Is there a point to do performance modifications?

[persianKID]

Hey everyone - love this forum and definitely learn a lot.. I just had a long connversation with this car mechanic who lectured me on the concept of modifying my camry to improve any performance and was saying from his standpoint there isn't any point to modify a car like a camry since it is made for a particular purpose and that the weight distribution along with chassis doesn't give you many options in terms of really improving performance by modifying and tha tis' best to leave it the way it is.. He also said that any change of wheel to a size bigger than factory would cause a degradation in performance -

He said for example - if you increase the horsepower of your engine - you have to look at other parts of the car that will be negatively effected.. if you do this - then that happens.. etc.. I t hink there is some truth to what he said, but I still need to believe that my toyota camry can be modified to improve performance, but I don't want to also get decreases in other areas..

What do you all think about the Rim-Size thing.. that adding bigger rims can cause decreased performance?

thanks -
PersianKID

[Razo-E]

it's not neccessarily larger wheels, it's the rotational mass, and the weight of the wheel that may require more energy from the engine to complete a revolution...

(these are all estimates)

if you have 20lb 17's, compared to, let's say, your OEM 30lb 16's, as long as the tire/wheel circumference is smaller in the 17's package, then i see no negative effects, if not improved performance...

it's when you get 40lb Chrome wheels (and some racey wheels, i wont deny that), that it starts to negatively affect the performance...


as for upgrading power, i dont think you'll go to extremes like, Tony the tiger, i'm sure you want to reach, let's say, 250 hp, max...

so you get a supercharger...

yes, you'll have to upgrade things, such as suspension, and maybe fuel delivery, but it wont be, let's say a $4000 chip, or re-enforcing your engine block, something like that...

you can make your car sportier, but unless you do have 10 grand burning a hole in your pocket, you shoudl just do what you feel looks/sounds good on your car...

good luck..

[persianKID]

OKay - so I have a 2000 camry with factory wheels.. what size wheel should I be going for - that wouldn't affect me poorly on performance?

[augcam]

I've gotta 01' Camry with a 5sfe/auto and I put on 18x8" wheels and 225/45/18 tires and I have not noticed any loss in power. I think they weigh about the same as my stock 15" steelies.

[Talisman]

When you modify one part of the car extensively, you usually should focus on other parts to compliment it. For instance, making your car really powerful. You then need to worry about brakes and handling. And if you de serious mods to the engine, other things like the tranny or axles may wear out. It's really give and take and he has a slight point because with a Camry, these parts may wear out faster since they were not designed with performance in mind. Personally, I really could give a $hit. I just change things as the brake and upgrade to better parts. Basically, you have to PAY to PLAY. All cars relability is sacrificed the more you modify them. You just have to either be like me and not care so you keep modifying so that eventually all parts should be able to withstand the abuse(at the expense of normal driveability) or you need to find a happy medium between taking the car far enough and not taking it too far. I personally don't mind the loud exhaust, rough ride, tires that wear out faster, or having to upgrade parts. It's all worth it in the long run to me.

[toyrolla]

Originally posted by Talisman18
When you modify one part of the car extensively, you usually should focus on other parts to compliment it. For instance, making your car really powerful. You then need to worry about brakes and handling. And if you de serious mods to the engine, other things like the tranny or axles may wear out. It's really give and take and he has a slight point because with a Camry, these parts may wear out faster since they were not designed with performance in mind. Personally, I really could give a $hit. I just change things as the brake and upgrade to better parts. Basically, you have to PAY to PLAY. All cars relability is sacrificed the more you modify them. You just have to either be like me and not care so you keep modifying so that eventually all parts should be able to withstand the abuse(at the expense of normal driveability) or you need to find a happy medium between taking the car far enough and not taking it too far. I personally don't mind the loud exhaust, rough ride, tires that wear out faster, or having to upgrade parts. It's all worth it in the long run to me.

Well said, my friend...

...spoken like a true Camry tuner.....