Tune Your Nissan to Get Even More Performance

While your Nissan offers the modern touches, elegant styling, and dependable driving you cherish, there's no reason you can't give it a little tweak to boost performance. The trick? Knowing which parts are best for the job, so that you donÕt accidentally add something that hinders your enjoyment. Here are our top upgrade suggestions, starting with the obvious: NISMO.

Choose NISMO For Guaranteed Compatibility

Nissan Motorsport International Limited, or NISMO for short, is the marque's motorsports and performance division. Founded in 1984, the team is charged with producing high-performance models and components. Originally developed for racing circuits, the NISMO division has created pulse-pounding NISMO-badged variants of popular models like the Nissan GT-R. However, you can add NISMO parts to nearly any Nissan model.

The list of NISMO parts runs deep, too, and includes much more than the transmission and suspension components you'd expect. For example, there are accessories, bumpers, exhaust, wheels, and body parts. That means you can mod your vehicle to your heart's delight, or simply add a shift knob that helps you speed through your gear changes.

Other Upgrades You Can Make

Of course, you may not want to go with NISMO components but would instead rather make more custom updates of your own design. Consider these options:

• Tuning your Nissan to make the engine even more responsive
• Switching to a cold air intake system can help improve your existing engine's performance, since it feeds more oxygen into the combustion chamber
• Add a lowering kit can help your ride cut through any wind resistance, thanks to the lower profile; just make sure that you leave enough clearance for speed bumps, and consider adding a front air dam to prevent that uncomfortable "lift" feeling
• Finally, upgrading the fuel system can give you another performance boost

Make Sure Your Upgrades Are Done Right

Again, these are but a few ways to improve your vehicle's overall performance. While you may find others that appeal to you more, there are some things that remain true no matter what. First, you should insist on genuine Nissan parts and accessories -- and accept no substitutes. That's because Nissan is the only manufacturer to design their parts exclusively for your model; while generic parts may work in a pinch, they don't come with the same guaranteed compatibility.

Second, and of equal importance, you need to be sure that you're capable of completing the work yourself. If you think the challenge is too steep, or you just want added reassurance, schedule an appointment with your local Nissan service centre. They're happy to put together a plan of action for you, and they'll get your vehicle upgraded to meet its full potential in no time at all.