Performance car modification is about much more than simply increasing horsepower. The right performance car parts can transform the way your vehicle accelerates, handles, brakes, sounds and responds to driver input.

Whether you own a Toyota GR Yaris, Honda Civic Type R, Nissan GT-R, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Evo, BMW M3, Toyota Supra, Nissan 350Z/370Z, Volkswagen Golf GTI/R or another enthusiast vehicle, choosing compatible, high-quality upgrades is essential.

At Performance Cars Parts UK, enthusiasts can find aftermarket and performance components covering areas including engine, braking, suspension, air intake, cooling, exhaust and transmission. 

What Are Performance Car Parts?

Performance parts are components designed to improve one or more aspects of a vehicle beyond its standard factory configuration.

Depending on the upgrade, this can include:

• Increased horsepower and torque
• Improved throttle response
• Better engine cooling
• Reduced intake temperatures
• Improved exhaust flow
• Sharper handling
• Reduced body roll
• Increased braking performance
• Improved drivetrain performance
• Better reliability on tuned engines

A well-planned performance build should consider the car as a complete system rather than focusing solely on maximum horsepower.

1. Performance Exhaust Systems

A performance exhaust system is one of the most popular upgrades for enthusiasts.

Depending on the vehicle and system, owners may choose between cat-back, axle-back, turbo-back and valved exhaust configurations.

A freer-flowing performance exhaust can reduce restrictions while changing the character and sound of the vehicle.

Popular searches include performance exhaust UK, sports exhaust, cat back exhaust, stainless steel exhaust and valved exhaust system.

For turbocharged cars in particular, exhaust upgrades are frequently combined with intake, intercooler and ECU calibration changes as part of more extensive tuning packages. 

2. Performance Air Intakes & Induction Kits

An engine needs air, fuel and ignition to produce power.

A performance air intake or induction kit is designed to improve airflow into the engine while potentially reducing restrictions found in the standard intake system.

Popular options include:

Cold air intakes
Performance panel filters
Induction kits
High-flow air filters
Turbo inlet pipes
Silicone intake hoses

An intake can also increase induction and turbocharger sound, which is one reason it remains a popular modification among performance-car owners.

3. Performance Intercoolers

Owners of turbocharged vehicles should pay particular attention to intake temperatures.

Compressing air through a turbocharger generates heat. A larger or more efficient performance intercooler can help manage charge-air temperatures under demanding conditions.

Intercooler upgrades are particularly popular on cars such as the Toyota GR Yaris, Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf GTI/R, Ford Focus ST/RS, Hyundai i30 N, BMW turbo models and Subaru WRX STI.

For tuned turbocharged cars, improved cooling can become increasingly important as boost and engine load increase.

4. Coilovers & Performance Suspension

Power means little if the chassis cannot use it effectively.

Performance suspension modifications can include:

Coilovers
Lowering springs
Performance dampers
Anti-roll bars
Suspension bushes
Control arms
Tie rods
Adjustable suspension components

Suspension changes are among the most common vehicle modifications in the UK. 

A properly selected suspension setup can improve body control and steering response while also changing the vehicle’s ride height and stance.

5. Performance Brake Pads & Brake Discs

More performance should be accompanied by sufficient stopping capability.

Common performance brake upgrades include:

• Performance brake pads
• Grooved brake discs
• Drilled brake discs
• Two-piece brake discs
• Braided brake hoses
• High-temperature brake fluid
• Big brake kits

Uprated brakes are also among commonly reported UK vehicle modifications. 

For fast-road and track vehicles, brake upgrades can be one of the most worthwhile modifications.

6. Engine Performance Parts

Enthusiasts building higher-powered engines may eventually move beyond simple bolt-on upgrades.

Performance engine components can include:

Forged connecting rods
Forged pistons
Performance bearings
Head studs
Camshafts
Valve-train components
Engine mounts
Oil coolers
Catch cans

Choosing components appropriate for the intended power level is essential when planning a performance engine build.

7. Turbocharger Upgrades

When the standard turbocharger becomes the limiting factor, enthusiasts may consider a larger or upgraded turbo.

However, installing a bigger turbo is rarely a standalone modification.

Higher-output turbo builds can require supporting upgrades involving fuelling, cooling, intake, exhaust, ECU calibration, clutch or transmission components and engine internals.

This is why planning the complete build before purchasing parts can save considerable money later.

8. Performance Clutches & Transmission Parts

Additional torque places increased load on the drivetrain.

Depending on the vehicle and intended power level, upgrades may include:

Performance clutch kits
Lightweight flywheels
Transmission mounts
Differential components
Gearbox upgrades
Transmission cooling

Performance Cars Parts UK already carries transmission categories including clutches, flywheels, gears and other gearbox components. 

What Should You Upgrade First?

There isn’t one universal answer.

For a road car, maintenance and vehicle condition should come before chasing horsepower. Brakes, tyres and chassis condition also deserve consideration before significant power increases.

For many turbocharged performance cars, a sensible progression might involve ensuring the car is healthy, followed by appropriate braking/handling upgrades and then intake, exhaust, cooling and ECU calibration according to the owner’s goals.

The exact sequence depends heavily on the vehicle.

Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3?

You’ll frequently see performance builds described as Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3.

These terms are useful shorthand but are not universal technical standards. Different tuners can define each stage differently. 

Generally, Stage 1 tends to involve software calibration with relatively standard hardware. Stage 2 normally adds supporting airflow/cooling/exhaust components, while Stage 3 can involve significantly larger hardware changes such as upgraded turbochargers and fuelling systems.

Always check the exact requirements specified by the tuner.

Buy Performance Car Parts in the UK

Finding the correct part for your exact vehicle is just as important as selecting the brand.

At Performance Cars Parts UK⁠, customers can browse thousands of aftermarket and performance products covering engine, brakes, suspension, intake, cooling, exhaust, transmission and wheels. 

Whether you’re building a fast-road Honda, modifying a Toyota GR Yaris, preparing a Nissan GT-R, upgrading a Subaru or Mitsubishi, or improving a European performance car, the objective should be the same: use correctly matched components and build the car as a complete package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best performance upgrades for a car?

The answer depends on the vehicle, but tyres, brakes, suspension, intake, exhaust, intercooler and ECU tuning are common starting points.

Do performance parts increase horsepower?

Some can. Intakes, exhaust systems, intercoolers, turbochargers and ECU calibration can contribute to increased performance, but results vary considerably by vehicle and combination of parts.

Are coilovers worth buying?

Quality coilovers can provide ride-height adjustment and improved chassis control, particularly where the suspension setup is selected for the intended road or track use.

Should I upgrade my brakes before increasing power?

Braking performance, tyres and overall vehicle condition should form part of the build plan when increasing vehicle performance.

Where can I buy performance car parts in the UK?

Performance Cars Parts UK supplies a large catalogue of aftermarket components covering Japanese, European and other performance vehicles.