Beefing up a car today usually involves hacking its computerized ECU (engine control unit). This expert guide walks the first-time modifier through programming the ECU for maximum performance, choosing and installing aftermarket electronic devices, and making physical modifications. It covers legal implications, warranties, costs, and more.

Turn the car you have into the car you want

Here's how to get faster acceleration, shorter stopping, better handling, and more

Ever wish you'd been invited to the design and engineering meetings when your car was being created? Well, here's how to add what they forgot and change what bugs you! This handy guide steers you safely past warranty pitfalls, shows you what modifications are legal, provides performance tips, and helps you make your car look cool.

Discover How To:

• Set up your car for better cornering
• Improve appearance with detailing
• Choose add-ons that work with your car
• Match your braking power to your horsepower
• Boost mileage by hacking the computer

This is a must-have for anyone interested in achieving better performance through car modification!

So you want to turn your Yugo into a Viper? Sorry--you need a certified magician. But if you want to turn your sedate sedan into a mean machine or your used car lot deal into a powerful, purring set of wheels, you’ve come to the right place. Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies will get you turbo-charged up about modifying your car and guide you smoothly through:

• Choosing a car to mod
• Considering warranties, legal, and safety issues
• Hacking the ECU (Engine Control Unit) to adjust performance-enhancing factors like fuel injection, firing the spark plugs, controlling the cooling fan, and more
• Replacing your ECU with a plug and play system such as the APEXi Power FC or the AEM EMS system
• Putting on the brakes (the faster you go, the faster you’ll need to stop)
• Setting up your car for better handling and cornering

Written by David Vespremi, automotive expert, frequent guest on national car-related TV shows, track driving instructor and self-proclaimed modder, Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies gets you into the ECU and under the hood and gives you the keys to:

• Choosing new wheels, including everything from the basics to dubs and spinners
• Putting your car on a diet, because lighter means faster
• Basic power bolt-ons and more expensive power adders
• Installing roll bars and cages to enhance safety
• Adding aero add-ons, including front “chin” spoilers, real spoilers, side skirts, and canards
• Detailing, down to the best cleaners and waxes and cleaning under the hood
• Using OBD (on-board diagnostics) for troubleshooting
• Getting advice from general Internet sites and specific message boards and forums for your car’s make or model, whether it’s a Chevy pick-up or an Alfa Romeo roadster

Whether you want to compete at drag strips or on road courses or simply accelerate faster on an interstate ramp, if you want to improve your car’s performance, Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies is just the boost you need.