Unofficial guide to Go-fast mods
12-30-2009, 05:56 PM
#1
Former Vendor
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St. Jude Donor '08
Unofficial guide to Go-fast mods
Since the mod bug usually involved symptoms like "the need for speed" I thought i'd put together a general unofficial guide to going faster.
We'll start with the SOTP (seat of the pants) meter. While HP and torque numbers are great, it's not likely the average driver will know what +20 hp feels like, especially if it's in the top of the powerband where there's a lot of power anyway.
The SOTP meter has 5 levels:
1) Barely noticeable
2) Half a grin
3) Full grin…possibly with teeth
4) Manly grunting/diabolical laughter
5) Please pull over so I can wipe the **** out of my pants
First lets keep in mind that the car is a machine and MOST performance parts follow the ideal that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. This is especially true with airflow and exhaust modifications. The most effective modifications are those that address thee weakest link in the system and bring it up to standard with the other components. This being said, I will categorize modifications as “groups” to address the complete system instead of a specific part.
Induction system:
SOTP rating: 1-2
Common upgrades: Air intake, filter, power duct, throttle body intake manifold and MAF housings.
Thoughts: Getting more air to the engine is the best way to get more power, but one must consider speed of the incoming air versus the volume to get the most power out of their engine in the desired part of the power band.
Installation: These are relatively easy to install modifications that the average garage junkie can do in an afternoon.
Exhaust system:
SOTP rating: 1-2
Common upgrades: Headers, Aftermarket Catalytic converters, X pipes, Aftermarket mufflers (or removal of)
Thoughts: This is possibly one of the most popular upgrades. While it does add power, the most noticeable difference is the sound.
Installation: Professional installation or assistance is suggested….unless you’re confident in your welding/wrenching skills.
Engine internals:
SOTP rating: 3-4
Common upgrades: heads (aftermarket or ported stock) Cam, valve train components, under-drive pulley, stroker crank etc.
Thoughts: Possibly the most amount of power you can get out of an engine and still keep it as easy to work on as a stock motor.
Installation: Professional installation or assistance HIGHLY recommended.
FI/Nitrous:
SOTP rating: 4-5
Common upgrades: Supercharger, Turbocharger(s) Nitrous systems
Thoughts: For those who want to get the absolute most out of their factory engine block, nothing really melts tires like an FI or Nitrous setup.
Installation: Professional installation or assistance HIGHLY recommended.
New motor
SOTP rating: 4-5
Common upgrades: new motor (usually custom), supporting drive train upgrades.
Thoughts: for the serious speed enthusiast. A custom motor is for those with a specific taste in cars….particularly gear heads.
Installation: Professional installation or assistance HIGHLY recommended.
If I missed anything, feel free to add.
We'll start with the SOTP (seat of the pants) meter. While HP and torque numbers are great, it's not likely the average driver will know what +20 hp feels like, especially if it's in the top of the powerband where there's a lot of power anyway.
The SOTP meter has 5 levels:
1) Barely noticeable
2) Half a grin
3) Full grin…possibly with teeth
4) Manly grunting/diabolical laughter
5) Please pull over so I can wipe the **** out of my pants
First lets keep in mind that the car is a machine and MOST performance parts follow the ideal that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. This is especially true with airflow and exhaust modifications. The most effective modifications are those that address thee weakest link in the system and bring it up to standard with the other components. This being said, I will categorize modifications as “groups” to address the complete system instead of a specific part.
Induction system:
SOTP rating: 1-2
Common upgrades: Air intake, filter, power duct, throttle body intake manifold and MAF housings.
Thoughts: Getting more air to the engine is the best way to get more power, but one must consider speed of the incoming air versus the volume to get the most power out of their engine in the desired part of the power band.
Installation: These are relatively easy to install modifications that the average garage junkie can do in an afternoon.
Exhaust system:
SOTP rating: 1-2
Common upgrades: Headers, Aftermarket Catalytic converters, X pipes, Aftermarket mufflers (or removal of)
Thoughts: This is possibly one of the most popular upgrades. While it does add power, the most noticeable difference is the sound.
Installation: Professional installation or assistance is suggested….unless you’re confident in your welding/wrenching skills.
Engine internals:
SOTP rating: 3-4
Common upgrades: heads (aftermarket or ported stock) Cam, valve train components, under-drive pulley, stroker crank etc.
Thoughts: Possibly the most amount of power you can get out of an engine and still keep it as easy to work on as a stock motor.
Installation: Professional installation or assistance HIGHLY recommended.
FI/Nitrous:
SOTP rating: 4-5
Common upgrades: Supercharger, Turbocharger(s) Nitrous systems
Thoughts: For those who want to get the absolute most out of their factory engine block, nothing really melts tires like an FI or Nitrous setup.
Installation: Professional installation or assistance HIGHLY recommended.
New motor
SOTP rating: 4-5
Common upgrades: new motor (usually custom), supporting drive train upgrades.
Thoughts: for the serious speed enthusiast. A custom motor is for those with a specific taste in cars….particularly gear heads.
Installation: Professional installation or assistance HIGHLY recommended.
If I missed anything, feel free to add.
12-30-2009, 07:11 PM
#5
Race Director
That would be really interesting!
12-30-2009, 08:49 PM
#9
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St. Jude Donor '08
the problem there is that the costs of most of teh same type of product vary drastically. For instance, headers can range from $400-1500.
In a post I made about a long while back where I addressed the $$/HP ratio. I found that most modifications (parts cost only) range from $15/HP to $30/HP. Installation costs vary depending on DIY vs shop install.
In a post I made about a long while back where I addressed the $$/HP ratio. I found that most modifications (parts cost only) range from $15/HP to $30/HP. Installation costs vary depending on DIY vs shop install.
12-30-2009, 08:55 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10
also note, that this SOTP scale is addictive. Once you experience one level, you always want more. There is no limit to this. Ask me, and I will tell you...
12-30-2009, 09:10 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
12-30-2009, 09:54 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
I believe the scale changes as you get used to the mod. An example would be my gear change from 2:73's to 3:42's. initially I would have rated the mod a SOTP 3, but now maybe SOTP 2 at best. Maybe this is part of the addictiveness of mod's?
Vroom!!)
12-30-2009, 10:59 PM
#20
Race Director
