Custom Car Parts

The art of car customization

Car customization is more than a hobby, it's an art form. Guys (and more gals now) will spend hundreds or thousands of dollars making modifications to their vehicles in the hunt for improved speed, performance and appearance. From minor add-ons to major engine-enhancing modifications, here are just some of the aftermarket parts and upgrades that you can add to your vehicle:

• Window tinting - Aftermarket window tinting is an easy way to give your vehicle an instant upgrade. The darkness of the tint will depend on your personal preference. You could also choose a specialty tint such as frosted windows.

• Rims and tires - Rims and tires are essential for getting the right look for your vehicle. They are the most popular upgrade and easiest way to customize your ride. Choose from alloy, aluminum or chrome rims - but leave the spinners for the Escalades.
• Body kits - Body kits are extreme modifications to the exterior of your vehicle. Kits include a combination of front and back bumpers, fenders, side skirts, hoods and spoilers. The body pieces are usually made of a type of fiberglass or carbon fiber and are attached to the outside of your vehicle. Once properly fitted and painted they should blend seamlessly with the rest of the car. Custom lighting will complete the look.
• Electronics - Car enthusiasts are going gadget crazy - CD and mp3 players, speakers and subwoofers, DVD players, flat-screen monitors and GPS navigational systems are all available for interior upgrades.
• Air filters - K&N is the leading company in aftermarket low-restriction air filters. Costing less than $100, they claim to improve the power of your car by 5 to 10 horsepower by letting your engine receive better air flow. They look great under the hood and can be cleaned and reused.
• Performance exhaust systems - A performance exhaust system will contain a high-flow muffler, headers, high-flow catalytic converters and new exhaust piping. These systems are engineered to improve the performance of your vehicle, with gains as high as 20 to 30 horsepower. They also increase the sound of your exhaust, something car enthusiasts crave. Flowmaster is one of the most popular brands.
• Superchargers and turbochargers - Both devices force-feed fuel and air to the engine to deliver unbelievable gains of 50 to 100 horsepower. The difference is that a turbocharger is driven by the exhaust gas flow and a supercharger is belt-driven. These aftermarket upgrades are intended for serious car enthusiasts who have extra cash to spend. Vortech Engineering and Paxton Automotive are two of the biggest names in the business.

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

If you love your car, you’ve got treat it right – stock will never do for your hot wheels! Whether it’s for performance or just for the look, aftermarket parts can turn that car you just brought home into your own pimp ride.