Performance parts cars are not built for the ordinary.
If you’re passionate about extracting sharper handling, real horsepower gains, and motorsport-inspired looks, you want more than off-the-shelf upgrades.
This guide showcases the 15 performance parts our community swears by—high-quality carbon fiber body kits, precision wheels, aerodynamics, and more—designed to enhance both your car’s speed and character without compromise. Here’s what will actually move the needle on your build.
1. Carbon Fiber Body Kits
In the world of performance parts cars, nothing transforms both speed and style like a carbon fiber body kit. If you’re looking for visible gains and lasting impact, focus here first.
Core Results You Get:
- Save 40–60% in weight over fiberglass—shed 18–22 lbs from the front end. That equals 0.1–0.2 second drops in 0–60 on heavier cars.
- Drop your center of gravity and boost stability. This isn’t just for looks; expect improved turn-in and high-speed confidence.
- Show up at meets with a true motorsport look, thanks to deep-gloss, dry pre-preg carbon and the right UV-protected finish.
- Install with OEM-level fit. Our kits, including options for BMW’s G82 M4 and F92 M8, line up bolt-for-bolt and don’t need extra modification.
- Keep things looking sharp for years. We clear coat everything for maximum protection under punishing sun and heat.
The right carbon kit means you get both incredible curb appeal and proven aerodynamics—no compromise.
Our approach: We engineer every kit for precise fitment, quick install, and total compatibility—even with modern sensor arrays. Need track-ready durability? Carbon keeps its structure for years and, with our easy-to-maintain surface, you avoid weathering that ruins lesser knockoffs.
2. Gloss Black Aerodynamic Splitters
Want instant aggression and better grip without breaking the bank? A gloss black splitter delivers sleek style and performance edge, all while staying practical for daily use.
Gloss black splitters:
- Combat front lift and stabilize turn-in at speed. Notice improved confidence on both highway and twisty roads.
- Use robust ABS or composite materials. These recover from curb scuffs and daily abuse better than plain fiberglass or brittle alternatives.
- Pair perfectly with carbon aero for a high-end look, or stand alone on a budget build.
- Bolt on fast. Most setups use factory bumper points, so you get a weekend project that pays off every morning.
If you care about resilience, add clear film over the gloss to keep stone chips at bay. We recommend ABS gloss for daily drivers; it’s easier to maintain and cheaper to fix than high-dollar carbon.
3. Valvetronic Cat-Back Exhaust Systems
Unlock extra power and turbo sound, but keep your neighbors happy. Valvetronic cat-back systems let you tune your exhaust’s volume at the press of a button.
Why performance-minded owners choose valvetronic exhausts:
- Get noticeable midrange power and torque by opening up flow with smooth-bending T304 stainless pipes.
- Select your mood. Go loud with open valves for track days, then switch to quiet mode for the school run.
- Rely on solid, corrosion-proof construction and quad tips that hold up under heat and aggressive use.
- Fit right into your factory valve system. No wiring headaches, no warning lights, just seamless function.
Our ASM Performance line is all about easy gains with daily-friendly usability. Match a valvetronic system to downpipes and an ECU tune for a full-system power boost.
4. High-Flow Downpipes (Sport Cats and De-Cat)
Looking for the single biggest power gain on a turbocharged motor? Upgrade your downpipe.
- Slash backpressure at the turbo. With a sport-cat or straight-pipe de-cat, you unleash strong gains in torque and response—especially with a proper ECU remap.
- Use 304L stainless steel for heat and corrosion resistance. Every weld is tight and precise, holding up when factory pipes would fail.
- Pick a 200-cell sport cat for improved flow while keeping street smog checks within reach. De-cat pipes push flow to the max for off-road builds.
- Bolt up to OEM locations and turbo flanges for BMW S58, S55, and more.
Always match a downpipe upgrade with a quality tune. If you’re building for both street and track, sport-cat is your best middle ground.
5. Custom Forged Alloy Wheels
Change the way your car feels and looks with properly spec’d forged wheels. This upgrade touches acceleration, handling, and braking all in one shot.
What forged alloy delivers:
- Lose unnecessary unsprung mass—get sharper response, quicker launches, and shorter stopping distances.
- Customize fitment, stance, and finish perfectly for your car’s dimensions and style.
- Use one-piece monoblock or multi-piece setups that withstand hard launches and serious track miles.
- Plan for your brakes and tires. No more squeezing big brakes behind 19″ wheels, or worrying about clearance for 305-section tires.
- Stand out and stay protected—choose from custom color options with durable coatings that resist chips, salt, and brake dust.
We engineer our ASM Forged Wheels for a blend of lightness and strength. Every set is load-rated and tested for longevity on serious enthusiast builds.
6. High-Performance Suspension Systems
Fast cars aren’t just about power—they’re about control. Dial in the grip, comfort, and stance you want with the right coilover kit or damper/spring setup.
Expect:
- Height and damping that you set. Drop it for street style, raise it for track, tune firmness for your roads and driving.
- Real handling advantages: flatter cornering, stronger launches, and less brake dive.
- Retained ride quality with advanced systems—many kits still support adaptive dampers.
- More tire surface hitting the pavement, maximizing all that grip you paid for in your wheels and tires.
The right suspension is the line between a car that just looks fast and one you can actually trust at ten-tenths.
After every install, get a full alignment. Repeat after a track day or big height change, and keep those contact patches even.
7. Performance Brake Kits
When you add speed, you need control. Performance brake kits turn confident acceleration into real stopping power—lap after lap.
Upgrading brings:
- Larger rotors and multi-piston calipers. These changes alone can cut your 60–0 time and prevent fade at the limit.
- Advanced venting and two-piece rotor setups. They pump more air, staying cool and sharp even during hard repeated stops.
- Compatibility with hard-driving compounds. Use aggressive pads on track, then swap to less dust on the street.
- Maximum value for the dollar. Top brake kits hold 65–70% resale and offer easier, cheaper service than carbon ceramics.
Always bed pads and rotors after install. Use the fitment templates provided to check your wheel setup first—bigger brakes sometimes demand larger wheels for clearance.
8. Cold Air Intake Systems
Let your engine breathe. Cold air intakes open up airflow, drop intake temps, and give your throttle response a distinct snap.
Key results:
- Up to 10–15 hp gains in real-world testing, especially paired with exhaust and ECU tune.
- Stronger induction sound—hear your turbo spool or N/A motor roar.
- Smooth piping and strategically-sealed boxes to keep heat soak out of the equation.
Install, maintain the filter, and consider pairing with a tune for best results on forced induction platforms.
9. Lightweight Flywheel and Clutch Upgrades
Ready to move past basic bolt-ons? Replace your flywheel and clutch to transfer power with real aggression.
- Lightweight flywheels cut inertia, letting revs climb and fall quickly for razor-sharp response.
- Upgraded multi-plate clutches and pressure plates grab harder. No more slip at launch or during power shifts.
- Chromoly or billet flywheels stay strong under repeated abuse. Every install is an opportunity to refresh bearings and inspect your transmission health.
- Matter for both street and track. Aim for a pressure plate that fits your daily needs and holds up for your toughest acceleration runs.
Single-plate upgrades fit most street builds. Multi-plate is best for drag or dedicated track monsters. Always break in new clutches for smooth engagement and longer life.
10. Performance Tires (Max/Ultra-High Performance Summer Tires)
Tires are the single most critical upgrade for unleashing every other mod on your car. Without real grip, power is wasted and handling never reaches its full potential.
Choose Like a Pro
- UHP summer tires can drop your lap times by up to 1.5 seconds compared to standard rubber. Grip, braking, and cornering consistency all skyrocket.
- Brands like Michelin Pilot Sport 4S set the benchmark for grip and durability. You feel every dollar spent in tighter turns and faster launches.
- Picking the right width and profile is crucial. Wider tires increase contact patches but can impact ride quality and rolling resistance.
- Dial in pressures and alignment after each swap. A correctly set tire makes the biggest difference, both on track and the street.
- If you drive year-round, use performance dedicated sets and avoid running UHPs in winter—they lose effectiveness in freezing temps.
Pressure, compound, and size must match your wheel and driving goals. Swap early—don’t let worn tires hold back your build.
11. Adjustable Camber Kits and Suspension Arms
Once you lower your car or get serious about grip, precise alignment adjustments become vital. Camber kits and adjustable arms keep tire contact optimized for every scenario.
Why Adjustable Arms Matter
- Restore correct tire angle, so you maximize contact under hard cornering and avoid burning through expensive tires.
- Tighten steering feel and feedback with geometry corrections that stock parts just can’t deliver.
- Pair with quality bushings for less play and a more immediate response—especially on track sessions.
- Essential for builds running coilovers, wider wheels, or aggressive camber.
Camber matters for both performance and daily wear. After every height or arm change, dial in a fresh alignment and adjust over multiple test drives.
12. Short-Throw Shifters and Upgraded Shift Linkages
Manual lovers want every shift to feel precise and mechanical. Short-throw shifters and solid linkage upgrades help you connect instantly with your car.
- Reduce throw length, making gear changes faster and more satisfying.
- Upgraded bushings eliminate slop, so each shift lands crisp every time.
- Easy install for most platforms—just make sure to lubricate and check fit after hard use.
- Best for those who want a race-inspired feel every trip, but also those tackling autocross events.
Pair a short shifter with a lightweight flywheel for the sharpest response.
13. Uprated Intercoolers and Forced Induction Cooling
More boost means more heat. Uprated intercoolers keep intake temperatures in check, so you maintain strong, consistent power session after session.
- Larger cores lower charge temps, which helps prevent detonation and timing pull on track.
- Improved internal fins and quality end tanks keep airflow smooth and pressure drop minimal.
- Always combine with intakes, downpipes, and a custom tune for maximum return.
- Install with clamps and piping checked for leaks—retest periodically to maintain peak output.
Consistent cooling is essential if you want real, repeatable gains from forced induction mods.
14. Interior Performance Upgrades (Seats, Steering Wheels, Pedal Sets)
True performance isn’t just about engine mods or bodywork. The right seat, wheel, and pedal upgrades actually sharpen your driving.
Tactical Interior Swaps
- Sport seats increase lateral support without killing daily comfort. FIA-homologated shells add safety for serious track days.
- Smaller, performance steering wheels give firmer feedback and ease tight corners.
- Upgraded pedal sets improve grip and enable confident heel-toe downshifts.
- Look for quality materials—leather, Alcantara, or carbon inserts for both comfort and style.
Don’t forget: proper seat installation keeps safety systems working and preserves driving posture for long-day comfort.
15. Motorsport-Grade Lighting Upgrades (LED/HID Headlights, Sequential Taillights)
Performance includes seeing and being seen. Motorsport-grade lighting modernizes appearance and sharpens visibility for late-night spirited runs.
- LED and HID upgrades output more light, helping you react faster during fast night drives.
- Sequential indicators and custom taillights deliver a race-inspired, premium look.
- Most kits install with plug-and-play ease, but check for CANBUS compatibility to avoid error lights.
- Be sure to professionally aim your headlights after installation for legal compliance and safety.
Updated lighting isn’t just style—it’s about utility at speed.
Designing the Ultimate Build: Integrating Performance Parts Cars the Smart Way
Success in performance builds comes from sequencing upgrades with purpose. Foundation, performance, and refinement—miss a step and it costs time and money.
- Foundation: Tires, brakes, suspension. These provide immediate, safe gains.
- Performance: Aero, exhaust, intake, intercooler, clutch. These unleash real speed.
- Refinement: Interior and lighting complete the package.
Your Action Plan
- Start with foundation mods for control, then build power.
- After every major hardware change, get an alignment or dyno session.
- Match every power-adder with cooling and handling upgrades.
- Avoid mismatched mods—don’t run 500 horsepower on old brakes and bargain tires.
Prioritize upgrades that amplify each other: tight alignment + UHP tires + coilovers deliver the biggest jump.
Shop with brands that stand behind their quality. Our support team is here 24/7. We guarantee fitment and offer dedicated templates so you buy with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Performance Parts Cars
Curious whether you can daily drive your build? Wondering about maintenance or legalities? We hear these questions daily—here’s what you need to know.
- Some parts, like downpipes and de-cat exhausts, may affect emissions and insurance. Double-check local rules before driving on public roads.
- Every major upgrade needs post-install checks: fasteners on aero kits, wheel alignment after suspension, and heat shielding for exhaust.
- Warranty? We back our aero and body parts with robust guarantees, and always support you with expert help.
- Performance upgrades can boost resale if documentation is thorough and work is clean—avoid rushed installs and keep receipts.
- Build sequence matters. Start with safety and control, then chase horsepower, never the other way around.
Always document, maintain, and upgrade smart. That’s how you stay ahead.
Conclusion
Building a serious performance parts car is about discipline and direction. Start with the foundation. Sequence upgrades so one complements the other. Choose brands offering quality and fitment guarantees, and never cut a corner on install or tuning. The result? Real-world speed, razor-sharp style, and a drive that rewards you every time you hit the road.
