One of the most tried and true car manufacturers, Ford, has always been making vehicles that everyone can afford without there being any fuss about user convenience. New drivers and experienced ones have a wide selection of models to choose from that will suit their needs. Ford vehicles are also known to be some of the safest all-around vehicles that offer technology-rich infotainment systems and solid performance.
You won't get a vehicle that will blow your socks off, but it will get you from point A to point B without any hassle, and you'll enjoy the experience too. Especially with the likes of the Focus, you will definitely have a fun drive every time you get into it. But what if you want to take that level of fun to another level?
Popular Performance Upgrades
Forced Induction
Introducing forced induction or improving the one you already have in your Ford come as two solutions - turbo and superchargers. These Ford aftermarket parts will make use of excess air and reintroduce it to the engine so it maintains the RPM count and pulls well. Just remember that turbochargers are able to use exhaust gases to build their boost when RPMs increase. A supercharger has a belt-driven compressor which helps provide more boost even in a low RPM range. Superchargers are definitely the better option, but they are also more complex and less affordable too.
Cold Air Intake
While turbos help keep the supply of air adequate, a cold air intake helps ensure the quality of the air itself. By having clean and cool air enter the engine, you make your Ford run more efficiently and thus maximise its performance gains. Remember, more air also means more horsepower and, since a cold air intake is not that restrictive, you will have plenty of cool air for the engine.
Exhaust
The place where air or the result of it entering the engine goes through to exit your Ford also affects performance. This is why all Ford upgrades are not always tied to the engine, they can be tied to the exhaust system. Be it by either swapping one single exhaust component or the whole exhaust, you will feel a difference in acceleration. Although a complete exhaust replacement will make for a more notable difference, it will also make for a more time consuming and expensive one.
EFI
The next Ford aftermarket parts or rather a collection of parts fitted into one system is EFI. An electronic fuel injector is a far better option than a carburettor or one that is mechanically operated.
Not only are you getting more efficient use of fuel, but you are also improving reliability and getting lost power back. In some cases, you can see your Ford getting a 10°C drop in temperature. When it comes to installing EFIs, it's best that you go with a kit instead of purchasing everything separately.
Suspension
Although the suspension system on your Ford, or any other car, doesn't affect engine performance, it can definitely affect your ride. Depending on the type of coils, shackles, or leaves your vehicle uses, you will need to determine the upgrade you want to make.
By making your suspension firmer, for example, you will have a stiffer ride but also one that is more stable. If you want to make your Ford waft on the road, then go for a suspension upgrade that makes for a softer ride.
You may need to lower your Ford, which can help reduce drag and thus make your vehicle a lot quicker. Just remember to avoid going up too steep of a hill or over bumps that you would normally avoid, so you don't end up damaging undercarriage components such as your exhaust.
Tires
What also affects your handling and ride quality are the tires. At the end of the day, they are the only Ford performance parts that are in contact with the road. This is why you should get the right tyres for the job. If your goal is to have quicker acceleration but not that comfortable of a ride, then smaller tyres are better. But if you want a more stable ride, even when going through tight corners, bigger tyres are better. You should also use tyres with the correct tread for the type of driving you want to do.
Brakes
Although brakes don't increase horsepower or quicken acceleration, they are still closely tied to your Ford's performance. While not in the same way as your exhaust or turbo, brakes are still the only components that slow down your vehicle. If they are not meant to be put to the test, just like some engine bay Ford performance parts, then what's the purpose of having performance Ford upgrades in the first place?
Performance brakes are bigger than your regular brakes, and they usually have pads made of ceramic fibres. These pads can withstand higher temperatures and quickly get rid of heat while having a lot of stopping power.
