So here we are as per usual relaxing in the warm hues of the festive holiday season here at the world’s number one car tuning blog, CarzTuning.com, in which we extend our warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic Happy New Year to you all. What a great year it has been for our wonderful community, and we are grateful for being a small part of all this. We wish to use this chance to thank you for your support throughout this year and for having our backs to listen to almost all our rants about cars, tuning, and whatever else has come to our minds.

I don’t think there is any person out there, whoever you may be, who did not feel greatly impacted by 2024. When looking back over the course of the past years, we realize that collectively we have created a very special and positive environment that we all share: the love for modified cars and the passion that goes into them. Thank you for all the wonderful discussions, remarks, and anecdotes that we have been given by you all throughout the year. We could not be happier than to be providing you with what you want – the information, opinions, and reviews on car tuning aspects you need. The fact is, all of it has been possible because of the wonderful members that we have on board making us grow from strength to strength. Thank you so much!

During this holiday season, it might be nice to just sit down with our friends and family and discuss things such as automobiles. Whether you’ve been enjoying some of the greatest car builds witnessed this year, imagining the cars of your fantasies, or even considering your next tuning projects, let’s bask in the dazzle of car tuning.

We begin the countdown to 2025 since the automotive world has a lot to offer in the next year of the ramp-up. With the use of new tuning products and the coming up with new techniques such as the development of electric vehicles, not forgetting the never-ending race to create the nightmares of any car maker, 2025 will definitely be the year of advancement. And we are here for it!

We are already in the process of preparing for the new year to pull you information on tuning news and techniques for 2025. Do not worry, we will inform you about the trends and give detailed descriptions of the most discussed car tuning points. We want to adhere to our mission of presenting you with the necessary resources, latest updates, and debates that you need.

Last but not least, we would like to thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for everything and for being such an influential component of our community and our lives. Your support and energy keep us motivated and inspire improvements to CarzTuning.com for all of our visitors. During this beautiful holiday season, may everyone’s Christmas be as happy as can be, and may everyone’s New Year be as successful as possible. I wish everyone the year 2025 to be as cool and progressive as ours was and full of new adventures.

Wishing you all the best,

The CarzTuning.com Team

Now I will explain what to look for when shopping for an exhaust exhaust header. I’ll pull out all the little details that add strength, reliability, horsepower, and even style so you can know you’re getting the best product that will last—not rust, warp, or leak.

Don’t miss the last two on this list! I’m going to explain the performance differences between a Tri-Y exhaust header and a four-into-one exhaust header so you can decide which one is best for your project. And finally, I’ll answer that age-old question of whether or not you should ceramic coat your exhaust headers.

Let’s start with number one.

1) Flange Thickness

You want to go with at least a 3/8 of an inch thick flange. 3/8 of an inch is the bare minimum—go a little bit thicker if you can. Yes, only a few millimeters will help. This will prevent your exhaust header from warping.

If your exhaust header warps, it’s going to leak and sound terrible. Severely warped exhaust headers can even break studs and bolts. And getting a broken stud or bolt out of a cylinder head is no fun at all.

Also, make sure that the exhaust header you buy has had the mating surface sanded flat so that it will properly seal up against the cylinder head.

Exhaust Short Header for 2009-2018 Hemi 5.7L Dodge Ram 1500 Manifold (Silver Polished)

2) Welded Ports

Many exhaust header ports are only welded on the inside of the tube and flange. They should also be welded on the outside too—this is another sign of a good exhaust header. Doing so helps increase the exhaust header rigidity and better supports the weight of the exhaust header in the exhaust system.

Flanges will sometimes even be welded with a really cool silicone braise that gives it a super cool look, as you can see there on the left. Some companies will cheap out and just do a stitch weld. That’s better but not ideal. It makes you wonder how many customers had broken exhaust headers before they started to do that.

3) Hand TIG Welds

TIG welding is a high-quality weld that looks a lot nicer than MIG. These days, most of the welds you’ll find on exhaust headers are pretty good. But still, if you see really nice welds, it’s just a sign of a super high-quality brand that cares about even these little small details.

Of course, pretty welds do not make more horsepower. It just gives you a small clue that this may be a quality exhaust header. And it looks really nice.

4) Equal Length

Equal-length exhaust headers—this is one you’ve probably heard of, but you may not know why it’s good. The exhaust valves of the engine are firing at different times as the engine spins around. This creates waves of exhaust passing through the tubing of the exhaust header.

Look at the exhaust header above. As the waves each flow through the exhaust header tube of the same length, the pulses are spaced out evenly when they reach the collector.

Here you can see an unequal-length exhaust header. The top tubes are shorter than the bottom ones. This creates a possible situation where one or more of the exhaust pulse waves is hitting the collector at the same time. This creates a bottleneck and turbulence inside the collector, which slows everything down and causes a loss of horsepower.

Equal-length exhaust headers also have more of a scavenging effect. As the pulses in one tube flow out, they create a vacuum on the other tubes in the collector, actually pulling the exhaust gases out of the other tubes. This scavenging effect makes the whole thing more efficient.

Now, at high RPM, this horsepower loss can be substantial. Hooker exhaust headers actually claims up to 50 horsepower can be lost in race engines at high RPM, although I’m guessing for most applications it’s much, much less than that, especially on the street.

5) Cone Shaped Collector

Deep inside the collector of the exhaust header, you should find a cone-shaped connector welded to the pipes. The only way you can see it is to look into the collector, and it should look like the image on the left. This cone shape helps the air exit and also pulls air from the surrounding pipes.

During manufacturing, it looks like this. Call it a cone, spear, or pyramid—whatever you prefer. The purpose of this pyramid is to control the exhaust gases so they do not re-enter the primary tube and travel backward toward the engine. This is a small feature that reflects quality and attention to detail. While it’s not a huge power gainer, every little bit helps in making more power and increasing efficiency.

6) Stainless Steel

You want stainless steel exhaust headers, but did you know there are over 150 grades of stainless steel? Luckily, exhaust headers are almost always 304 or 409. A quick note: if you can afford it, avoid mild steel exhaust headers—they will rust quickly. Mild steel exhaust headers often come with a cheap water-based coating to protect them during storage and shipping. That coating must be stripped or sanded off and repainted before installation.

The preferred option for stainless steel exhaust headers is 304 stainless, and here’s why: chromium and nickel content. In 409 stainless, the chromium content is half that of 304, and 304 has 10 times the nickel content of 409. A magnet will stick to 409 stainless exhaust headers, and the areas where it sticks will rust. However, a magnet will not stick to 304 stainless exhaust headers.

409 will develop surface rust but won’t deteriorate or flake off like mild steel. It has more iron, so it rusts more. On the other hand, 304 corrodes slightly, turning into a cool goldish color over time.

Exhaust Header for 2008-2017 Subaru Impreza WRX/STI EJ25 (Racing styles)

7) Tri-Y vs. 4-into-1

This is the age-old debate. The commonly accepted theory is that a 4-into-1 exhaust header offers more top-end power, while a Tri-Y exhaust header is designed to bolster mid-range torque.

The idea behind a Tri-Y exhaust header is that having just two tubes allows the exhaust from one tube to rush past the other, scavenging air out of that second tube. If you plan to tow or cruise around town, consider a Tri-Y exhaust header. For maximum high-RPM power, go with a 4-into-1. While many factors affect a exhaust header’s performance, this gives you an idea of what to expect when choosing between these styles.

8) Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating or not? That’s the question. In my opinion, ceramic coating doesn’t look as nice as raw 304 stainless steel, but it certainly looks better than painted exhaust headers, especially after miles of use. It’s also more durable than paint.

If engine compartment heat is a big issue, ceramic coating could be a great option, especially for turbocharged cars that generate a lot of heat. Ceramic coating retains heat within the exhaust headers, which increases exhaust gas velocity, improves scavenging, and potentially boosts power. It also lowers engine compartment temperatures, reducing intake temperatures.

I recommend getting 304 stainless steel exhaust headers and leaving them as is. They look great, even as they corrode.

If you want to learn more, check out DynovoxParts.com and good luck with your project!

All over the world, you can find car tuners that focus on different aspects or styles, even specific functions. Each of the companies brings a certain flair to the cars that come through their workshops. In this article, we are going to look at some of the most extreme car tuners from around the world and why investing in a vehicle service contract could save you thousands.

J’s Racing

J’s racing was established in 1989 in Osaka, Japan.  Since the company began doing tune-ups it has focused on Honda cars, at first only in Japan. As the company grew and regulations had changed, J’s Racing could offer its services outside of Japan. Since 2011 J’s Racing has opened locations in both the USA and Canada. 

So if you are looking for a shop with a great reputation that will make your Honda all that you want it to be, then you should call up J’s Racing. Not only will you be able to make the most epic mods, you will also be able to use their race support services for those wondrous track days.

Arctic Trucks

If you are a fan of Top Gear, there is a good chance that you have heard of them before. Arctic Trucks are the beasts of the arctic circle and have also taken to conquering the vast deserts of the world. Arctic Trucks is all about exploration into all landscapes, even the most unforgiving terrain. 

Arctic Trucks was founded in the 1980s in Iceland and has since opened locations around the world. They began by modifying trucks to fit larger tires for better traction while driving in Iceland. Over time, the demand for vehicles that could withstand these harsh conditions grew. Until the need for arctic exploration vehicles became a need. Today you can not only have one of these all-terrain trucks, but you can also go on an adventure holiday, exploring Iceland in style.

Mansory

Mansory was founded by car enthusiast Kourosh Mansory in 1989. The company was born out of a love for luxury British cars. The aim was always to incorporate well-engineered technology and exquisite craftsmanship. From day one Mansory focused on luxury brands such as Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Ferrari. 

Nowadays, you can even have your Tesla transformed into magic by Mansory. No vehicle seems to be out of their range. For a particularly fun time, definitely check out the Xerocole from Mansory. This is a fun and nippy desert buggy that shows us that Mansory is not only about the luxury road cars but also a little off-road adventuring. 

Cosworth

When it comes to engine tuning and a reputation for racing, it is hard to beat Cosworth. Cosworth was established back in 1958, in Britain, and quickly became known for high-performance engines. They also cemented their standing in the race world as clear legends, particularly after their entry into Formula 1 in 1967.

After years of development and wins on tracks all over the world, Cosworth decided to team up with Aston Martin and Red Bull to launch the Aston Martin Valkyrie 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 hypercar in 2019. It is difficult not to appreciate all they have done for the motoring enthusiasts the globe over. Obviously, there is also the T.50 from GMA, a 3.9-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine supercar. 

Rinspeed

Rinspeed is a unique company. They stand out in the automotive crowd as the odd balls and as visionaries. The company was founded in 1977 by Frank M. Rinderknecht. They began by doing handicap conversions on vehicles. By 1979 they were at the Geneva Motor Show unveiling the VW Golf Turbo and haven’t looked back since. With each partnership and each Geneva Motor Show they continued to amaze car enthusiasts again and again. Until one day they revealed the sQuba, the first car for land and water. Meant to go anywhere and everywhere. 

Now as we live more sustainably as a community, Rinspeed has begun moving into the space of self-driving vehicles, or pods, that will be able to manage deliveries, food transportation, and transport for people. Check out the Rinspeed MetroSnap to find out more about these interesting innovations.

Vehicle Service Contracts

A vehicle service contract is commonly known as an extended car warranty, as it is designed to cover the same parts as the factory warranty. But in fact it is a contract and not a warranty. Third-party warranty providers typically offer the best deals. These included added perks that include roadside assistance, towing services, trip interruption, and fuel delivery services. 

You have the choice of taking on an extended car warranty option at the time of your purchase from the dealership. Overall, though, the best would be to do some research online to find the best warranty option for you. Online warranties are also available, they offer non-intrusive communication and transparency in pricing and coverage. Whatever you choose, pick the one best suited to you and your needs.

Fortunately, that hasn’t stopped aftermarket tuners from making their adjustments. A Russian-based company has taken it upon themselves to revitalize the Lada Niva with a diesel engine, sourced from BMW. Yes, the Niva gets a BMW N47 diesel powertrain, which is a welcome alternative for off-road enthusiasts. Diesel-powered engines provide a lot of torque –the perfect accessory for an off-road adventure.

However, the 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine is under kill considering there are much more powerful alternatives available for the swap. Anyway, the modification is commendable as the Russian company has done a lot of work to fit the inline-4 powertrain into the engine bay. The shocks have been changed, the engine foundation fortified and other tweaks have been made to accommodate the new guest.

The N47 is mated to an automatic transmission taken from the BMW 3 Series, which takes power to the rear wheels. The set-up produces 250 hp, allowing the Niva to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds. The massive 20-inch wheels help out a lot with this matter.

The Lada Niva also gets a few upgrades in the interior such as the dual climate control and a modern infotainment system, both taken from BMW vehicles.

There is no price tag on the SUV as of now but you can expect the modification to cost a lot considering the changes.

Fortunately, Audi went against the standard and introduced the E-Tron GT with only slight changes to the design. Usually the production version differs from the one shown at auto shows.

The E-Tron sedan comes in two versions. There is a 4-wheel drive Quattro GT variant and then the much sportier RS E-Tron GT tuned by non other than Audi Sport.

Exterior

At first glance, this sedan looks like a dream come true for most car enthusiasts. It is very low to the ground, with a dominant hood and sloping roof joining in with the rear. The aggressive lines are a nice touch but so are the sleek headlights. In the rear, the taillights fill the canvas with the rear diffuser finishing the look. There is no exhaust pipe since the GT is an all-electric four door coupe. The E-Tron GT does not look like an Audi at all but whatever they are doing we love every inch of it. The car is a direct rival to the Tesla Model S, so expect more than a few upgrades.

Powertrain

Audi has been working on improving its EV range and bringing it on par with the competition. As such, the E-Tron GT gets a 92 kWh battery of which only 85 kWh is usable and the rest is saved for use in emergency situations. The EPA estimated battery range is 238 miles on a single charge for the GT version. The RS on the other hand is good for only 232 miles.

Charging ports are available on both sides of the front fender and fast charging is also available which fills up the battery from 5 to 80 percent in 23 minutes.

The dual motor setup allows 469 hp taking the car from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds. The sportier RS variant does the same in 3.3 seconds.

Availability

The 2022 Audi E-Tron GT shall be available in the Spring of 2021 with prices starting from $99,900.

As it turned out the Australian Grand Prix was canceled and so was the next few Grand Prix in the 2020 schedule. The drivers made the most of it by turning towards E-sports and streaming their races with each other. It wasn’t too late before F1 organizers also jumped in and organized a few races for the pleasure of the fans. However, all this was nothing compared to the excitement of a real F1 race.

Fortunately, the Covid-19 slowed down in parts of Europe and that allowed the organizers to plan the first race of the season. The Austrian Grand Prix took the place as the season initiator on July 5^th, 2020. Soon after, 10 more venues were decided and the F1 schedule came alive once again.

Previously, grim circumstances across the world made it look like we would have to skip the entire 2020 season but things fell into place just at the right moment. Now we have 13 confirmed races. The first 6 races have already been completed in the sport’s return with Hamilton winning 4 of them. The FIA confirmed that more venues will be added as time passes and a few tracks will make a comeback into the calendar like the Imola circuit.

The FIA is committed to managing all 22 races this year with some tracks getting more than one race weekend. Given the pandemic situation, there are no fans allowed on the track but we are sure most of you will be glued to your screens each race weekend.

The front and rear of the car were heavily camouflaged hiding the bumpers, and especially the lights. However, despite the entire disguise, you can make out the general shape of the vehicle. Unsurprisingly the design is similar to other AMG Mercedes cars we have seen recently.

The LED daytime running headlights, which are the most easily identified feature in the spy shots, resemble the angular lights we usually see in the Mercedes CLS and CLA models. The bumpers, however, do not show any signs of change, which is odd since an AMG face-lift usually comes with big changes. The grille, however, has had the biggest change. Earlier photos of the E63 had no grille instead but these latest photos confirm that it will be broader and thick than before. The rear of the car can be seen to have square-shaped exhaust tips, which are not much different from what we see in the E53 variant.

In terms of powertrain capabilities, there is not going to be a radical upgrade. The E-63 might just hover around the 600 horsepower mark. For those who want more out of their Mercedes, the company offers performance packages and even performance-built cars that you can buy. For example, a $53,000 increase would get you the insanely fast GT 63 S. It is up to you to decide if that trade is worthwhile or not.

The 2021 Mercedes AMG E-63 face-lift was set to be revealed by early 2020 but now confirmed reports suggest that a late April or early May release is highly likely.

Photo Source: CarScoops.com & AutoEvolution.com

Here are some DIY tuning tips you can follow that ultimately help you to ensure maximum fuel economy.

1. Replace air filter

The air filter is an important component in your car and you have to replace the same for every 12 months or 12000 miles. You can visit a mechanic in your location or you can replace the air filter at your home within 10-15 minutes. If you don’t how to replace the filter then, you can get ideas from various sources for completing the job with ease.

2. Check tire pressure

It is an important one to check the pressure of tires in your car vehicle for ensuring maximum traction on the roads. Adjusting your tire pressure will help you to avoid expensive suspension modifications thereby showing ways to save more money. On the other hand, going too low or too high will result in high fuel consumption. Therefore, it is advisable to adjust it properly for gaining more advantages.

3. Maintain the battery in good condition

Keeping the battery in good condition will allow you to drive your vehicle efficiently on the roads. Remove the battery terminals and clean the posts with a high-quality product. When the terminals are tight, use a screwdriver to loosen them as soon as possible. A dead battery can lead to various problems and have a look at the old battery for minimizing unwanted problems.

4. Flush the radiator

A radiator and cooling system in your car should function well for making a smooth trip. It is advisable for you to clean both of them regularly that can increase the efficiency levels. The building up of deposits on the radiator will affect the functions of a cooling system and you should flush radiator for experiencing the desired outcomes. A radiator flush is an inexpensive way to maintain the cooling system in a better state.

5. Replace the brake pads

It is necessary to replace the brake pads in your car vehicle for every 20,000 miles. However, you should check your owner’s manual for knowing more about the specifications of your model in detail. Although brake pads are easy to replace, you should perform them with safety.

6. Change oil and oil filter

Change oil when your car vehicle crosses more than 3000 miles. Furthermore, you should check the conditions of the oil filter with special attention for ensuring a fine drive on the roads. Don’t change your oil when the engine is hot.

7. Check spark plugs

Replace spark plugs for every 30,000 miles that can help get more mileage. Changing a spark plug is a simple process and perform the task with patience.

Diameter

You probably don’t think much of wheel diameter when shopping for wheel and tyre packages online, but it makes a big difference. Diameter is the first number listed when buying tyres, but most drivers don’t know what it means, let alone how it affects a vehicle’s performance. The larger the diameter, the more stable the wheel is during high-speed driving, and the better it accommodates large brake rotors.

Conversely, the larger a wheel’s diameter, the more sacrifices you’ll make as far as performance is concerned. Larger tyres are more likely to bend, they change the vehicle’s centre of gravity, they don’t handle as well, and they make for a bumpier ride.

Tread Depth

A tyre’s tread depth plays a substantial role in braking and traction. Thicker treads are better at cutting through gravel, sand, mud, water, and debris. With a thick, wide-grooved tread, it’s easier to drive in risky conditions. Your car will keep traction, and you’re less likely to lose control. You’ll also be at a lower risk of being stuck or sliding down a hill.

Because thicker tyre tread provides better traction, it also improves stopping time. The car grips the road better, and it brakes more quickly, helping you respond to emergencies and avoid obstacles. However, it may create additional road noise. If you live in a dry, hot climate (like most of Australia), you might not need such thick tread.

Rigidity

The rubber from which tyres are made may be soft or hard. Softer tyres are ready to grip the road, providing more traction and improving braking. However, they will also wear down more quickly and be more susceptible to road dangers such as gravel and potholes. Harder tyres don’t offer as much grip, but they stand up to tough conditions such as high speed and rough terrain. Rather than making the choice between a hard and a soft rubber compound, it’s better to select tyres offering a feature set that meets your needs.

Width

Whilst conventional wisdom dictates that wider tyres provide better performance and increased traction, that’s not always true. Tyre width should be considered relative to your vehicle’s suspension. If your car’s suspension isn’t modified, wide tyres may make it less safe by decreasing handling.
It’s crucial to pay attention to your car’s scrub ratio when buying a wheel and tyre package. This often becomes complex, but the team here at AutoCraze can walk and talk you through the tyre and wheel selection process.

Pressure

Tyre pressure affects much more than fuel economy. Insufficient air pressure may adversely affect your vehicle’s performance. When tyres aren’t sufficiently inflated, the tread may collapse slightly, and your vehicle won’t be as able to handle bad driving conditions. If there’s rain, mud, or gravel, you’ll have to drive more slowly to keep control than you would if you’d simply maintained the correct tyre pressure.

Underinflated tyres are at high risk of premature failure. Tyres end up flexing more, which heats the rubber and makes them break down faster. Overinflation is equally problematic. If tyres are too full, they won’t flex enough, and there’ll be no ‘give’ when you hit a bump or a pothole.

Choosing the Right Tyres: It’s About More Than Looks

The tyres you select for your vehicle have a substantial impact beyond how much they cost or how they look. Your tyres’ characteristics all work together to increase your vehicle’s performance, or, in the worst case, they make for a harsh, unpleasant ride. With the right tyres, you’ll make your car safer for yourself, your passengers, and other motorists as well.
When you shop for AutoCraze wheels and tyres, you’ll get access to skilled, trained wheel and tyre experts. We’ll help you find the right package at a price that meets your driving needs and your budget. Visit us today to protect your vehicle and enjoy long-term savings.

It was not built in Adu Dhabi or other rich places in the Middle East. The model in question comes from China and was built by IAT company. The result is a monster on wheels, a kind-of spaceship with an extremely evolutionary design. However, the SUV`s main highlight is not the design language or power under the hood, it is the extremely luxurious and highly technologized interior that sets it apart for that money.

The Karlmann King will be a rare thing – only nine units will be built – coming with a muscular design, with a sort of armored bodywork, measuring 2.5 meters wide and weighing six tones. It is also uses a Ford F-500 chassis to make it that bigger and wider.

Speaking of weight versus speed, don’t expect the Karlmann King to act like an extremely fast SUV; because of its massive weight, the SUV`s top speed is limited to just 140 km/h, that despite the fact that it produces around 400 horsepower, squeezed out from a 6.8-liter V10 engine from Ford.

As for interior highlights, the best way to describe it is the impressive photos released below. However, we should mention some of the most important features like ambient lighting, premium leather upholstery, retractable widescreen TV, refrigerator, electrically-operated pop-out tablets.

Besides the media gallery, the Chinese-based IAT company has also released some exceptional videos that reveal the insides of building such an expensive SUV. What do you think, is the price justified? Would you pay the whole $2 million for it? Please comment below!