4 First Car Upgrades to Improve Track Performance When You’re Just Starting Out

Starting to build your first track car is an incredibly exciting venture. Taking the time to explore, choose, and install all of the different customizations and modifications will surely take some time, but will be a worthwhile process. However, the last thing you want to do is waste your time and money on inferior or unnecessary parts.

So, what are the best first car upgrades you should make to hit faster speeds and heightened performance? Keep reading to find out.

1. Racing Seats and Harnesses

If you want to reach top speeds in your car, your body must be prepared and protected first. Replacing stock seats and seat belts should be one of the first upgrades you make. A supportive racing seat, such as a bucket style, will provide comfort and security when you’re making long trips around the track. Upgrading to a harness will keep you in that seat, help to prevent unwanted movement in an accident, and avoid creating pressure on any particular area that can lead to bruises, cuts, or broken bones.

2. Seat Positioning

While getting the right seating position isn’t necessarily an upgrade, it will help you achieve a better driving experience. There are three ways you want to adjust your seat position.

First, sit as upright as possible. You’ll have complete control of the car, see out of the car better, and feel the car’s movements more.

Second, sit as low as possible while still being able to see over the steering wheel. This will also allow you to feel the movements of the car.

Third, get as close as possible to the steering wheel. Your forearms should rest on top of the steering wheel when they’re extended. When holding the wheel, your elbows should form an approximate 45-degree angle. Your legs should also have a little bend in them. In the event of an accident, a fully stretched leg will break more easily.

3. Safety Equipment

Before you can get out on the track, your car will need to be equipped with some safety equipment first. While a proper racing seat and harness are good first steps, a roll bar or cage should be installed. During an impact accident, these structures help protect the driver from injuries. Especially during a rolling car crash, it can help prevent the roof from crushing you.

4. Stripped Interior

The easiest way to give your car a little bit more speed is to strip the interior. Think about it: your car is literally being made for the track. Does it need extra seats, an air conditioning unit, or sound deadening insulation? By removing these parts, you can easily lighten your car by 300 pounds. By making your race car lighter, you can accelerate faster, brake shorter, and corner better.

Getting Started with Car Performance Upgrades

When you’re first starting out, you may want to talk to someone who’s built a race car before. Finding a reliable performance shop to work with throughout your build will be key to winning on the track. At Total Performance Center, we’re ready to talk you through performance upgrades and builds to start your first race car. Call our expert technicians today.