- 1). Install a modified suspension. Usually, one of the first areas that enthusiasts who are tuning an import focus on is the chassis and suspension. Not only does a lower, stiffer suspension help a car handle better, but, thanks to the ground-scraping stance, it also makes it look far better as well. The best solution here is to install a coil-over suspension from a company like H&R, which will offer a wide range of adjustability. Coil-overs are available for pretty much every vehicle on the market.
- 2). Replace the original (and usually smaller than optimal) wheels and tires with alloy wheels and performance tires that are wider and have a larger diameter. There are many choices when it comes to wheels, from more flashy-looking chrome rims to wheels that were developed for use on race cars and have a much more purposeful look. For maximum performance, install a set of R-compound tires, which also usually have a better-looking tread pattern. TireRack.com is a great source of wheel and tire packages.
- 3). Modify the motor. If your import is not turbocharged or supercharged, adding one of these forms of forced induction is a common path to more power. Both of these methods rely on compressors that force air into the motor, either on the exhaust side or the intake side, for a sizable horsepower bump. If your car already has a turbo or a supercharger, or you simply want to forgo the expense of converting it, then install speed parts like a larger-diameter exhaust, cold air intake, headers and a reprogrammed ECU (engine control unit).
- 4). Install a body kit or exterior additions. When most people think "import" and "tuner," visions of outrageous-looking body kits and massive wings might spring to mind because of movies like "The Fast and the Furious." And while this is certainly a valid approach, you can also keep the appearance of your import car more subtle by blacking out the lights, adding a front-lip spoiler and then finishing off the exterior with some subtle graphics. In fact, this approach has become more popular recently.
- 5). Upgrade the interior. Another major focus of most tuned imports is the interior. Here, start by replacing the original wheel with a smaller wheel from a company like MOMO, and then replace the shift knob and pedals with accessories from Sparco. After that, replace the seats with one-piece buckets from Sparco as well. Also install four-point racing harnesses, and then bolt in a roll bar, or even a full roll cage, to round out the changes here.
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