The Dodge Dart, a revered classic in American automotive history, has always caught the eye of car enthusiasts. With its slick design and robust engine, the Dodge Dart is a car with immense potential for speed and performance.
At its core, a car’s speed enhancement is by increasing horsepower and torque, reducing weight, and optimizing aerodynamics. The Dodge Dart, particularly the 2.0 Turbo model, is a fitting canvas for such enhancements.
This article delves into the depths of “how to make Dodge Dart faster” by employing various performance upgrades, particularly focusing on the Dodge Dart 2.0 Turbo. Before hitting the pedal, remember that safe driving and legal speed limits are paramount.
Understanding the Basics of Your Dodge Dart
To effectively enhance your Dodge Dart’s speed, it is crucial to understand what makes a car fast. The key factors include horsepower, torque, and weight. The Dodge Dart has various engine options; however, the 2.0 Turbo model will be our primary focus as it offers the most promising baseline for performance upgrades.
Dodge Dart Performance Upgrades
Performance upgrades are modifications to your car that enhance its performance capabilities. There are several types of performance upgrades:
Engine Upgrades
The Dodge Dart, especially the 2.0 Turbo, is ripe for performance upgrades. Through meticulous planning and proper engine implementation, you can awaken the true potential of this classic car. For instance,
Install a Performance Air Intake System
A performance air intake system allows for improved airflow into the engine, resulting in enhanced combustion and increased power. You can maximize the engine’s potential by replacing the stock air filter and intake tube with high-flow alternatives.
Upgrading the Exhaust System
Reducing backpressure in the exhaust system is vital for increasing horsepower. Installing a high-performance exhaust system, such as a cat-back or turbo-back system, can improve exhaust flow and provide a deeper, more aggressive tone. Be sure to consider compatibility with your Dart’s specific turbo configuration.
Tuning the EngineControl Unit (ECU)
Remapping the ECU can optimize fuel and ignition timing, resulting in improved performance. Professional tuning by experienced technicians or DIY options like performance tuners or piggyback ECU modules can fine-tune the engine’s parameters for maximum power gains.
Enhancing the Turbocharger
The turbocharger plays a crucial role in the Dodge Dart 2.0 Turbo’s performance. Upgrading this component can significantly increase power output. Turbochargers increase the engine’s efficiency and power by forcing more air to enter the combustion chamber.
Upgrading the turbocharger
Installing a larger turbocharger or a hybrid turbo can provide substantial gains in horsepower and torque. However, ensuring compatibility with the engine and other supporting modifications is important. Seek professional advice to select the right turbo for your desired power level and driving characteristics.
Installing a high-performance intercooler
A high-performance intercooler helps reduce the temperature of the intake charge, resulting in denser air entering the engine. It allows for improved combustion and increased power output. Consider intercooler size, efficiency, and fitment to ensure optimal performance.
Suspension Upgrades
The optimal choices for enhancing your vehicle’s suspension include the following:
- Lowering Springs: Installing lowering springs will reduce the car’s center of gravity, improving handling and cornering.
- Performance Shocks and Struts: These absorb more energy and offer better control over rough surfaces. This easily attachable enhancement connects the front tower braces to evenly distribute the significant torsional forces that impact the suspension during cornering.
- Once installed, strut tower braces alleviate structural strain during cornering maneuvers. Additionally, they ensure that suspension components remain stable and optimized for the demands of cornering. While the immediate effects may not be immediately perceptible while driving, the installation of strut tower braces undeniably enhances the rigidity of the chassis and improves the vehicle’s cornering capabilities.
- Anti-Roll Bars: Installing these will reduce body roll during fast cornering, contributing to better handling. An anti-roll bar is a connecting lever between two wheels positioned diagonally across each other. During cornering, the outer wheel and suspension experience greater pressure than the inner wheel, leading to a rolling effect. The anti-roll bar, connecting the front or rear wheels, operates under tension during cornering, directly influencing the wheels. This tension causes the anti-roll bar to lift the inner wheel, effectively minimizing roll and providing a more balanced cornering experience for the vehicle.
Transmission and Drivetrain Upgrades
When augmenting the performance of a vehicle like the Dodge Dart, upgrading the transmission and drivetrain is as significant as tweaking the engine. These components transfer the power generated by the engine to the wheels, and optimizing them can result in more efficient power delivery, faster acceleration, and better handling. Below, we outline some key transmission and drivetrain upgrades:
Short-Throw Shifters
For manual transmissions, a short-throw shifter reduces the distance the gear lever needs to move between gears. It results in quicker shifting and can improve your acceleration times. It also adds a sportier feel to your driving experience.
Performance Clutches
A performance clutch can handle more torque than a stock clutch. It is crucial if you have made engine upgrades that increase power output. A stronger clutch ensures efficient transfer of the extra power to the wheels without slipping.
Lightweight Flywheels
Replacing the stock flywheel with a lightweight version reduces the rotational mass of the engine. It allows the engine to rev up faster, leading to quicker acceleration. It’s particularly effective in manual transmission vehicles.
Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD)
A limited-slip differential ensures that power is distributed more evenly between the wheels. In contrast, to open differentials, LSD prevents excessive power from being allocated to one wheel. It enhances traction and can significantly improve handling, especially in high-power situations or challenging driving conditions.
Transmission Cooler
A transmission cooler can be a valuable upgrade in vehicles with automatic transmissions. It helps keep the transmission fluid cooler, extending its life, and allowing it to operate more efficiently, especially during aggressive driving or in hot weather.
Gear Ratio Changes
Changing the gear ratios in your transmission can be a more complex modification but can significantly affect performance. Shorter gear ratios will give you quicker acceleration but may reduce your top speed. Longer gear ratios can do the opposite.
Upgraded Driveshafts and Axles
Upgrading driveshafts and axles to stronger, lightweight materials can handle the increased power and torque while reducing rotational mass. It enhances acceleration and the overall durability of the drivetrain.
Upgraded Transmission Mounts
It might seem minor, but upgrading the transmission mounts can reduce the amount of movement and flex in the transmission. It leads to a more direct transfer of power and a more connected feeling when driving.
Important Read: How to Make Your Toyota Corolla Faster with Modifications
When upgrading the transmission and drivetrain, it is essential to consider the type of driving you plan to do and the additional upgrades you have made or intend to make. It’s also important to ensure that the upgrades are compatible and balanced with the overall performance goals of your Dodge Dart.
Braking System Upgrades
Upgrading the braking system is essential for safety. Upgraded brake pads, rotors, and calipers improve stopping power and fade resistance.
- Performance Brake Pads: These provide better-stopping power, essential for safety in a faster car.
- Slotted or Cross-Drilled Rotors: These rotors dissipate heat more effectively, preventing brake fade during intense use.
- Stainless Steel Brake Lines: These provide a more responsive pedal feel and are more durable than rubber lines.
Weight Reduction
It is achievable by replacing heavier components with lightweight alternatives, removing unnecessary interior elements, or opting for lightweight wheels and tires. More lightweight wheels reduce unsprung weight, improving handling. A lighter car is a faster car.
Putting it all Together: How to Make Dodge Dart Faster
With the right performance upgrades, the Dodge Dart transforms into a machine capable of exhilarating speed and impressive performance. Below are steps to follow to help make Dodge Dart faster:
Developing a Plan for Upgrades: Prioritize upgrades based on your budget and preferences. Consider what you aim to achieve and decide the order of implementation.
Installing the Performance Upgrades: Decide between professional installation or DIY. Ensure you follow safety measures and best practices.
Tuning the Dodge Dart: Once there’s a complete installation of the upgrades, it’s essential to adjust your Dodge Dart for optimal performance. There are several methods:
- Dyno Tuning: This involves using a dynamometer to simulate driving conditions while tuning the engine for peak performance.
- Street Tuning: Involves fine-tuning the car’s performance on the road. However, the execution of this method should be careful and responsible.
- Professional Tuning Services: It’s sometimes best to leave tuning to professionals who can optimize your car for performance safely and efficiently.
Legal and Safety Considerations
As thrilling as it is to rev up your Dodge Dart, it’s essential to be aware of the legal and safety implications to ensure your Dodge Dart remains street-legal.
- Legal Restrictions: Before making any modifications, check local laws to ensure your upgrades comply. Some improvements may need to be street-legal.
- Safety: Enhancing your car’s performance should always go hand in hand with improving its safety. Invest in high-quality brakes and ensure you’re adept at handling a high-performance vehicle.
- Insurance Considerations: Modifying your car can affect your insurance policy. Ensure you notify your insurance company and understand any policy changes or implications.
Conclusion
By utilizing Dodge Dart performance upgrades such as engine optimization, suspension enhancements, transmission modifications, and weight reduction techniques, you can immensely transform your Dodge Dart 2.0 Turbo into a speed marvel. However, as you journey through the exciting world of car modification, remember that with great power comes great responsibility. Ensure you stay within the confines of the law, prioritize safety, and handle your turbocharged beast with skill and caution.