This article first appeared in the March, 2016 edition of SportsCar Magazine. SCCA members can read the current and past editions of SportCar digitally here after logging into their account; To become an SCCA member and get SportsCar mailed to your home address monthly in addition to the digital editions, click here.
Upgrade Disorder \ˈəp-ˌgrād dis-ˈȯr-dər\: Replacing a perfectly good vehicle part with a higher performance part instead of leaving good enough alone.
Angela Carlascio’s women in amateur motorsports journey continues, this time with a disorder that knows no gender
A true gear head, regardless of gender, knows the definition of upgrade disorder by heart – yet denies having it to no end. They refuse to add up receipts, and then hide the parts from their significant other unless they first had to obtain funding approval. The problem isn’t only the cost; it’s going overboard. Just because a part can be upgraded doesn’t necessarily mean that it should be. It didn’t take long for it to hit me. So, how does one manage upgrade disorder?
First, consider performance value. We would all like to believe that if we throw more “performance” parts at a car, we will become faster – and the more expensive the part, the faster we will go. Sadly, the math doesn’t add up. Often it is the driver who makes the vehicle go faster – but that’s not my lane in SportsCar; I’ll leave it to Randy Pobst to upgrade that disorder. I’m instead going to give you pointers on the decision-making process.
The key is to find performance parts that complement your driving style. The key word in that sentence is “your.” If, for example, you get on the brakes earlier or harder than the guys around you, their tuning route might not necessarily be right for you. Don’t be afraid to do what you believe will work best for your driving style.
Once you’ve figured out the parts you need, the next problem is getting those parts on the car. Remember my first article? Performance parts will rarely, if ever, be a direct fit. Don’t let that stop you. This is where the research lesson comes into play in seeing what tools you need, what others encountered while performing the same modification, and preparing for the possible needed assist (remember what I said in that previous article – everyone needs a helping hand eventually). And as frustrating as it is to have parts not fit, everything you do on your car can help you with the next project. It’s a machine of parts that must work together to perform, so don’t shy away from the project.
Where do all the tools you need for the latest project come from, the garage fairy? Umm, no. Some tools we have to purchase, borrow, or beg for. So, while we upgrade the car, we also often upgrade our garage with new tools – although watch the costs. There are tools you may only use one time, while others will be used to excess. Research the tools, then purchase – or borrow for free, as many automotive parts stores offer free specialty tool rental.
“One thing,” as The Fixx says, “leads to another.” It’s an upgrade law. You upgrade this and you have to upgrade that because (as stated) it’s a machine of parts that have to work together, so be prepared. How many people upgraded their brakes but didn’t look twice at the brake master cylinder and lines? Here is a general tip: Look at what you want to upgrade, then follow the trail to see everything affected by it. It’s not a scary trail, it’s a realistic one.
If you’re going to do something, do it right – but don’t overdo it and don’t get caught by the upgrade disorder. Now make a plan, get in your garage, and get to work!
Words by Angela CarlascioImage by iStockPhoto.com/Denis_prof
