10 Ideas to Boost Your Classic Car More Efficient to Drive
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- Classic Car Upgrades for Improved and Efficient Driving Experience
- Electronic Ignition Conversion
- Optimize Fuel Systems
- Install Modern Overdrive Transmission
- Regular Maintenance and Tuning
- Suspension Upgrades
- Aerodynamic Modifications
- Better Braking System
- Weight Reduction
- Electric Fan Installation
- Driving Style Adjustments
From preserving heritage models to nostalgia, the appeal of classic cars is undeniable. The charm factor aside, classic cars can be trouble. If you are a classic car enthusiast, you have most likely encountered challenges because of engine and braking problems, lower fuel efficiency, and lack of safety features.
Classic car driving is only enjoyable when you can overcome sudden but avoidable breakdowns, overheating, etc.
Classic Car Upgrades for Improved and Efficient Driving Experience
Before you indulge in a vintage car driving spree, we recommend the following classic car safety upgrades. From classic car efficiency upgrades to overdrive transmission installation and fuel-efficient driving habits, these best practices can significantly improve your overall experience.
While Land Rover, Bentley, Jaguar, and Rolls Royce are some of the greatest cars to restore, these tips work on even the most difficult models.
Electronic Ignition Conversion
Vintage cars include models made between 1915 to 1948. But, cars that were in use during the Second World War to the 1970s also come under this category. That’s why most vintage cars run on points ignition systems, popular from the 1910s to 1970s.
It’s difficult to start cars with points ignition, when they age & wear.
An electronic ignition conversion is a popular upgrade. It can prevent your car from breaking down or not starting at all due to ignition related malfunctions.
Optimize Fuel Systems
Wondering how to improve the fuel economy of your classic car?
Most are not fuel efficient because their carburetors are service or replacement. You may struggle with inconsistent fuel delivery and find it hard to start your car as a result.
To improve performance efficiency, consider fuel injection for classic cars. Fuel injection systems offer precise delivery, improving the efficiency of your vintage vehicle. For the classic car purists, replacing or servicing your carburetorwill be the option to go with to maintain originality.
Install Modern Overdrive Transmission
If you are wondering how to make a car more fuel-efficient, overdrive transmission installation is your answer. Classic cars have gearboxes where the input-to-output ratio is 1:1. So, the car is always at high rev, even at a constant speed.
Higher rev is not only noisy, it also consumes more fuel, causes wear and tear, and leads to more emissions.
Overdrive transmission lowers RPM at a constant speed, combating all the above-mentioned challenges. It’s a classic car performance upgrade that is imperative for hassle-free driving.
Regular Maintenance and Tuning
Classic cars are classic for a reason — they are vintage. As charming as that might be, they require regular checkups and tuning to rule out age-related wear and tear. Scheduling regular maintenance with experienced automobile experts is also one of the things to make cars faster, safer, and more reliable.
Focus on:
- Component Inspections: Ensure to check if all the parts are in working condition. Repair or replace the ones that have degraded.
- Tuning: Inspect all the carburetors, gearbox, spark plugs, etc.
- Paint and Chassis Maintenance: Classic cars are known for their aesthetic appeal but peeling paint, scratches, etc. can mar that. Wash your car, get a paint job done, and have the chassis inspected for problems.
- Battery and Fluid Check-Up: Look after battery health, coolants, engine oil, brake oil, and other similar fluids. Refill and replace as needed.
As you can tell, maintenance and tuning are imperative to the wellbeing of your classic car. So, whether you are getting a Range Rover serviced or a vintage Jaguar Classic upgrade, don’t skimp on maintenance.
Suspension Upgrades
Suspension is not only important for supporting the weight of the car, but it also helps with maximizing friction between the wheels and the road. In addition, suspension allows for stable, risk-free driving.
Depending on the model of your car, you may need to upgrade its shocks, bushings, and springs. Sway bars and tubular control arms are useful in improving the suspension of classic cars.
In extreme cases, you may also need to consider retrofitting some parts with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or NOS (New Old Stock) to ensure you enjoy a smooth drive.
Aerodynamic Modifications
Inspecting classic car aerodynamics is essential for reducing drag and noise emissions. Aerodynamic modifications also keep sudden unsuspected lift forces at bay and offer better cruise control. Good aerodynamics results in a stable and fuel efficient car.
While you do not have control over the shape and build of your car, you can improve the following:
- Diffusers under the rear end of the car to decrease drag
- Front spoilers and side skirts to control airflow
- Mirror and mounts to improve overall stability
Consult auto repair experts specializing in classic cars to understand what changes can enhance your vehicle.
Better Braking System
If you drive an old car regularly, disc brake conversion is important. Many classic cars have drum brakes that lead to brake fade, overheating, and poor performance on wet or slick roads. Disc brakes offer superior performance even under exacting conditions, ensuring a safer drive and smoother performance for your car.
Therefore, disc brake conversion is a viable upgrade.
Weight Reduction
Weight reduction in cars is important to improve their efficiency and performance. When you go for any classic auto repair, consider weight reduction. It’s also one of the key things to make your car faster than ever. Every 20 pounds of weight reduction can improve horsepower by 10x.
You can also reduce the wear and tear of your braking system, improve acceleration, enhance fuel efficiency, and safeguard the internal components of your car.
Electric Fan Installation
Replacing old fans with electric fans can significantly reduce the load on your engine. That’s because electric fans don’t draw power from the engine to function! Such fans can cool your car efficiently even when you are driving at low speed.
Besides better cooling for engine parts, electric fans also help in controlling noise generated by your classic car. Swap clutch fans with electric fans to improve the performance of your car.
Driving Style Adjustments
Last but not least, reconsider how you drive your vehicle to prolong its lifespan. Take it for a quick one-hour spin at least once every month. If you are unable to manage that, do remember to start your car once in a while and bring it up to operating temperature before turning it off.
Conclusion
Looking for the best ways to modernize your classic car or maintain it originality? Westminster Motors is your one-stop shop for all things classic. We provide best-in-class automobile servicing for classic cars. Contact us to know more.
Author: Avo Demirjian
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