Top 10 Easy Performance Projects

Radiator Swap Consider too the possibility there are radiators factory-manufactured for special applications, such as a police/pursuit application or with a big block (if you're a small block guy).
Speaking of engine coolant, aftermarket radiators are a very easy afternoon swap. Usually just a matter of undoing two hoses, the shroud and some bracketry (and removal of the electric fan if it secures to the radiator), expanded engine cooling capacity is a few twists of the wrist away. Factory cooling is, once again, just enough to handle the factory-spec systems when new. As soon as you begin making performance modifications, though, you make more power, and that means more heat. For example, early Ford Mustangs (most often equipped with a puny two-row radiator) are notorious for running out of cooling capacity quickly when modified. Aftermarket replacement radiators might use aluminum or brass cores and hardware, and flow more efficiently than the factory unit. Consider too the possibility there are radiators factory-manufactured for special applications, such as a police/pursuit application or with a big block (if you're a small block guy). While you're at it, examine the radiator hoses for cracking or loss of structural integrity-replace them with silicone pieces if available.


The factory pump is limited in its ability to cope with beyond-factory levels of fuel demand. If your power situation is expanded beyond the factory level, the pump will be working at full capacity just to keep up with daily driving. Full throttle can starve the engine and result in overheating and power-robbing lean conditions. The easy fix (unless you're making power far beyond stock levels; then you'll need more than a pump to catch up) is removal of the factory pump and filter. Some cars require you to drop the gas tank, others just need a panel in the trunk popped out. In place of the stock parts, drop in a pump with greater g.p.h. (gallon per hour) capacity and new filter. Upgrade-replacement units are available that will bolt right in. If you have the time, plumb a fuel pressure gauge in the engine compartment and install an adjustable pressure regulator and you'll have real-time information-access and control.