The very first few engine modifications are usually intake, header and exhaust. Getting more air in and out of the engine will increase performance. However, doing so requires perfect engineering. Piping too small will cause a restriction in airflow while piping too large will be too free-flowing and not provide enough back pressure. To get the optimum result in horsepower, you'll want to buy an intake, header and exhaust from a reputable manufacturer that has done the research and engineering for your car. Other features to look for include construction, sound and look. Expensive stainless steel constructed exhaust are not only better-looking, and a bit more rust resilient, they are also usually much lighter than typical pieces. The following are some of the best products that are on the market today.

Drifting is all about balance. Balanced mind, body and soul - and of course a balanced car is important too! The biggest enemy of any drift car is suspension slop and as you'll notice there are lots of parts on the market designed to stiffen up your drift mobile. These parts allow you to dial in your alignment settings and minimize deflection to allow the suspension to work at its full ability. Camber, caster, toe, roll center, steering angle and more can be tuned. Once the chassis has been properly equipped the next issue is getting power to the rear wheels smoothly. This is where the help of a beefy clutch setup and 1.5 or 2-way LSD come in. Whether you drive a Nissan, Toyota or Mazda we've got parts to help you slide!

Who: Greddy
What: Front Mount Intercooler
Rides: 2008-up Hyundai Genesis 2.0t Only
Source: www.greddy.com, 949.588.8300
Quick to produce power-producing parts for the 2.0 Turbo Genesis is GReddy and their large front mount intercooler kit is the key to increase cooling efficiency, flow and overall power. Using a Type LS core and cast-aluminum end-tanks, the kit comes with aluminum mandrel-bent piping and all the hardware for a slick fit.

Tires are one of the most important, yet most overlooked aspects of car tuning. There's no changing the fact that they're the only portions of the car in direct contact with the ground (unless your ride is busted). While optimal grip is everyone's priority there are other things to consider, treadwear and cost being the next most important. Whether you're looking for a track tire that is going to shave seconds off your lap time, or something with style, grip and a high UTQG rating for the street, we've got what you need!

If you've gotten this far in the magazine, we're hoping you've mastered offset and wheel fitment. The final step is to purchase your set of wheels. If you're like me this is the best part about building a car. I myself have three sets of wheels for my project car and even wheels for other cars I don't even own. Some collect shoes, I collect wheels. Remember to take everything into consideration. Getting the right look is all about the wheel design, sizing and offset. You don't want a wheel too big or too small. Rim diameter should be determined by the size of the car and also the size of your fender arch. Some of these manufacturers offer custom finishes, sizing, bolt patterns and offsets. So don't hesitate to give them a call.

Who: Kinsler Induction
What: Individual
Throttle-Body Kits (Itbs)
Rides: Honda B, D And K-Series + More
source: www.kinlser.com, 248.362.6933
Kinsler ITBs are no joke! They are fully custom-built to your specifications and made with either aluminum or magnesium casings. CNC'd port window, runner profile and throttle-bodies. 51,55,57,60,62,64 and 67mm throttle bores available. Optional dual-feed fuel rails also available as well as custom plenum kits. If you're looking to make serious power on your Honda you need to go Kinsler!

Who: Tomei
What: Extreme TI Exhaust
Rides: 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X
Where: www.tomeiusa.com, 949.855.6577
How Much: $1290
New to Tomei's Extreme line is their titanium exhaust for the Mitsubishi Evo X and is the first exhaust under the Extreme line, which makes us think: why don't they make it for more applications? (We've got to see if this will fit our Ralliart Sportback project car.) Constructed of 1mm titanium, the piping is 80mm and tip is 115mm. T-bolt clamps and springs hold the exhaust together for the absolute weight savings and performance gains. Burnt blue hazes cover the tip and muffler while the tubing shows off the sectional welds.

The days of headlight conversions and booty kits are long gone. Most of the aero kits these days are wind tunnel tested and made with function in mind. Take the Evasive Motorsports S2000 from our February issue for example. With nothing more than a Voltex kit, they were able to shave two seconds off their lap time. This is a prime example of how aero plays in chassis tuning. Not just for downforce, air evacuation or diversion, aftermarket body panels like carbon hoods or trunks can also reduce weight and add strength to a car. Aftermarket bumpers also allow for removing of heavy reinforcement structures for weight savings and more airflow to the radiator. Race cars looking for function from body parts have sparked the styles and trends that many streetcars are now embracing. Although the gains are hard to measure, you can actually improve your car's performance without doing work to your engine. Here are some of the parts that can increase performance or just simply give your car a new killer look.

Who: Voltex
What: GT Wing
Rides: Many
Source: www.evasivemotorsports.com, 626.336.3400
Known the world over for their Evo body kits, Voltex of Suzuka Japan is no stranger to aerodynamics. With experience in F3 race car design it's no surprise Voltex hand fabricates all of their products with exacting attention to detail. If you're finding your car is lacking some rear traction this is the wing for you!

Who: Gt Spec
What: Chassis Braces
Rides: MAZDA RX-8
Source: www.gtspec.com, 631.586.3500
Looking to stiffen up the ride on your RX-8? Well look no further than GT Spec! With an impressive array of additional bars the GT Spec strut tower brace is beyond beefy. Made of reinforced aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum this brace can take anything you can throw at it.

Pioneer AVIC-U310BT: Extended Review
The new AVIC-U310BT is a double-DIN navigation unit with a detachable screen. But it isn't a separate PND; it's more of a security feature. You can still use the map; however, the detachable unit doesn't have a GPS. Nonetheless, I do think this is a decent selling point, especially for an inexpensive unit.

Who: Auto Produce Boss
What: DD Star Turbo Manifold
Rides: SR20DET Equipped RWD Cars
Source: Www.Apboss.Com
Ah, the HKS TO4Z. Yes, the badass one with the surge holes. The only problem here is HKS doesn't make a manifold to bolt that bad boy to a SR20DET. Now comes AP Boss with their new DD Star manifold (double D, for Drift and Drag). Stainless steel, equal length and top mount. Need we say more? All we have to do now is try to convince AP Boss USA to give us one to 'test fit' on Charles' 240SX.

Summer's over and you haven't even started on your projects, right?! Maybe it's fortunate that you procrastinate like you're going to live forever. We got some new gear for you that might inspire you to get back into that oven of a garage. So if you need navigation, some new speakers, a woofer or some wiring for the DIY projects you promised yourself you were going to finish before the end of summer, then lookie here. These products are just as good at twice the price but available for half that.

Who: Function7
What: Rear Subframe Brace
Rides: '96-00 Honda Civic
Source: www.function-7.com
Well it seems like the people at Function7 were paying attention when we mentioned the need for an EK subframe brace for Sean's hatch. They are proud to announce the release of the EK subframe brace in all it's machined awesomeness!

Who: Darton
What: M.I.D. sleeve kit
Rides: Evo x/4b11
Source: www.dartonsleeves.com
The sleeve masters at Darton have a new trick up their sleeves (pun definitely intended). The new M.I.D. kit for the 4B11 engine now allows for boring anywhere from 86mm-90mm while still handling 50+ pounds of boost. For those of you not already familiar with Darton's modular sleeve designs, this kit will allow replacement of single sleeves in the rare case of damage. I.E. if you crack one sleeve you simply replace it, instead of having to re-machine the whole block. And if that's not enough to convince you, Darton is offering an installation of the kit with a rapid 15-day turnaround!

Brakes are one of the most overlooked upgrades on a car. There's no point in building an engine and car if you can't brake in time for a turn. Good brakes will keep you from slamming into a wall. Brakes can also lower your lap times by allowing for a later braking point. Not just for the big bling factor, but there's several good advantages for upgrading your brakes. From upgrading pads and rotors, to full-blown kits, we're going to show you what's available and explain to you why you need it.

Let's face it; we love to mimic the Japanese when it comes to tuning their cars. It's no surprise or news to anyone. Some of these trends are functional and some can be just plain idiotic. We love being JDM as much as the next guy, but sometimes it's just too much. We'll let you decide which ones you want to portray.

The car audio market continues to face a challenge from the OEs, but judging from the latest crop of new products showcased at CES, it's clear the industry is still full of innovations. In the past it was the aftermarket that led carmakers to incorporate the technologies developed by the former and we enjoy various new car technologies today in large part due to aftermarket companies. Given what's happening in the car market and the general economy, it makes a lot of sense to keep your current vehicle or buy a used one and customize it with the latest gear.

Who: Titek Innovations
What: Stainless Steel Manifolds
Rides: Nissan SR20DET, Mazda RX-8, Mitsubishi Evo 8/9
Where: www.titekusa.com, 877.333.8613
TiTek Innovations exhaust manifolds are now available for the RX-8, Evo 8/9,and the SR20DET. These are made of SUS304 stainless steel and mandrel-bent tubing to enhance exhaust gas flow. The manifolds directly bolt onto stock engines (and turbos).

Who: Afe
What: Air Intake System
Rides: '06-08 Honda Civic
Source: www.afepower.com
The new aFe Stage 2 air intake system features a one-piece heat shield for maximum air control. This system also includes a performance engineered rotomolded plastic housing for maximum air control and performance. The Stage 2 system comes with an option of two different air filters, the Pro 5R or the Pro Dry S. The Pro 5R performance air filter utilizes 5-layers of progressive cotton media for maximum flow and performance, while the Pro Dry S filter uses 2-layers of progressive synthetic media that requires no recharging oils for maximum convenience. In recent testing, the system produced 4hp and 5ft. lbs. of torque and 89% more airflow than the factory intake as well as improved MPG.

Product Of The Month
Who: Brand Endless Int'l
What: Zeal Function Function-A coilovers
Rides: GRB Impreza
Source: www.brand-endless.com, 714.847.0694
Brand Endless' Zeal Function Function-A coilovers for the GRB Impreza use an inverted monotube design on the front shocks with adjustable pillow ball upper mounts to adjust camber and non-inverted rears featuring aluminum rigid upper mounts. They're completely customizable with damping adjustability with a variety of upper mounts and springs to choose from.

Product Of The Month
Who: Tenzo Racing Sports
What: Type-M Wheels
Rides: Various Applications
source: www.tenzoracingsports.com
Wheels are the easiest improvement to a car's looks and these Tenzo Type-M wheels will definitely get heads turning. These one-piece, cast aluminum alloy wheels come in sizes 17 through 19 inches and in black, machined, bronze, charcoal, and white finishes.

Who: Chaser Aerodynamics
What: Carbon-Fiber Dashboard and gauge Cluster Cover
Rides: '00-present Honda S2000
Source: www.aerokits.net, 866.360.Kits

So you've been thinking about throwin' some new thangs on your ride for a while now, but you're not sure what to get. The only thing you are sure about is that your current rolling stock is wiggity-wiggity-wack. There are so many choices out there that it can be hard to choose just one set of wheels. That's where we come in, a JDM-inspired mini wheel buyer's guide to make life a little easier. Whether you call them wheels, rims, skates, shoes, rollers, kicks, thangs or whatever else, we're going to introduce you to what's hot so you can stop frontin' ya jive turkeys.

Who: Racing Beat
What: Header
Rides: '04-'08 Mazda RX-8
Source: www.racingbeat.com, 714.779.8677
Racing Beat has just released its fully stainless steel header for the '04-'08 Mazda RX-8. The cast-stainless steel flange is precisely cut to improve the flow of gases thru the hand-assembled and hand-polished stainless tubing. A brilliant finish makes this look as good as it performs. Using the actual OEM outlet flange, the header perfect fits with the stock exhaust.