Choosing The Best Performance Upgrade For Your Budget

At some point, every car enthusiast feels the itch to upgrade their ride. Whether it's squeezing out extra horsepower, improving handling, or enhancing braking, there are plenty of modifications to consider. But with so many options, where do you start? More importantly, how do you get the best bang for your buck? In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the world of performance upgrades, no matter your budget.

1. Performance Air Filters – Affordable Power Boost

A performance air filter is one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make. By allowing your engine to breathe more freely, it can improve airflow and efficiency, leading to a slight increase in power and throttle response. Unlike standard paper filters, performance filters are reusable and built from high-flow materials like oiled cotton or foam. Brands like K&N, Ramair and AEM offer high-quality options with long-lasting durability.

Estimated Cost: From £3.00

 

2. Lowering Springs – Better Handling and Looks

Lowering springs don’t just give your car a more aggressive stance; they also enhance handling by lowering the centre of gravity and reducing body roll. Many performance springs are progressively wound, meaning they stay comfortable for daily driving while firming up under hard cornering. Some honourable mentions are Eibach, H&R and KW. If you love spirited driving or track days, this is a great starting point.

Estimated Cost: From £70.00

 

3. Performance Tyres – Grip, Control, and Confidence

When it comes to performance, your tyres are the only thing connecting you to the road—so why settle for less? Upgrading to high-performance tyres means sharper handling, better grip, and improved safety in all conditions. Whether you need maximum traction for the track or a perfect balance for daily driving, there’s a set for you.  Michelin, Pirelli and Continental are some of top brands around! The right tyres don’t just enhance performance—they transform the way your car feels.

Estimated Cost: From £99.99

 

4. ECU Remap – Unlock Hidden Power

An ECU remap fine-tunes your engine’s software to increase power, torque, and efficiency. Turbocharged engines see the biggest gains, with some experiencing up to 30% more power. Many remaps also improve throttle response and fuel efficiency. If you prefer a more flexible approach, tuning solutions like BootMod3 (BM3)and MHD allow you to flash different performance maps from your device, offering options such as Stage 1, Stage 2, and beyond. These platforms provide cutting-edge ECU tuning solutions tailored to various performance needs.

Estimated Cost: From £66.00

 

5. Performance Intercoolers – Keep It Cool

A larger intercooler is an essential upgrade for turbocharged engines. By lowering intake temperatures, it ensures more consistent power delivery and reduces the risk of heat soak, especially during hard driving or hot weather. If you’ve already tuned your car, an upgraded intercooler will help maintain those gains. Brands like Wagner Tuning, CSF Radiators and Airtec provide top-tier intercoolers that enhance both power and reliability.

Estimated Cost: From £130.00

 

6. Upgraded Brake Pads – Stopping Power Matters

More power is great, but stopping power is just as important. Upgraded brake pads improve heat resistance, reduce brake fade, and offer stronger stopping power. Brands like EBC and Ferodo offer high-performance options that can transform your braking performance without needing a full big brake kit.

Estimated Cost: From £7.00

 

7. Performance Exhaust Systems – More Power and Sound

A performance exhaust system reduces backpressure, allowing your engine to breathe easier and rev more freely. Depending on your setup, you can gain a few extra horsepower while also giving your car a deeper, more aggressive exhaust note. Brands like Milltek, Masata and Scorpion offer systems with different sound profiles, so you can choose one that suits your style.

Estimated Cost: From £300.00

 

8. Coilovers – Ultimate Suspension Control

If you want full control over your car’s ride height and stiffness, coilovers are the way to go. Unlike lowering springs, coilovers allow you to fine-tune your setup for the perfect balance of comfort and performance. Some offer adjustable damping, making them ideal for both daily driving and weekend track sessions. Brands like KW, Bilstein and aFe provide some of the best coilover kits available.

Estimated Cost: From £400.00

 

9. Anti-Roll Bars – Tighter Cornering

Anti-roll bars (or sway bars) reduce body roll during hard cornering, improving stability and traction. If your car feels a little floaty in the bends, this is an excellent way to sharpen up the handling without making the ride too harsh. A must-have for anyone serious about performance driving. Consider brands like H&R, Eibach and SuperPro for optimal performance.

Estimated Cost: From £55.00

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your car doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing investment. Regardless of you’re working with a tight budget or ready to go all-in, there’s an upgrade that can improve your driving experience. Start with small changes, like a performance air filter or brake pads, and work your way up to bigger mods like ECU remaps and coilovers.

At the end of the day, the best upgrade is the one that makes your car more enjoyable to drive. Ready to take the next step? Browse our collection and find the perfect performance parts for your build! We offer parts for every make and model, with 1.2M+ products, 42,000+ car models, and 2,400+ brands to choose from. Plus, enjoy 10% off with code MLPROMO10.

 

Need recommendations? Reach out to us at info@mlperformance.co.uk or drop a comment—we're happy to help. And if you need fitting, our Xatrix workshops (Surrey & West Yorkshire) are available to get the job done!