A stage 1 modification can be added in isolation. This means that a true stage 1 modification part does not require any other engine modifications to get it to work. Stage 1 mods consists of intake system, engine headers and exhaust system
First comes the air filter. Replacement of the stock air filter with a performance air filter is very important. Now, there are 2 types of performance air filters: Short RAM and Cold Air Intake.
Short RAM is a type of performance air filter which goes in the stock air filter box itself but is not similar to stock air filter. Short RAM has better meshing which helps in better intake
Cold air intake is a type of performance air filter which is installed after removing the whole assembly of stock air filter along with the stock air filter box. Cold air intake is better than short RAM as short ram is placed above the engine. This results in suction of hot air. Cold air is a must for better performance as it is more dense and is Rich in oxygen so there is better combustion in the engine which results in increase in power. Cold air intake is placed away from the engine and it sucks in the colder air from the environment rather than sucking hotter air from the engine bay.
On the second number we have the engine hearders. Now the engine headers should be changed as the stock ones do not generate much power as they are more focused in eliminating the raw sound from the engine. Stock headers are basically thinner than custom headers.
Custom headers or basically race spec headers are more thicker than stock headers. Reason behind this is for better air flow through the exhaust system. Better air flow through exhaust system is very important if cold air intake is installed orelse the cold air intake won’t perform to it’s full potential. Another reason behind thicker pipes on custom headers is to have minimum loss of HP (horsepower).
In cars there is something known as HP (Horsepower) and WHP (Wheel Horsepower). They aren’t the same. HP is the power of the engine and WHP is the power delivered to the wheels. For example: a Mazda RX7 has power of 210 HP, but the power on the wheels is just 177 WHP. the 23 HP that is lost is due to thin piping in stock headers.
And on the third number comes the exhaust system. Exhaust system is the end part of engine headers. Exhaust systems are mainly installed for the raw and crisp sound which is not heard in stock cars. Exhaust systems don’t increase much of power. A stock muffler delete with a replacement of and end can will give that crisp sound. But if increase in performance is needed than a free flow exhaust system needs to be installed as in the free flow system, the air flow is straight without any interruption.
Car Modifications 