Common 4x4 Performance Upgrades Explained

4x4 Performance.

In the automotive landscape, you’ll find “hard core” and dedicated owners of vehicles that have modified their vehicle to provide better performance.

That last word usually brings forth images of supercharged V8s, turbo intercoolers on 1970s Datsuns and the like, however the off-road fraternity are just as fiercely proud of what their four wheel drive vehicles can be made to do.

When it comes to upgrading a 4x4 for performance, there are plenty of areas available look at.

Tyres.

For the most part, and in no way a slight on tyre manufacturers, the rubber provided for the factory fresh 4x4 are generally a compromise with a leaning towards tarmac operations. Factors such as road noise and wear have to be considered, especially in the areas of compliance in Australia.

Tyres specifically made for off-roading enhance the grip levels across the terrains expected; mud, rock, gravel, and sand. Approach and departure angles can be increased thanks to the extra grip, and also by selecting bigger wheels and rubber.

However, there can be a limit as to how much of an improvement bigger rubber can provide. Turning circles, for example, can be increased as wider tyres may not be always suitable for the size of a vehicle wheel well and may rub on the linings. Higher profile tyres can have a spongier ride thanks to the increased sidewall height, and also noise levels can increase to the point a vehicle’s noise insulation may not be able to provide a comfortable ambient cabin noise level.

Suspension.

Many non-4x4 drivers would be familiar with the term “lift kit”. It’s possibly, in a mechanical sense, one of the more common upgrades to a four wheel drive’s performance capability. However, getting the right mix of components is crucial. Shock absorbers, for example, will have a longer stroke, or travel, to cope with the expected increase in suspension movement. The walls of the absorbers are stronger to deal with the compression and rebounds, plus the mounting bushes will be of a more durable material.

Springs and the two main types, coil and leaf, will feature in a performance upgrade. On a standard vehicle, the coil springs will be of a certain height and “rate”, the amount of effort taken to compress a spring over a distance and timeframe.

Remembering that there are certain levels of compliance required at a state level, longer springs, and springs with differing rates will change how a vehicle handles both on- and off-road. And of course there are springs to suit 4x4 vehicles that may be used for towing quite often, and again would need to be checked against the compliance regulations.

Engine.

Modern vehicles are built to a far higher emissions standard than vehicles of ten years ago, so any change to an engine also has to be in compliance with current emissions technology. Aftermarket suppliers of engine management systems and chips ensure that their performance upgrades, such as more management chips that provide consistent fuel pressure for better delivery of fuel, the boost levels of turbos, or the timing of the injectors as they feed fuel into the cylinders, are certified to maintain the correct emissions levels.

Exhausts too are also checked, mainly for drive-by noise levels as larger diameter pipes or redesigned header systems that allow for better breathing can increase exhaust noise levels. An upside to changing exhausts is that fuel economy can be better due to a more efficient intake and outlet process.

In order to ensure a modified engine keeps its cool, upgraded radiators, with thicker cores for more fluid capacity, and electric water pumps and fans to increase fluid flow and airflow over a radiator’s vanes, are a great idea and a relatively simple way to increase performance.

Fluid and airflow for harder working engines are critical as extra work produces extra heat in a motor, and if no cooling upgrades are included, engine life and efficiency can drop dramatically.

The Garage Miami is your one-stop-shop for 4x4 upgrades and information. We stock a range of parts from renowned 4x4 companies such as EFS, Bilstein, King Springs, Rival Bars and much more. Give us a call on 07 5572 1711 so we can get you pointed in the right direction!