price, washable and reusable air filters are a great alternative. When you purchase one it likely will be the last air filter your car will ever need. Reusable air filters enable you to gain slight increases in horsepower and acceleration as well as to impact the environment in a positive way. 2. Performance Chips. All new cars are operated by a computer chip that tells how much torque and horsepower can be displaced. Performance chips or recalibrations of your current chip can produce significant increases in horsepower and torque for your vehicle. 3. Performance Exhaust Systems. Cat-back or "catalyst-back exhaust systems" are a great way to free up trapped torque and to unleash horsepower. Keeping all the important emissions parts in place, a cat-back system incorporates large width exhaust pipes and low restriction performance mufflers into your car thereby lowering exhaust back pressure. A side benefit is the really awesome sound emitting from the exhaust system. 4. Cold Air Intake. A cold air intake is an under the hood mod that helps to reduce the temperature of the air entering the car for the sole purpose of increasing the power of the engine. Side benefits include enhancements to the appearance of the engine bay as this part can be attractive and colorful; the sound the unit makes is also appealing. Costs for each of these performance enhancements can vary greatly. Shopping online with a trusted wholesaler is one of the best ways to find top quality parts at the lowest possible prices. By doing the work yourself, you can save a bundle and enjoy the fruits of your labor in no time.

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Performance Chips feed your vehicle a heavy dose of power

Whether you want a performance chip that you can just plug in and forget about, or one that you can constantly tinker with to find your perfect settings, AutoAnything has the right electrical gear for you. We have three different styles of performance chips to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and capabilities. However, for all their differences, the one thing they have in common is the power to propel your vehicle's performance to unbelievable heights. 3 fundamental types of performance chips Control Modules A control module plugs directly into your under-the-hood electrical system, standing right in between the data from your various sensors and the computer. The module intercepts the data before it has a chance to reach the onboard computer. Then, it analyses the information, determines the proper adjustments to the air/fuel ratio, ignition timing and other key functions, and then sends commands to the onboard computer. A control module delivers accurate, immediate tuning for your engine because it is always plugged in and constantly reading and interpreting data from your sensors. Each control module is custom-programmed to maximize the output and efficiency of your vehicle's specific year, make and model, taking into consideration engine size, transmission type and even your stock tire size. What's more, many control modules come in different power levels, or stages. That way, you can choose the perfect amount of power for your unique driving habits. Many of the control modules for diesel rigs have optional in-cab monitors that display up to the second readings of such critical engine information as turbo boost, engine gas temperature and RPMs. Some even display your 0-60 acceleration and quarter mile time, and give you on-the-fly control of different settings. For the best results, you will want to use a higher grade fuel with more octanes, like 91 or higher. Installing a control module is simple and should not take more than 15 minutes. They have a built-in, heat-shielded wiring harness that plugs directly into your onboard computer, so there's absolutely no soldering, splicing or drilling required. After all the wires are connected, you never have to worry about adjusting the module ever again, unless you would like to return to your factory settings. Power Programmers Like control modules, power programmers reconfigure your vehicle's onboard computer to perform at peak levels, but they operate differently. Rather than being permanently installed into your electrical system, power programmers are plug-n-play devices. Before hitting the road, you connect it to your OBD-II Port, which is handily located right under your dashboard. You will then answer a number of questions about your vehicle, any modifications you have made and what level of power you want. Based on how you respond to the questions, the power programmer then uploads a new set of operating instructions to your vehicle's computer. The new operating program only has to be uploaded once, so you can pack away your power programmer or experiment with some of the other settings and modes. Best of all, the whole process only takes about 10 minutes, and the only tools you'll need are your own two hands. The advantage of the power programmer is that you have greater control over the tuning of your system. For example, you will be able to recalibrate your onboard computer to any changes in tire size, speed rating or even your rear end gear ratio. These changes dramatically affect your vehicle's performance, but your computer does know to recalculate unless you use a power programmer to communicate with it. Moreover, many of our power programmers let you tune your engine for regular octane usage instead of the usual 91 or higher fuel grade. Engine Management Systems (EMS) If you want total control of your vehicle's computer system, don't just reprogram it-replace it. An EMS is a complete substitution for your stock onboard computer, giving you virtually unlimited command over just about ever aspect of your vehicle's control system. Engine management systems are designed to customize your car, truck, or SUV to your exact specifications. For those of us who know about the inner workings of your entire drive train, only an EMS gives you full control of every minute detail, from your air/fuel ratio and fuel injector control, to idle speed and nitrous (wet or dry) management. You mount the EMS inside your engine compartment. Once it is secured, you simply unplug the wires from your old computer and plug them into the new one. Those wires sync your EMS with all of your vehicle's sensors, so it has an immediate connection to all the data from every critical part on your automobile. It uses the readings from your sensors to run your engine at its peek level. You can even plug your laptop into the EMS to view performance information and manipulate settings. Application with your ride Sure, a control module, power programmer or EMS unleashes huge gains in horsepower, torque and efficiency, but you are probably wondering how it actually works. For most performance parts, their purpose is obvious-more power. You can visualize and hear a hotrod exhaust system hard at work, and you can hold the pipes and headers right in your hands. A performance chip, on the other hand, exists in the invisible world of electrical pulses and binary codes.

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Hooray For Colder Air!

Don’t you just love the first burst of autumnal cold each year? After a long, hot summer a fall chill can certainly change your perspective. No longer are you concerned with trying to find ways to stay cool, instead your thoughts are now redirected toward changing leaves, pumpkin picking, apple harvesting, and gathering enough wood before the first deep winter chill settles in. Somehow the cool air makes your feel better…more invigorated and less lethargic. You aren’t the only person or object that likes colder, denser air. Yes, your car thrives on it but only if it could get enough of it. Let’s take a look at what makes any vehicle a true lover of cold air. Your engine wants cold air and it wants it now! Say again?! Well, your engine can run on hot air, but it is the colder, denser air that helps your engine achieve maximum levels of horsepower and thrust. A special device, a cold air intake, is designed to help bring this needed “food” to your engine. The current configuration of your engine plumbing actually works as a drag on engine power. How so? The stock air box and paper air filter that were placed in your vehicle on the production line actually causes your engine to “leak” horsepower. With a cold air intake installed, your engine works more efficiently as the intake plumbing is directed away from the hot areas underneath your hood to send air through an unrestricted air filter and all the way through an efficient intake channel. With a cold air intake installed, cooler and denser air is sent in greater amounts and at higher speeds to your throttle body tapping energy that had previously been lost. How much more power should a cold air intake produce? Well, that depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Typically, quite a few imports with crowded engine bays benefit the most including Scions, Mitsubishis, and Hondas. When you order your cold air intake estimates of horsepower gains are usually supplied by the manufacturer including AEM cold air intake and K&N cold air intake. In addition to the freed up power your now efficiently working engine will gobble up less gas. With a cold air intake installed you save on fuel and get more power. Cold air intakes come in a variety of colors and some have paintable surfaces for further customization. All cold air intakes yield a “throaty” intake note, so you not only have a part that looks good, but it sounds awesome too! You can install a cold air intake in well under one hour and no special tools are needed. Order one today and soon your car will “happily” be cruising down the highway sipping in the food that it loves the most: colder and denser air.

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Environmentally Sound Automotive Air Filters

When I explain to someone that there are several lines of vehicle air filters available that are environmentally sound I usually receive a quizzical look back from that person. For some motorists the idea of environmentally compatible automotive parts is a foreign concept to them. Yet, when you think about it many parts that come standard on just about any vehicle qualifies for that title. A catalytic converter is one part that everyone knows about, even if they don't understand exactly how one works. So, exactly what is an environmentally sound air filter? Let’s take a closer look for all the details.

As you probably know the air filter that comes with your car is made predominately of paper with plastic molding holding the filter together. If you change the air filter at recommended intervals – once a year is common – you can easily go through 3, 5, or even 10 or more air filters depending on how long you keep your car as well as how many miles you put on your car. All of these air filters end up in your trash and then go straight to the dump. The paper in the filter will probably disintegrate quickly, but the plastic sits in place perhaps for thousands of years.

If this sort of thing disturbs you then take heart. Thanks to race car technology, manufacturers have developed reusable air filters for many production vehicles. If you purchase one for your vehicle it likely will be the last one you ever need. How is that? Because a reusable air filter can be cleaned and put back in your car over and over again. In fact, quality reusable air filters are designed to outlast your car with many guaranteed to last 500,000 miles or more, even up to one million miles!

A reusable air filter costs more, with prices running approximately 2-4 times the price of a standard air filter. If you keep your car for any length of time you will get that money back, but if do not you are still helping to show environmental responsibility by keeping our landfills free of unnecessary throw away parts.

Two additional benefits of a reusable air filter -- the type that K&N and other top manufacturers produce -- is that it will give your vehicle a boost in horsepower as your engine will run more efficiently. Furthermore, a more efficient engine burns less fuel so your fuel economy goes up too.

So, what is there not to like about a reusable air filter? In reality, not much! By installing a reusable [or performance] air filter you help the environment, realize a noticeable gain in horsepower, and you burn less fuel. A true win-win-win proposition, don’t you agree?

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